Masterclass & Site visits | AI and robotics

On 12 October 2026, the OWI-Lab Academy and the Offshore For Sure project invite you to an exciting and interactive masterclass exploring how AI and robotics are reshaping offshore asset management.

From autonomous inspections and predictive maintenance to advanced robotics in offshore O&M, this masterclass will showcase cutting-edge technologies that are rapidly becoming part of the offshore industry reality.

And yes, there will be 'robots'. 🤖

Why join?

This is not just a lecture day. You will hear directly from researchers and innovators actively testing and deploying these technologies in offshore environments, discuss future challenges and opportunities, and visit companies and facilities working on real-world robotic offshore applications.

Program

• 09:30 – 10:00 | Welcome & coffee

• 10:00 – 12:00 | Masterclass session 1

• 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch & networking

• 13:00 – 15:00 | Masterclass session 2

• 15:00 – 17:00 | Site visits in the Port of Ostend

We are finetuning our program and will be announcing our speakers and sessions soon.

Site visits

In the afternoon, we will visit several innovative organisations active in offshore robotics and autonomous systems:

• C-Spect – inspection and monitoring technologies for offshore assets (confirmed)

• VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre – advanced marine robotic infrastructure and applications (TBC)

• GEOxyz – Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) and remote offshore wind operations (TBC)

Practical information

📅 Date: 12 October 2026

📍 Location: InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende

🚋 Easy to reach from Ostend railway station by coastal tram

☕ Coffee breaks and sandwich lunch included

🚌 Bus transport for site visits included

Who can participate?

Participation is completely free for OWI-Lab Academy researchers.If you work at a Belgian knowledge institute and are active in offshore wind research, you are warmly welcome to join.

Registration

Registrations will open soon