A Vision Positioning System (VPS) determines the location of a camera-enabled device through ultrasonic and image data in environments where GPS (global positioning system) signals are unavailable. The main components of a vision positioning system include two ultrasonic sensors and four monocular sensors. A VPS uses 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional positioning sensors, which are usually used in both indoor and outdoor environments. A VPS uses basic principles of map-based and landmark-based positioning but relies on optical sensors rather than ultrasound, dead-reckoning, and inertial sensors. For example, a vision positioning system is activated automatically when the drone is turned on. The drone status indicator will indicate that the system is ready. Using sensors that are built into the vision positioning system, the drone can fly in the right direction even without a GPS signal.

The Vision Positioning System vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance and reviews in each criterion: “visionary leaders,” “innovators,” “dynamic differentiators,” and “emerging companies".

The companies that fall under this category generally receive high scores for most of the evaluation criteria. They have a well-established product portfolio and a very strong market presence. They offer mature and reputable products and services and have strong business strategies.

Dynamic differentiators are the established vendors of radar simulators with strong business strategies. However, they have weaker product portfolios as compared to their competitors. They generally focus on a specific type of technology related to a particular product.

Innovators are the vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. They have an extensive product portfolio. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business.

Vendors with niche product offerings, who have started to gain their foothold in the radar simulator market, fall under this category. They do not have strong business strategies as compared to other established vendors. They might be new entrants in the market and require some time before gaining significant traction in the market. The potential benefits of using vision positioning systems include real-time data collection, object location, and tracking. The commercial applications of vision positioning systems include security, robotic industrial automation, and media & entertainment. The automotive industry is anticipated to positively impact the demand for vision positioning systems in the coming years. Industrial automation uses automotive robots to perform various tasks, such as welding, assembling, painting, dispensing, and cutting, among others. These robots require vision positioning systems to carry out the tasks assigned accurately. The Asia-Pacific vision positioning system market is expected to witness a significant growth over the forecast period owing to rapid industrialization accompanied by the increasing manufacturing activities in the region. Vision positioning systems are used in the defense sector for soldier positioning, aerial photography, remote sensing, 3D mapping, and marine navigation. Vision positioning systems are capable of providing force tracking (military commander’s location information), remote piloting of unmanned aerial vehicles, and search & rescue. There is an increasing demand for UAVs, automated guided vehicles, and military robots in the defense sector, which will, in turn, propel the growth of the vision positioning system market. These drones, automated vehicles, and robots use vision positioning systems for navigation and location determination.