The development of rules by the Federal Aviation Authority to facilitate commercial use of drones in the US has been cited as a critical turning point for the sector by independent investment researchers Aton Re Partners. Writing about manufacturer AeroVironment, they conclude: 'We remain confident in the stock's EPS [earnings per share] upside potential in view of emerging commercial applications for drones. And we reiterate that AeroVironment could attract M&A attention soon, specifically from tech giants seeking to offer new services to their customers and to catch up with Google, which is moving fast on drone-based services.'

Commercial potential 

The interplay between regulation and the commercial potential of the robotics market, including drones, is the central theme of new title Robotics Law Journal, which is launched in a few days. Anyone wishing to receive a free sample issue should send an email to the editor at neasamacerlean@globalcitymedia.com 

Sources: Robotics Law Journal and Seeking Alpha