Up-to-Date
Stay up to date with the latest information on AIRlabs events, news and research results.
News
Review of XPONENTIAL Europe 2025 in Düsseldorf
XPONENTIAL Europe – one of the most important trade fairs for unmanned systems and autonomous technologies – took place in Düsseldorf from 18 to 20 February 2025. AIRlabs Austria was present as an exhibitor and engaged in the international exchange on the latest developments in the drone and robotics industry. The Austrian drone community was also strongly represented with Riegl Laser Measurement Systems GmbH, Drone Rescue Systems and AIRlabs Austria. Together, the representatives from Austria presented their innovative solutions and actively participated in expert […]
Read more
From quantum computing to delivery drones – SESAR JU Annual Conference 2025 focuses on sustainable aviation
The SESAR JU Annual Conference, a key event for the future of European air traffic management (ATM), took place in Brussels on 18 February 2025. The focus was on the presentation of the new ATM Masterplan, which aims to pave the way for a sustainable, digital and globally competitive aviation industry in Europe. For AIRlabs Austria, our Managing Director Roswitha Wiedenhofer-Bornemann and our Technical and Scientific Director Holger Friehmelt were on site to gain valuable insights and strategic impulses for the further development of our own innovation strategy. A central theme of the conference was the ATM Masterplan 2025, which defines green, sustainable aviation as the main goal on a global level. Twelve technologies were presented that are intended to drive this change forward. Despite ambitious technical developments, there is currently a lack of collaborative implementation of this vision. ’The future of aviation requires a collaborative approach. We need to work […]
Read more
‘Innovation meets Regulation’ – Review of the Drone Forum Austria 2025 in Vienna
On 23 January 2025, the Drone Forum Austria took place in the BMK-Festsaal in Vienna. The event brought together around 200 participants from the drone community, research, industry and authorities to discuss the future of unmanned aviation. AIRlabs was also represented with its own stand and was able to hold in-depth discussions with stakeholders and experts as well as attend exciting presentations. Renowned institutions are behind the organisation of the Drone Forum Austria 2025: the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Austro Control GmbH (ACG) and the Austrian Association for Drones (AAD). For AIRlabs, the drone forum provided an excellent opportunity to […]
Read more
Innovations in drone logistics: insights from the fireside chat
Drone logistics is on the cusp of revolutionising the logistics sector. While the European market for drone technologies is expected to grow to a volume of around 600 billion euros by 2050, the logistics sector in particular harbours enormous potential. UAVs can make supply chains more efficient and sustainable, supply regions that are difficult to access and significantly reduce emissions at the same time. However, despite the positive developments in this area, comprehensive challenges need to be overcome – technical, regulatory, economic and ecological. These require not only innovative technical solutions, but also courage and conviction in order to open up new fields of application and be successful in the long term. On 16 December 2024, a fireside chat with high-ranking experts from Germany and abroad provided exciting insights into the progress and challenges of UAV logistics. The event was organised by AIRlabs Austria, with Dr Holger Friehmelt, Head of the Institute of Aviation at FH JOANNEUM and Technical Director of AIRlabs Austria, providing the introduction. A particular highlight was the presentation of the ‘Marktschwalbe’ project, which is an example of how innovative […]
Read more
An exciting exchange on drone technology and pioneering projects
On 17 December 2024, the 15th AIRlabs Austria consortium partner meeting took place in the impressive solar.one building in Stegersbach. The modern innovation centre, which stands for sustainable energy supply, provided the perfect setting for an event that focused on drone technologies and their diverse applications. Energie Kompass GmbH kicked off the event with a presentation of its three central business areas: Project Development and Support, Energy Cooperatives and Research and Development. The insight into the act4.energy innovation laboratory, which demonstrates cross-sector energy concepts for the future as a real laboratory […]
Read more
AIRlabs Austria: Shaping the Future of Drone Technology through Innovation and Collaboration
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 […]
Read more
Review: Aviation Forum Austria 2024
On 24 October 2024, we took part in the Aviation Forum Austria in Vienna, which was all about the future of research and innovation in aviation. In the midst of experts, decision-makers and several hundred participants, we were not only able to establish contacts for future research projects, but also present our previous successes and projects. As a BMK-funded innovation laboratory, we presented the progress made by AIRlabs and gave an insight into ‘AIRlabs 2.0’ – the next development phase for innovative […]
