From Radar to Resilience: Successful launch of the AIRlabs 2.0 Networking Series at Graz University of Technology
How can modern radar systems improve the safety of unmanned aerial vehicles? What role do smart sensors and AI play in drone detection? And what new insights is current research providing into icing conditions for UAVs?
These and many other issues were addressed at the first AIRlabs 2.0 network meeting, ‘From Radar to Resilience: Key Technologies for Drone Detection Systems’, which took place at Graz University of Technology. A total of 19 participants from the worlds of research, industry and the UAS community took the opportunity to discuss current developments and gain insights into the latest research.
The event was opened by Wolfgang Bösch (Graz University of Technology), who emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for the further development of unmanned aerial systems.
Recent developments in radar and sensor technologies
Daniel Oloumi from Infineon kicked off the technical presentations with insights into the latest developments in X- and Ku-band phased-array radar systems and Infineon’s work in this field. These technologies enable highly flexible electronic beam control and form the basis for numerous applications – from security solutions to future mobility concepts.
Behrooz Rezaee from the Institute of High-Frequency Technology at Graz University of Technology then presented the results of his bachelor’s thesis on the development, calibration and experimental characterisation of an integrated 10 GHz phased-array antenna system. The presentation impressively demonstrated the contribution that university research and the next generation of scientists are making to the further development of modern antenna technologies. Another focus of the work was the further development and implementation of so-called ‘filtennas’, in which the filter and antenna are integrated into a single structure. This technology enables greater system precision as well as a compact and space-saving design for antenna systems.
Finally, Helmut Paulitsch, also from the Institute of High-Frequency Technology at Graz University of Technology, presented the Skyguard radar platform – a research infrastructure that enables a wide variety of applications, ranging from the detection and tracking of drones to scientific investigations beyond the scope of traditional aeronautical research.
Practical insights into modern radar technologies
A particular highlight was the insight into the Skyguard radar platform presented by Helmut Paulitsch, complemented by a live demonstration of a mmWave radar system for indoor people tracking.
The demonstration showed how modern radar sensors can detect people and their movements contactlessly and in real time. Such systems operate regardless of lighting conditions and offer interesting prospects for future applications in automation, robotics and the field of autonomous systems.
It was precisely this combination of scientific presentations and practical demonstrations that made the event particularly engaging and sparked lively discussions amongst the participants.
IFIRE
Safety in icing conditions
Tani Satyanarayana’s presentation on the latest findings from the IFIRE (Innovative Forecasting of Icing in Real Environment) research project also attracted a great deal of interest.
The project focuses on the prediction and diagnosis of icing conditions in order to further improve the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, even under challenging weather conditions.
More accurate weather information and innovative forecasting models make an important contribution to operational planning and risk management for future UAV missions.
IFIRE holds particular significance for AIRlabs Austria: AIRlabs was the project lead until the end of 2025. We are therefore all the more delighted to be able to support the further development of this research even after the conclusion of our role as project coordinator. New findings and insights will be published on the IFIRE website very soon.
Safety from different perspectives
Another highlight of the programme was the presentation by David Pommerenke from the Institute of Electronics at Graz University of Technology, who provided insights into the electromagnetic signature of drones and methods of electromagnetic countermeasures.
The lecture highlighted just how diverse the challenges surrounding future UAV applications have now become. Alongside flight performance and navigation, issues such as detection, resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.
Networking as the key to innovation
Alongside the technical content, one thing in particular took centre stage: personal interaction. Between the presentations, during the demonstrations and whilst networking, numerous discussions took place about current research projects, new collaborations and future developments.
The first meeting of the AIRlabs 2.0 Networking Series impressively demonstrated just how valuable such events are for the UAS community. They create space for new ideas, promote the transfer of knowledge between research and industry, and bring together experts from different disciplines.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the speakers, participants and Graz University of Technology for a successful event, and we are already looking forward to the next instalments.
