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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 Arrival, registration and first networking opportunities.
09:30-09:50	Welcome and Opening Remarks Welcome by Fraunhofer IFAM, DTU and the symposium chairs.
09:50-10:30	Opening Keynote: The Future of Autonomous Wind Park Operations Speaker to be announced.
10:30-12:15	Session 1: Innovation, Automation and Robotics for Wind Park Operations Four presentations on emerging technologies, automation concepts, autonomous logistics, and robotic solutions for wind park operations. The session provides a broad view of innovations that can transform offshore and onshore workflows. Includes a moderated discussion. Speakers and final presentation titles remain open.
12:15-13:45	Lunch & Networking Extended lunch break for professional exchange and bilateral discussions.
13:45-15:30	Session 2: Innovations in Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Four practice-oriented presentations on innovative inspection methods, condition assessment, maintenance and repair solutions for wind turbine assets. One dedicated presentation highlights how AI can advance defect detection, data interpretation and maintenance decision-making. Includes an expert discussion. Speakers and final presentation titles remain open.
15:30-16:15	Coffee Break, Poster Exhibition & Networking Extended break before the student session.
16:15-17:00	Student Innovation Challenge Five selected student presentations, each followed by a short Q&A. Presentation topics and participants remain open.

 

Proposed Scope of Session 1

• Emerging technologies and innovation concepts for future wind park operations
• Automation of offshore and onshore operational workflows
• Robotic and autonomous systems for logistics, access, transport and intervention
• Technology demonstrations and novel system concepts beyond current practice

Proposed Scope of Session 2

• Innovative inspection and condition-assessment methods for wind turbine assets
• Maintenance concepts and operational experience from onshore and offshore wind parks
• Repair technologies for rotor blades, structures and critical components
• AI innovation for defect detection, data interpretation and maintenance decision support

 

Evening Event at Ratskeller Bremen

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

Time	Program
19:00	Opening of the Technology Exhibition Small exhibition featuring research projects, demonstrators, industry solutions, student projects and autonomous systems for wind energy applications.
19:00-20:15	Networking Reception & Finger Food Informal exchange among participants, exhibitors, students, researchers and industry representatives.
20:15-21:00	Evening Keynote: Autonomous Systems and the Future of the Energy Transition Speaker to be announced.
21:00-22:00	Open Networking & Exhibition Continuation of discussions in an informal setting.

 

Exhibition Concept

The evening event is designed as an informal extension of the technical programme. The exhibition remains accessible throughout the evening and supports discussions around demonstrators, research results, industrial solutions and student ideas.

 

Day 2 – Scaling, Validation and Industrial Deployment

Thursday, February 25, 2027  |  09:00–15:40

time	program
09:00-09:30	Morning Coffee Arrival and informal exchange.
09:30-10:15	Keynote: From Pilot Projects to Large-Scale Autonomous Operations Speaker to be announced.
10:15-12:00	Session 3: Industrial Deployment, Validation and Regulation Five presentations on offshore logistics, validation and qualification, standardization and certification, regulatory frameworks, and lessons learned from industrial deployment. Includes a moderated discussion. Speakers and final presentation titles remain open.
12:00-13:30	Lunch & Networking Extended lunch break for discussion and networking.
13:30-15:00	High-Level Panel: Autonomous Wind Park Operations 2035 – What Needs to Happen Next? Panel perspectives from wind farm operators, technology providers, research organizations, regulatory authorities and industry associations. Panelists remain open.
15:00-15:10	Closing Remarks Summary of key outcomes and closing of the symposium.
15:10-16:00	Coffee Break & open End Final networking break.

 

Programme Development Notes

Session format

The program is intentionally streamlined into three larger thematic sessions. Each session should combine a limited number of presentations with a clearly protected discussion period.

Networking and discussion

The lunch and coffee breaks are deliberately extended to enable bilateral exchange, exhibition visits and follow-up discussions.

Student Innovation Challenge

The student session is placed directly after an extended coffee break to support audience presence and create a clear transition from informal poster discussions to short stage presentations.

Open programme elements

All speakers, panelists and final presentation titles remain open. The suggested presentation topics define the intended scope and can be adapted when contributions are confirmed.

Overall thematic focus

The proposed program covers broad innovation, automation, robotics and logistics for wind park operations; practice-oriented inspection, maintenance and repair with targeted AI innovation; as well as industrial deployment, validation, standardization, regulation and real-world scaling of autonomous systems in wind energy.