Read more
Review of the 14th AIRlabs consortium partner meeting
Am 27. September 2024 trafen sich 17 Organisationen zur 14. Konsortialpartnerversammlung von AIRlabs Austria in Graz sowie online. Die Teilnehmer starteten mit einem Networking-Lunch, bevor Geschäftsführerin Frau Wiedenhofer-Bornemann mit motivierenden Worten die Runde offiziell eröffnete. […]
Read more
Review of the final event ‘AKIA’: use of artificial intelligence in afforestation projects
The final event of the AKIA innovation project (use of artificial intelligence in afforestation projects), which was carried out in cooperation with the Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau forestry company and micromacro GmbH, took place on September 17, 2024. The micromacro GmbH developed the software and AI that was used in the project. The event offered comprehensive insights into the results and progress of the project in two exciting parts. The first part of the event began with an impressive demo flight by the Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau forestry company, during which the innovative young plant recognition system was demonstrated in practice. Particularly impressive: the data collected during the flight was […]
Read more
AIRlabs assess cellular connectivity in test facilities, in partnership with AirborneRF
AIRlabs Austria, ein nationales Konsortium, das sich der UAS-Innovation verschrieben hat, arbeitet mit Dimetor zusammen, um die Mobilfunkkonnektivität in seinen groß angelegten Testeinrichtungen zu bewerten. Mit Hilfe der AirborneRF-Software von Dimetor zielt diese Initiative darauf ab, die Herausforderung der Sicherstellung der Mobilfunkkonnektivität für Drohnen in Österreichs Flugtestgebieten […]
Read moreEvents
Review of XPONENTIAL Europe 2025 in Düsseldorf
XPONENTIAL Europe – one of the most important trade fairs for unmanned systems and autonomous technologies – took place in Düsseldorf from 18 to 20 February 2025. AIRlabs Austria was present as an exhibitor and engaged in the international exchange on the latest developments in the drone and robotics industry. The Austrian drone community was also strongly represented with Riegl Laser Measurement Systems GmbH, Drone Rescue Systems and AIRlabs Austria. Together, the representatives from Austria presented their innovative solutions and actively participated in expert […]
Read more
From quantum computing to delivery drones – SESAR JU Annual Conference 2025 focuses on sustainable aviation
The SESAR JU Annual Conference, a key event for the future of European air traffic management (ATM), took place in Brussels on 18 February 2025. The focus was on the presentation of the new ATM Masterplan, which aims to pave the way for a sustainable, digital and globally competitive aviation industry in Europe. For AIRlabs Austria, our Managing Director Roswitha Wiedenhofer-Bornemann and our Technical and Scientific Director Holger Friehmelt were on site to gain valuable insights and strategic impulses for the further development of our own innovation strategy. A central theme of the conference was the ATM Masterplan 2025, which defines green, sustainable aviation as the main goal on a global level. Twelve technologies were presented that are intended to drive this change forward. Despite ambitious technical developments, there is currently a lack of collaborative implementation of this vision. ’The future of aviation requires a collaborative approach. We need to work […]
Read more
‘Innovation meets Regulation’ – Review of the Drone Forum Austria 2025 in Vienna
On 23 January 2025, the Drone Forum Austria took place in the BMK-Festsaal in Vienna. The event brought together around 200 participants from the drone community, research, industry and authorities to discuss the future of unmanned aviation. AIRlabs was also represented with its own stand and was able to hold in-depth discussions with stakeholders and experts as well as attend exciting presentations. Renowned institutions are behind the organisation of the Drone Forum Austria 2025: the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Austro Control GmbH (ACG) and the Austrian Association for Drones (AAD). For AIRlabs, the drone forum provided an excellent opportunity to […]
Read more
Innovations in drone logistics: insights from the fireside chat
