Program

Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, will welcome participants and briefly set the scene for DroneHorizon. 

Munish Khurana, Senior Manager Business Development Air & Unmanned Traffic Management for DroneHorizon, will provide an overview of the current state of drone adoption from multiple perspectives, including best practices, industry uptake, regulatory frameworks, key challenges in the current European context.

Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.

• Port of Antwerp-Bruges: From Pilot to Operations: Scaling Drone Logistics Solutions in Complex Industrial Environments
• Port of Antwerp-Bruges: From Tracks to Skies: Scaling Drone Operations for Critical Infrastructure

Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.

• Port of Hamburg: Port Strategy & Future
• Port of Hamburg: Port Security & Protection

Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.

• Port of Rotterdam: Drone Delivery Services & Future Network Services
• Port of Rotterdam: Axon Fusus: Enabling Real-Time Intelligence in the Field

From the defence perspective, this session addresses the growing role of drones and unmanned systems in security and military operations, exploring the key challenges armed forces face today and the opportunities that drone technology and innovation bring for the future.

Discover how the Netherlands has built a collaborative drone ecosystem to support defence and security partners with scalable drone solutions. By bringing together fragmented expertise, the initiative has created critical mass, strengthened its position in Europe, and unlocked clear economic potential, offering inspiration for other ecosystems looking to do the same.

Complementing the first keynote, this session turns to the maritime domain and examines how USVs are finding their place in operational environments. It will address current applications, enabling conditions, challenges, and developments at European level, before leading into the practical use cases presented by industry.

Three short use cases presented by the three key ports highlighting how USVs are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned:

• Port of Antwerp Bruges: Leveraging Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for Port and Coastal security purposes
• Port of Rotterdam: AquaSmartXL

Enabling safe & secure, large-scale drone operations in complex port environments

Panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of enabling the safe and secure deployment of drones and USVs in major seaports. What is still needed from a legal, infrastructural, and procedural point of view, as well as the impact of drone-related threats on port continuity? It will also offer insight into their views on timing, scope, and the key barriers to wider implementation.

Connect with end users, technology providers and regulators through live demonstrations, expert insights and networking opportunities designed to spark dialogue and new collaborations.

Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of USVs. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.

Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of UAVs. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.

Discover the latest innovations as more than 20 technology providers take the stage for a series of fast-paced 3-minute pitches. Each session offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of solutions in record time!

Whether you're looking for new partners or simply want a clear overview of what’s out there, these pitch sessions connect technology providers with a broad audience of potential customers. 

What happens when drone challenges are pushed to its limits? Ukraine’s experience on strengthening resilience of infrastructure against drone threats.

A ceremony to mark the transition towards DroneHorizon '27 and the Port of Hamburg Authority to close the day in style.

Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and technology providers. Exchange ideas, share impressions, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.

The Autonomous Summit opens with a high-level ceremony bringing together European and regional leadership. The session sets the political and strategic context for a full day of live demonstrations and cross-sector collaboration in an operational port environment.

Step into the exhibition area where live demonstrations bring technology to life. Explore innovations up close, meet the experts behind the solutions, and start networking with fellow participants in an open and interactive setting.

Livestreamed on the main stage — a look at how OTIV's assistance, remote operation, and autonomous driving technology is transforming rail operations.

Highlight demo — The launch of Inceptio's autonomous container truck.

Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Solutions, Volvo Autonomous Solutions, on Volvo's autonomous transport solutions for port and logistics environments.

This track dives into the deep tech powering port autonomy — from AI-driven connectivity and infrastructure resilience to autonomous rail and yard logistics. Hear directly from the researchers and industry leaders building the technology stack that makes tele-operated and autonomous port operations possible.

• From smart assets to smart coordination: port autonomy across the chain
• Always best connected: AI-enhanced connectivity for mission-critical operations
• Resilience in a maritime and port environment: infrastructure monitoring and safe, secure communication, supported by AI
• Rail: the autonomous backbone to the port
• Autonomous yard tractors: enabling the next generation of smart logistics

William Riggs, Professor & Academic Administrator in Urban Technology, Future Mobility & Sustainable Design, speaks on AV and Physical AI operations — covering charging, workforce, and economic development.

Livestreamed on the main stage - a look at MOVIAS's teleoperated technology in action.

Live demonstrations paired with keynotes from ongoing autonomous mobility projects.

Start-ups and scale-ups pitch their autonomous mobility innovations on the tech stage.

Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of USVs and drones. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.

China's Next Miracle: How China flips the innovation model

Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and technology providers. Exchange ideas, share impressions, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.