Research Areas
The Digital and High-Frequency Electronics (DHFE) Section conducts research in advanced electronic systems that enable the next generation of autonomous, connected, and energy-efficient technologies. Our work spans digital electronics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, communication technologies, sensing, and power electronics, with applications in robotics, drones, critical infrastructure, energy systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Our mission is to develop innovative technologies that address major societal and industrial challenges, including infrastructure inspection and maintenance, resilient communication systems, and intelligent autonomous operation. By combining expertise across electronics, computing, sensing, and control, we create solutions that bridge fundamental research and real-world impact.
The section is internationally recognized for pioneering autonomous robotic and drone technologies for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Among our notable achievements is developing one of the world's first self-recharging drone platforms, enabling long-duration autonomous inspection missions with no human intervention. This platform has helped establish DHFE as a leading research environment in autonomous aerial systems for critical infrastructure applications.
The section collaborates closely with leading universities, industrial partners, public organizations, and start-ups to accelerate innovation and technology transfer. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to transform scientific advances into practical solutions for society and industry.

Head of SDU Digital and High-Frequency Electronics
T +45 6550 2481
esme@sdu.dk
Our research areas
Our research activities are organized into four complementary research areas:
-
Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance
Autonomous robots and drones for inspection, monitoring, maintenance, and interaction with critical infrastructure. Contact: Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid
-
Bio-inspired Intelligent Systems
Bio-inspired approaches to robotics, embedded intelligence, autonomous decision-making, and adaptive electronic systems. Contacts: Emanuela Del Dottore and Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid
-
High-Frequency Power Management
Energy-efficient power electronics, power conversion, energy harvesting, and power management for embedded and autonomous systems. Contact: Tim McRae
-
Radar Remote Sensing
Advanced sensing, radar technologies, signal processing, and environmental perception for autonomous and intelligent systems. Contact: Diego Penaloza Aponte