Symposium  /  February 24, 2027  -  February 25, 2027

Symposium on Innovations in Drones and Autonomous Systems for Wind Park Operations

As the wind energy sector experiences rapid growth, ensuring a reliable and resilient energy system relies heavily on the operational integrity of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. The increasing size and complexity of these turbines present significant challenges for inspection and maintenance, compounded by a growing shortage of skilled experts in the field. Autonomous systems, such as drones and underwater robots, offer promising solutions to enhance the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of turbine inspections, thereby contributing to the reliability of the energy system.

This symposium will convene scientists, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in technologies for wind turbine inspection and maintenance across various environments. The program will focus on innovative inspection methods, challenges in maintenance within offshore and onshore environments, successful repair strategies, and the integration of robotics and automation. Additional topics will include the training and qualification of service personnel, as well as sustainability and environmental protection during inspection and repair activities.

By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, the event aims to enhance understanding of these innovative solutions and their relevance to the future of wind energy operations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the exploration of how autonomous systems can improve the performance and sustainability of wind parks, regardless of their location.

 

Key Topics:

  • Advanced drone and robotics solutions for inspection, maintenance and logistics in wind parks
  • From pilot projects to industrial-scale deployment of autonomous systems
  • Real-world case studies: automation in offshore and onshore wind operations
  • Standardization, validation and regulatory frameworks for drone-based services
  • Data governance, AI-driven analytics and digital workflows for wind park operation

 

Participants:

  • Sector experts from the international wind energy industry
  • Representatives from operating companies
  • Scientists and research groups
  • Manufacturers of inspection and repair equipment
  • Policy makers and environmental organizations

 

Schedule Information

Date Event Times
February 24, 2027 09:00 – 17:00 (optional Evening Event from 19:00)
February 25, 2027 09:00 – 16:00



Detailed Program

Day 1 – Technology, Automation and Digital Transformation

Wednesday, February 24, 2027  |  09:00–17:00  |  Evening event from 19:00

Time

Program

09:00-09:30

 Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:30-09:50

 Welcome and Opening Remarks

09:50-10:30

Opening Keynote:

From Innovation to Adoption: Creating Value with Drones and Autonomous Systems in Offshore Wind

Marcus Ihle, O&M Innovation & Conception at EnBW

Thierry Tartarin, Saxion University of Applied Sciences | Drone Fusion

10:30-12:15

Session 1: Innovation, Automation and Robotics for Wind Park Operations

Hydrogen-Based Power Supply for Extended Operational Autonomy 

Matthias Mischke, balticFuelCells GmbH

Resilient UAV Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments

Marcus Rossol, b.r.m, Edgar v. Hinüber, iMAR Navigation GmbH

12:15-13:45

 Lunch & Networking

13:45-15:30

Session 2a: Innovations in Inspection, Maintenance and Repair

From Inspection Flight to Efficient Process: Drone-Based Inspection in Wind Parks 

Matthias Pauli, Malte Bories, Deutsche Drohnen Inspektion

Voliro

Session 2b: Innovation in Logistics and Autonomous Transport

Lessons learnt Drone Flight for Offshore Logistics

DSV und Fraunhofer IFAM

15:30-16:15

 Coffee Break, Poster Exhibition & Networking

16:15-17:00

 Student Innovation Challenge

 

Evening Event at Ratskeller Bremen

Wednesday, February 24, 2027  |  19:00–22:00

 

Day 2 – Scaling, Validation and Industrial Deployment

Thursday, February 25, 2027  |  09:00–16:00

time program

09:00-09:30

 Morning Coffee
09:30-09:45 Welcome and Recap of Day 1

09:45-12:00

Session 3: Industrial Deployment, Validation and Regulation

The Civil Drone Industry in 2027 And Beyond - Markets, Applications and Developments

Hendrik Bödecker, Drone Industry Insights

Forschungsinfrastruktur

Dr. René Neuholz, Fraunhofer IFAM

Proposal for a solution regarding UAS-AWZ operations 

N.N.

12:00-13:30

 Lunch & Networking

13:30-15:00

 High-Level Panel: Autonomous Wind Park Operations 2035 – What Needs to Happen Next?

15:00-15:10

 Closing Remarks

15:10-16:00

 Coffee Break & open End