Drone logistics is on the cusp of revolutionising the logistics sector. While the European market for drone technologies is expected to grow to a volume of around 600 billion euros by 2050, the logistics sector in particular harbours enormous potential. UAVs can make supply chains more efficient and sustainable, supply regions that are difficult to access and significantly reduce emissions at the same time. However, despite the positive developments in this area, comprehensive challenges need to be overcome – technical, regulatory, economic and ecological. These require not only innovative technical solutions, but also courage and conviction in order to open up new fields of application and be successful in the long term. On 16 December 2024, a fireside chat with high-ranking experts from Germany and abroad provided exciting insights into the progress and challenges of UAV logistics. The event was organised by AIRlabs Austria, with Dr Holger Friehmelt, Head of the Institute of Aviation at FH JOANNEUM and Technical Director of AIRlabs Austria, providing the introduction. A particular highlight was the presentation of the ‘Marktschwalbe’ project, which is an example of how innovative […]
Read more
An exciting exchange on drone technology and pioneering projects
On 17 December 2024, the 15th AIRlabs Austria consortium partner meeting took place in the impressive solar.one building in Stegersbach. The modern innovation centre, which stands for sustainable energy supply, provided the perfect setting for an event that focused on drone technologies and their diverse applications. Energie Kompass GmbH kicked off the event with a presentation of its three central business areas: Project Development and Support, Energy Cooperatives and Research and Development. The insight into the act4.energy innovation laboratory, which demonstrates cross-sector energy concepts for the future as a real laboratory […]
Read more
Review: Aviation Forum Austria 2024
On 24 October 2024, we took part in the Aviation Forum Austria in Vienna, which was all about the future of research and innovation in aviation. In the midst of experts, decision-makers and several hundred participants, we were not only able to establish contacts for future research projects, but also present our previous successes and projects. As a BMK-funded innovation laboratory, we presented the progress made by AIRlabs and gave an insight into ‘AIRlabs 2.0’ – the next development phase for innovative […]
Read more
Review of the 14th AIRlabs consortium partner meeting
Am 27. September 2024 trafen sich 17 Organisationen zur 14. Konsortialpartnerversammlung von AIRlabs Austria in Graz sowie online. Die Teilnehmer starteten mit einem Networking-Lunch, bevor Geschäftsführerin Frau Wiedenhofer-Bornemann mit motivierenden Worten die Runde offiziell eröffnete. […]
Read more
Review of the final event ‘AKIA’: use of artificial intelligence in afforestation projects
The final event of the AKIA innovation project (use of artificial intelligence in afforestation projects), which was carried out in cooperation with the Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau forestry company and micromacro GmbH, took place on September 17, 2024. The micromacro GmbH developed the software and AI that was used in the project. The event offered comprehensive insights into the results and progress of the project in two exciting parts. The first part of the event began with an impressive demo flight by the Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau forestry company, during which the innovative young plant recognition system was demonstrated in practice. Particularly impressive: the data collected during the flight was […]
Read more
Event review: AIRlabs Austria Future Conference 2024
The 5th AIRlabs Austria Future Conference took place on 13th and 14th of June 2024. Under the motto ‘Shaping the use and possibilities of unmanned aerial systems’, there was intensive discussion about the possible uses of drones in agriculture and forestry, for environmental and resource conservation and to support rescue operations. Holger Friehmelt, Head of the Institute of Aviation at FH JOANNEUM and Technical Director of AIRlabs Austria: ‘The international exchange beyond the borders of Austria not only provided some “aha” experiences, but also allowed us to think outside the box.’ The conference impressively demonstrated […]
Read more
Review of the ‘Long Night of Research’ on 24 May 2024
The ‘Long Night of Research’ took place on 24 May 2024, attracting numerous inquisitive children and young people. AIRlabs was also proud to be represented at FH JOANNEUM with its own stand to introduce visitors to the fascinating topic of drones and urban air mobility (UAM). Our stand quickly attracted a lot of attention, especially with the drones on display, which aroused great interest […]
Read moreJob Openings
Research Results
Innovative drone technology in alpine terrain: successful demo day by AIRlabs, Riegl and ElevonX
Frein an der Mürz, September 5, 2024 – AIRlabs, Riegl and ElevonX presented groundbreaking advances in area surveying using drone technology at a public demonstration in the alpine terrain of the LO R-9 Steinalpl flight area. The focus was on conducting a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) mapping mission, in which RIEGL LiDAR sensors were integrated into a specially customised VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone from ElevonX. This innovative combination enabled precise surveying of large and difficult to access areas, creating new opportunities for the use of drone technologies in challenging alpine terrain. This overall technical system made it possible to survey areas that would be costly to survey with manned fixed-wing aircraft. The use of drones not only reduces costs, but also […]
