By Dr. Holger Friehmelt, Technical and Scientific Director, AIRlabs Austria

In the rapidly evolving field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), innovation and safety go hand in hand. At AIRlabs Austria, we are committed to driving progress in drone technology while ensuring every step aligns with robust safety protocols and societal benefits. Our unique testing environments, specialized expertise, and international collaborations position us as a trusted partner for companies seeking to redefine the boundaries of UAV applications.

The Power of Real-World Testing Environments

One of AIRlabs’ core strengths lies in offering unparalleled testing infrastructures. Located in diverse and challenging terrains, such as the LO-R9 Steinalpl testing area (announced for operation until 2029), we provide real-world conditions that push drone systems to their limits. High altitudes, extreme weather, and variable wind patterns are not obstacles but opportunities for innovation.

From 2025 onward, we will expand our capabilities with the addition of a new testing area at Hochkar, further solidifying our commitment to supporting long-term, cutting-edge UAV development. This expansion underscores our dedication to being a reliable, long-term partner for innovation and opens the door to new application scenarios in alpine conditions, such as mountain rescue operations or testing in extreme weather environments.

For example, our partnership with RTA in the Vienna Climate Wind Channel enables testing under controlled extreme conditions. This collaboration fosters the development of UAV systems that perform efficiently in any environment, paving the way for reliable operations across industries.

Our dedication to authenticity extends to cutting-edge projects like the LOR11 mobile network coverage tests, where drones equipped with mobile phones deliver precise data on network performance. These insights empower operators to improve UAV communication, enhancing both efficiency and safety.

Collaboration: The key to progress

At AIRlabs, we believe collaboration fuels progress. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts from various nationalities, fostering a rich cultural and technical exchange. This diversity not only drives innovation but also ensures inclusivity, as we actively strive to shape a future in drone technology that is equitable for all.

AIRlabs 2.0 marks a significant step forward, inviting international partners to join our mission. By embracing global collaboration, we aim to build a network that accelerates innovation and delivers solutions that benefit the broader community. Through AIRlabs 2.0, we are redefining our role as a long-term partner and innovation laboratory by offering even more value to our partners and focusing on long-term collaborations that drive impactful change.

This initiative prioritizes expanding global partnerships with universities, companies, and organizations while actively inviting international partners to engage in joint innovation projects. By fostering this collaborative ecosystem, AIRlabs aims to create impactful UAV solutions that benefit industries and societies worldwide.

Safety First: SORA and Beyond

Safety is a non-negotiable priority at AIRlabs. Through our expertise in the Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) process, we provide clients with essential support in obtaining flight clearances for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. By mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, we enable the seamless integration of drones into complex airspace systems.

Equally important is our work in advancing Sense and Avoid systems for UAVs. By identifying and analyzing real-world scenarios, we refine technologies designed to prevent collisions and enhance situational awareness. This commitment to safety underpins our vision of unlocking the full potential of drones without compromising security.

Driving Sustainability through Innovation

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our work. Many of our projects go beyond testing scenarios to actively contribute to environmental conservation and resource efficiency. For instance:

• Wildlife Detection: Drones equipped with AI help protect wildlife, such as fawns, by identifying their locations during agricultural activities.
• Reforestation Projects: UAVs combined with AI facilitate reforestation efforts, planting trees faster and more efficiently than traditional methods.
• Network Optimization: Our work on mobile network coverage enables smarter resource allocation, reducing energy waste in UAV communication systems.

These projects reflect our commitment to leveraging drone technology for the greater good, aligning technical progress with ecological responsibility.

Preparing for the Future: AIRlabs 2.0

As we look ahead, AIRlabs 2.0 embodies our vision of a collaborative, sustainable, and innovative future. By expanding our network of partners and offering increasingly sophisticated testing environments, we aim to remain at the forefront of UAV advancements.

AIRlabs 2.0 emphasizes long-term partnerships as a cornerstone of progress, ensuring that our partners can rely on our expertise and resources for years to come.

This includes offering services that are not only relevant for research projects but also directly applicable to operational use cases, enabling UAV integration into complex, high-risk missions like disaster response and advanced logistics.

The addition of the Hochkar testing area in 2025 will further enhance our capabilities, providing a unique opportunity for testing drones in challenging alpine conditions. From law enforcement operations to avalanche rescue scenarios, these environments will enable UAV systems to demonstrate their effectiveness under real-world pressures.

This initiative also underscores our role as an organization dedicated to serving society. From supporting firefighting teams like in Neutillmitsch to expanding the boundaries of sustainable UAV applications, we strive to ensure that drone technology benefits not just industries but entire communities.

A Visionary Yet Practical Approach

At AIRlabs, we are dreamers and doers. We envision a future where drones revolutionize industries, protect the environment, and enhance safety. But we also understand that achieving this requires a practical approach rooted in technical excellence and global collaboration.

By combining state-of-the-art facilities, a commitment to safety, and a focus on sustainability, AIRlabs Austria is proud to lead the way in transforming UAV technology into a force for good.

Help Shape the Future of the Drone Industry!

With the launch of AIRlabs 2.0 in 2025, we are opening a new chapter for test infrastructures and innovative services in the UAS world. Your input is invaluable to us!

As we evolve, we want to ensure our offerings and services are perfectly aligned with the needs of the drone community. That’s why we warmly invite you to take part in our short survey.

Take this opportunity to share your requirements, ideas, and vision – and help us shape the future of the drone industry together!

👉 Take the survey here: [AIRlabs 2.0 Fragebogen]

Thank you for your support!

 © Copyright 2025 Applied Technology Review und AIRlabs Austria GmbH

Picture © Copyright 2025 FH JOANNEUM and AIRlabs Austria GmbH