Symposium  /  February 25, 2026  -  February 26, 2026

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:

  • Latest technologies in the inspection of offshore wind turbines
  • Risk management and maintenance strategies
  • Automation and the use of drones and underwater robots
  • Training and qualification for service personnel
  • Sustainability and environmental protection during repair and maintenance

 

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

 

Program Overview:

The agenda is still provisional and titles and speakers are subject to change.

Day 1: 10:00 to 17:30, Evening program from 19:30

Welcome and Introduction

Keynote: Automation Future of Wind Energy O&M (Marcus Ihle, O&M Innovation & Conception at EnBW)

Session 1: Robotics and Automation in Inspection and Maintenance

Keynote: Tomas Jansen (Product Manager O&M Automation for Vattenfall's offshore wind assets, Vattenfall)

  • Title of lecture to be determined (Sandra Delic, Aero Enterprise GmbH)
  • Monitoring in Offshore Windparks using an AUV (Marius Wirtz, DFKI)

Lunch Break

Session 2: Innovative Inspection Methods

Keynote: Xiao Chen (DTU)

  • Inspection Lightning Protection System (Tim Strohbach, Fraunhofer IFAM)
  • Autonomous Aerial Radiography for Internal Defect Detection in Wind Turbine Blades (Akhilesh Goveas, founder, SPectX B.V.)

Coffee Break

Session 3: Case Studies from Wind Park Operation

Keynote: Gerry Schuster, (Blade specialist, operation and maintenance - Northland Power Europe GmbH)

  • Long-range UAS for Environmental Monitoring of Offshore Windfarms (Marc Schnurawa, Bioconsult SH)
  • Building In-House Capabilities: How AI and Drones Transform Blade Inspections (Insa Wieberneit, Skyvisor)

Optional: Evening Program: International Networking Dinner with Cultural Entertainment (Ratskeller Bremen) and a Remote Inspection Demo by Voliro

 

Day 2: 9:00 to 13:00 with lunch option from 13:00 to 14:30

Session 4: Autonomous Drone Logistics Powering Offshore Wind

Keynote: Mikkel Fenneberg (Operational Excellence Lead at DSV)

  • Cargo Drones in Offshore Wind: From Concept to Daily Logistics (Vivek Trivedi, RWE)
  • UDW - Continuous work on key issues for automated cargo drones offshore (Alexander Donkels, DLR; Vincenz Schneider EnBW)

Coffee Break

Session 5: Regulatory Framework for Drones in Europe

Keynote: Dr. Falk Götten (Head of Subdepartment Operational Authorisations / LUC - Luftfahrt Bundesamt)

  • USSP Capabilities and Flight Guidance in the German Bight and the EEZ (Markus Rossol, b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH)
  • Training and Qualification of Service Personnel (N.N.)

Panel Discussion: Enhance Reliability of Wind Energy by Automated Inspections and Maintenance Methods

Open Discussion and Lunch