Project List:

• Green Ocean Drones

  This project focuses on developing a modular, ergonomic underwater drone that bridges the gap between inspection and work-class ROVs. Existing solutions are often bulky and hard to maintain, especially when manipulation is needed. The concept features a dual-pontoon design for stability and modularity, enabling quick assembly by two operators. It’s designed to be scalable, low-maintenance, and adaptable across tasks like inspection, repair, and demining. A structured evaluation of functional needs will guide the design, with digital prototyping in late 2024 and physical prototyping in early 2025.

• Funded by FMI

  OceanEyes

  Monitoring of critical infrastructure under water and listening post for detecting submarines. The purpose is to further develop an autonomous self-navigating buoy platform, based on a patented principle with internal center of gravity displacement, so that moving external parts can potentially be avoided. The platform primarily uses wind and ocean currents for navigation. The military potential is considered great, especially within monitoring of critical infrastructure such as gas and electricity supply systems under the sea surface, but can also be used for e.g. submarine detection and listening posts. The project focuses on energy supply, satellite communication and development / mathematical modeling of non-linear control and navigation algorithms.

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• Funded by Innovationsfonden

  DRONES - Drone-Obtained Electromagnetic Signatures

  The DRONES project is developing an innovative drone-based system for in-situ radio testing and electromagnetic (EM) signature analysis of large platforms like ships and aircraft. By using a swarm of drones equipped with lightweight, high-performance antennas and AI-driven signal processing, the system enables fast, cost-effective testing without moving the object to a test site. This solution supports industries such as aerospace, maritime, automotive, and defense, offering both service-based and standalone testing systems. The project is a collaboration between experts in antenna measurements (AAU), drone-based testing (QuadSAT), and drone technology (SDU), with key industry partners including Scandinavian Avionics and FMI.

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• Funded by Nationalt Forsvars­teknologisk Center

  NFC – AID - Agile Interceptor Drone

  Our project seeks to explore the feasibility of developing a swift and affordable drone interceptor specifically designed to counter First Person View (FPV) drones on the battlefield. We aim to assess technical requirements and prototype a cost-effective, highly manoeuvrable drone capable of neutralizing FPV threats, ultimately enhancing frontline defence and protecting critical assets.

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• Funded by Nationalt Forsvars­teknologisk Center

  NFC – SEAPAS

  This project aims to develop a unified, autonomous surveillance system that operates continuously without direct human involvement, combining both active and passive intelligence-gathering technologies. Due to the complexity of this goal, the project focuses on evaluating the capabilities of individual technologies rather than immediately integrating them into a single system. Surveillance efforts are structured across four domains: data sharing and threat reporting, dynamic monitoring using autonomous robotic systems, remote infrastructure diagnostics via cable-based sensing, and stationary surveillance through strategically placed sensors in an Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) setup. Together, these domains support scalable, round-the-clock monitoring. The project is led by AAU, which will consolidate findings to identify gaps and opportunities for future development.

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• Funded By Nationalt Forsvars­teknologisk Center

  NFC – DEF EDGE

  DEF EDGE is a national initiative driving AI integration across Denmark’s Defence Forces, Emergency Services, Government Authorities, and civilian sectors to counter hybrid threats. The project targets key gaps in data utilization and decision-making by exploring AI’s role in enhancing communication, unmanned surveillance, and situational awareness. Supporting Denmark’s Total Defence strategy, DEF EDGE emphasizes cross-sector adaptability and digital resilience. Developed under the NFC platform, the project brings together top industrial partners (Netcompany, Systematic, TERMA) and academic institutions (AAU, DTU, SDU) to deliver AI solutions that boost operational efficiency, foster innovation, and position Denmark as a global leader in AI-powered defense technologies.

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• Funded by Nationalt Forsvars­teknologisk Center

  NFC – ARCSAR

  This collaborative project between the Alexandra Institute (ALX), SDU, and the Arctic Command aims to enhance search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in Arctic regions. Originally focused on developing a helicopter-deployable drone platform optimized for Arctic conditions, the revised project now emphasizes needs assessment and feasibility studies due to a reduced scope. SDU will explore drone technologies through experimental flights and assess user needs in Greenland and Denmark. ALX will analyze drone data to improve visual decision support and user interaction, while also investigating commercial potential. The Arctic Command contributes operational insights to ensure the solution aligns with real-world demands. The project lays the groundwork for a future full-scale development phase.

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• Funded by Innovationsfonden

  U-SHIELD

  U-SHIELD is developing the world’s first Autonomous Underwater Interceptor Drone (AUID) to protect maritime critical infrastructure by detecting, tracking, and immobilizing intruder underwater vehicles (iAUVs). The project aims to deliver a TRL6-validated prototype capable of high-speed maneuvering (6–8 knots), operating at depths up to 100 meters for at least two hours. Key innovations include an opto-acoustic tracking system for detecting iAUVs in noisy and turbid waters, real-time mission and path planning software for agile interception, and a mechatronic system to immobilize the target within one minute at close range. The AUID will be validated in offshore environments, laying the foundation for future upscaling and commercialization.

• Funded by Den Danske Maritime Fond

  SAFEMARVEL

  SAFEMARVEL is a research project focused on enhancing the safety and stability of marine vessels. The project aims to develop a safety-critical control framework that improves roll stabilization, a key factor in vessel performance and crew safety. By integrating advanced control algorithms and real-time monitoring, SAFEMARVEL seeks to reduce the risks associated with vessel roll in challenging maritime environments. The project runs from March 2024 to February 2027 and is supported by Den Danske Maritime Fond.

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• Funded by Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelsen

  NextGen Robotics 2.0

  NextGen Drones CounterUAS, which are 4 sub-projects with defined partners that support the development of test scenarios and standards, common AI algorithm platform for decision support, threat simulations for dual use, and building the test area's capacity with jamming and GPS signal,

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