SKYLAB drone competence center
Research, training and transfer for UAS
Development, sensor technology, data, training and cooperation
From the idea to the application
SKYLAB bundles the drone activities of HAW Kiel. Development and operation, sensor technology and data evaluation, pilot training and regulatory issues. As a central point of contact for cooperation, we network industry, science and security organizations. We bring together existing expertise in specific projects and transfer knowledge into studies and practice.
Flying for research.
SKYLAB is the drone competence center of HAW Kiel. We develop prototypes, integrate sensor technology, evaluate data and provide training. We bring together partners from industry, research and security authorities. From offshore inspections to medical logistics: we combine practical benefits with scientific innovation.
Work area: Drone construction (development and prototyping)
We develop modular lightweight drones - simulation-based, with virtual prototypes, software generation and additive Manufacture (CFRP and fiber composites). Our focus is on range, energy efficiency and rapid adaptation to practical requirements. We offer technical briefing, laboratory tours and cooperation.
Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Immel, Professor of Mechatronic Design, Institute of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Phone +49 431 210-2562, e-mail jochen.immel@haw-kiel.de, Room C12-3.31, Grenzstraße 3, 24149 Kiel.
Work area: Sensors and data
Our strength lies in the areas of payload design for RGB/multi/hyperspectral, LiDAR, GNSS/RTK, gas and thermal sensors. Our focus is on robust integration and calibration pipelines for industrial, agricultural and BOS applications. Our focus on Control Technology, simulation, digital twins, AI-supported segmentation and change detection. We offer assistance with data acquisition, pre-processing, modelling, analysis/visualization (edge & cloud).
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Christopher Kühn - Professor of General Buisness Administration and Management in the Context of Digitalization, Department of Business, Tel. +49 431 210-3540, christopher.kuehn@haw-kiel.de, Sokratesplatz 2, 24149 Kiel
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Lebert - Professor of Control Technology & Modeling, Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Tel. +49 431 210-2560, e-mail klaus.lebert@haw-kiel.de, Room C12-3.27, Grenzstraße 3, 24149 Kiel.
Work area: Education (license, training, safety)
At our Drone Academy, future specialists acquire the practical, legal and technical skills required for successful flight missions. To this end, we impart knowledge and qualifications based on existing standards with module and certificate offerings, for example EU UAS skills, safety management (operations manual, SORA risk analysis), legal basics such as insurance, flight licenses, driving licenses and campus flight ops. Offers are planned for students in the areas of basic course A1/A3, SORA workshop and examination coaching. The findings and results will be incorporated into interdisciplinary modules, degree courses and further education.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Boris Pawlowski - Chair of Public Relations (Digital Communication), Department of Media, Tel. +49 431 210-4532, e-mail boris.pawlowski@haw-kiel.de, Room C12-2.21, Grenzstraße 3, 24149 Kiel.
Transfer, cooperation, acceptance research
SKYLAB positions HAW Kiel as a point of contact for industrial use cases (e.g. offshore, logistics, construction, agriculture, energy) and authorities (fire department, police, THW, Bundeswehr). The goals of the platform are joint projects, research applications, field tests on campus properties and in cooperation with the Nordfriesland drone hub in Leck, fast routes to filming/flight permits and insurance clarification. A regular trade fair on drone technology is planned in Kiel (ABOVE). The conditions and requirements for general acceptance of UAM in airspace will also be investigated.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Boris Pawlowski - Chair of Public Relations (Digital Communication), Department of Media, Tel. +49 431 210-4532, e-mail boris.pawlowski@haw-kiel.de, Room C12-2.21, Grenzstraße 3, 24149 Kiel.
Request projects and use cases
Do you have an idea for a drone project and are looking for a partner? Then write to us.
Links on the subject of UAM
News and drone blogs
Blogs:
Drone Magazine: https://www.drones-magazin.de
Drone blog: https://www.droneblog.com
Drone blog: https://drohnen-programm.de
Federal Association of Copter Pilots: https://bvcp.de
Reports and tests:
Dates
Founding meeting of the Drone Competence Center: November 18, 2025, HAW Kiel
#Drohnerstag: Cluster UAM-InnoRegion-SH, North Frisia/Schleswig-Holstein, regularly, online. This regular format of the Schleswig-Holstein drone initiative highlights the concrete plans and technologies of delivery drones in this edition. The event is open to the public, free of charge and is aimed at interested parties and experts from the region. More information at: www.uam-innoregion-sh.de
9th North German Aviation Forum: February 19, 2026, Hamburg, forum for decision-makers from politics and Buisness on the strategic direction of aviation in the north.
More information at: www.hamburg-aviation.de/veranstaltung
70th Hamburg Aviation Forum : March 19, 2026, Hamburg, topic: "New perspectives over the City - Urban Air Mobility in Hamburg". The 70th Hamburg Aviation Forum will discuss the City of Hamburg's UAM strategy. More information at https://www.hamburg-aviation.de/veranstaltungen/detail/70-hamburg-aviation-forum/
5th Autonomous Mobility & Law Summit 2026: April 14-15, 2026, Hamburg Messe und Congress, conference on the legal and regulatory framework for autonomous means of transportation on water, on land and in the air. More information at: www.hamburg-messe.com
Drone Days 2026: August 26 to 28, 2026, Bremen Airport (Bremenhalle) and Oldenburg-Hatten airfield / UAS German Flight Center. UAM trade fair. The Drone Days stand for the exchange between companies, research, administration and politics - with a clear focus on practical applications, technological developments and the further development of UAS and AAM structures. More information at: https://brm.de/drone-days