Read more
Drone analysis of mobile network coverage in the LO-R 11 Frauschereck
The project aims to gain a more accurate picture of the mobile network coverage within the AIRlabs test area LOR 11 Frauschereck. The project was successfully completed and provided numerous learning opportunities for all parties involved. Additionally, the created visualization of the network coverage supports AIRlabs in communication with customers and assists the cooperation partner Dimetor in optimizing its model […]
Read more
Integration of UAV control software and automated hangar
Technical project report: „Integration of UAV control software and automated hangar“ – This technical project report describes the development of an integrated solution that combines Frequentis AG’s unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) control software with an automated hangar from APB Corporation. The project’s principal object was to deploy UAVs in authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS) and […]
Read more
Use of drones near airports: challenges and opportunities
Technical project report: “Use of drones near airports: Safety is the top of priority” – The use of drones near airports is a complex underpinning that involves both legal hurdles and promising opportunities. The legislation surrounding the use of drones near airports is strict for good reason. Flight safety is a top priority and therefore strict rules must be adhered to. Airports are sensitive areas […]
Read more
Update: Flying over meadows to detect wildlife and fawns before mowing work
Throughout Austria, up to 25,000 fawns die every year as a result of mowing work on agricultural land, especially near forests. The fawns are hidden in the tall grass by the doe for their own protection and are particularly difficult to detect or endangered during mowing work due to the combination of the spotted colouring of their fur and their natural behaviour, which causes them to duck or hide in dangerous situations. The method of flying over meadows using drones or UAS before mowing is suitable for detecting fawns before mowing. The drones are equipped with thermal cameras, which enable the detection of living creatures even […]
Read more
„Optimisation multi-user measurements RTA/All-Weather-Drone“
Technical project report „Optimisation multi-user measurements RTA/All-Weather-Drone“ – Experimental tests under critical weather conditions are an essential part of the development and certification of aircraft. This also includes unmanned aerial vehicles such as multirotor systems, fixed-wing drones or VTOL UAVs. However, this type of testing is often associated with significant costs and time expenditure. It is therefore important to design experimental tests in a particularly efficient way in order to minimise costs for developers and/or operators […]
Read more
„A1 Red Cross POC“
Technical project report: “A1 Red Cross POC” – The use of UAVs can support emergency services in search and rescue operations. For example, dangers can be recognised from the air or people located in positions with poor visibility can be found. The aim of this project was to enable such missions under BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) conditions using a 5G mobile network […]
Read more
“Swarm Init”
Technical project report “Swarm Init” – In this project, a drone from Lakeside Labs (LSL) was integrated into the infrastructure of the drone hall at the University of Klagenfurt (AAU). Previously, LSL drones could only be used for outdoor flights with GPS support. This project has made it possible for LSL drones to support other types of localisations. AAU’s drone hall offers an OptiTrack motion capture system […]
Read more
Innovative solutions for automated UAV flight routes from a hangar
In recent years, AIRlabs Austria has made significant progress in the field of unmanned aerial systems. By successfully bringing together two consortium partners, Frequentis AG and APB-Corporation, pioneering concepts were developed and laboratory tests for ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS) were carried out. This success manifested itself in the successful application for a railway project in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The authorisation of automated UAV flights from a hangar requires an in-depth examination of operating procedures and the prevailing […]
Read more
Upgrade of twinSCIENCEV2 flight platform
Project number: IA_2021_10_TWINSCo-operation partners involved: Introduction: Diverse developments and trials The twinSCIENCE test platform (see Fig. 1) promotes innovative collaboration with AIRlabs and enables a wide range of developments and tests. The platform enables rapid iterations between design and testing of methods and algorithms. The efficient development of new autonomy, control and mission elements for […]
Read more