OWI-Lab Academy: Masterclass AI & Robotics
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
24 June | Ostend
What happens when AI, drones, autonomous vessels and humanoid robotics enter the world of offshore wind?
On 24 June 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.
Masterclass highlights
HOWEST Smart Tech Lab
Charlotte Larmuseau/Jens Krijgsman will bring a status update on AI and robots and will share some thoughts about future developments
World Class Maintenance (WMC) – Fieldlab Zephyros
will dive into the potential of humanoid robots in offshore wind operations
BLEEPID project showcase (UGent-imec)
Jonathan Sterckx will showcase how drones and AI are used to quantify erosion on offshore turbine blades in the BLEEPID project through 3D-imaging, including insights from real offshore field tests. Jonathan will also briefly present the AI solution that won the WindEurope “AI4Blades” challenge.
This program is still being finetuned, so more speakers are to be announced.
Exclusive site visits in the Port of Ostend
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
VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre – advanced marine robotic infrastructure and applications
GEOxyz – Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) and remote offshore wind operations
Practical information
📅 Date: 24 June 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
Program (subject to change)
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
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.
We hope to welcome many of you for a day full of offshore innovation, robotics, AI and inspiring discussions!
The OWI-Lab Academy & Offshore for Sure team
