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Advanced Autonomy and Security Strategies for UAS

Published: November 2025

Context-sensitive sensors encompass sensor systems that gather relevant information from their environment and interpret it meaningfully. This involves processing various sensor data (e.g., optical, acoustic, etc.) and augmenting it with AI-based systems to process, evaluate, and react to context-dependent environmental data in real time. The combination of different sensors enables in-depth environmental analysis and increases the safety and efficiency of the systems. The goal is to enable the most precise object navigation possible and adapted responses to changes in the environment.

Guiding questions

  • How can safety standards and fault tolerance in autonomous UAS be further optimized to expand their application areas?
  • What technological requirements must communication and sensor systems meet to enable safe and precise real-time control?
  • What specific infrastructure measures and regulatory adjustments are needed to promote the use of autonomous drones in Thuringia?
  • How can innovative drone concepts like eVTOL be used effectively to make industrial applications more efficient?
  • Which priority R&D areas are needed to accelerate the technological maturity and market integration of autonomous UAS and eVTOL drones?
Image description: A drone flies over a city with tall skyscrapers.

challenges

The development of advanced autonomous systems for UAS places high demands on safety, data integrity, and energy efficiency. The use of AI-based control mechanisms requires reliable risk management processes, particularly to minimize errors and improve fault tolerance. Additionally, the integration of modern technologies such as sensors and communication systems is necessary to adapt the systems to varying operating conditions. Widespread deployment requires reliable integration into existing air traffic regulations and sufficient infrastructure for real-time control and monitoring.

Concrete examples

  • Precision agriculture: targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides by drones
  • Inspection of critical infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines, power lines
  • eVTOL drones: Electrically powered, vertically take-off and landing drones are increasingly being used in urban air traffic and could revolutionize passenger transport and logistics
Image description: Foresight – Thuringia, Blue Eye in focus

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Reference

Your contact persons

Reference

Michel Reichardt

Michel Reichardt Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Christoph Grollman

Christoph Grollman Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Dr. Sophia Gänßle

Dr. Sophia Gänßle Project Manager Data Science Strategic Foresight

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