DLR at SMM 2026 – innovations for a safe and future-proof maritime world
September 1, 2026 | From space to the depths of the sea
DLR at SMM 2026 – innovations for a safe and future-proof maritime world
DLR stand at SMM 2026
At the DLR stand, visitors can find out about maritime topics in the fields of propulsion technologies, robotics, navigation, satellite remote sensing and security.
Robotic systems are set to take over dangerous underwater work in the future, making the clearance of legacy munitions significantly more efficient
This also involves technologies for the remote control of robots, developed by DLR for astronaut operations on the International Space Station ISS; shown here in a demo in the aquarium.
At SMM 2026, DLR is presenting new solutions for safe, resilient and sustainable shipping.
The focus is on the new MODULARIS research platform, alongside systems and methods for reliable navigation in the event of disrupted or manipulated satellite signals.
Robotics, satellite remote sensing and new situational awareness tools help increase safety on and under water.
Focus: Transport, security, maritime research
How can ships navigate safely even when satellite signals are disrupted? How can hazardous underwater work be carried out from a safe distance? And how can new developments be tested more quickly at sea? The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is presenting answers to these questions from 1 to 4 September 2026 at the Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology (SMM) trade fair in Hamburg. DLR can be found in Hall B6, Stand 234.
MODULARIS – research directly at sea
DLR is currently developing MODULARIS, a new seagoing research platform. The vessel will serve as a floating laboratory for testing new energy and propulsion systems, navigation and communication technology, as well as automated applications under real-world conditions.
Its modular design allows different systems to be flexibly integrated and exchanged. The project has made significant progress since the last SMM: construction began in early 2026, followed by the keel-laying in May. At SMM, DLR is providing an update on the platform's current status and its future applications.
Thanks to its modular design, different systems can be flexibly integrated into and exchanged within MODULARIS.
Animation: The MODULARIS seagoing technology platform
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Animation: The MODULARIS seagoing technology platform
Thanks to its modular design, different systems can be flexibly integrated into and exchanged within MODULARIS.
Existing vessels can also be retrofitted with modern autonomous functions. With the Navibox, DLR is showcasing a modular solution that enables automated navigation, collision avoidance and remote control, among other capabilities. A central control station can also be used to monitor and coordinate several autonomous vessels and deploy them for joint tasks – for example, for port operations or monitoring critical infrastructure.
Reliable navigation despite interference
Shipping relies heavily on satellite navigation. However, these signals can be disrupted or manipulated. With 'jamming', reception is impaired; with 'spoofing', false signals can simulate an incorrect position.
A key component of resilient navigation is R-Mode (Ranging Mode). This terrestrial method adds a navigation function to existing maritime radio infrastructure, allowing ships to determine their position independently of satellite signals. At SMM, DLR is demonstrating two applications for this. The first compares the position determined via medium-wave radio stations with the satellite-based position. This allows deviations to be detected, providing an indication of the reliability of the current position data. The second application uses maritime radio signals in the very-high-frequency range. DLR will showcase how these signals can be processed in real time and integrated directly into the ship's onboard navigation system.
Robotics and situational pictures for greater safety
Legacy munitions in the North Sea and Baltic Sea pose a danger to people, the environment and infrastructure. DLR is presenting a robotic demonstrator that can be controlled from a safe distance. Using a haptic input device, the operator can feel forces and resistance, enabling sensitive underwater work to be carried out with precision.
Further exhibits show how activity on and beneath the water's surface can be better monitored. These include virtual situational awareness, methods for detecting underwater objects and the analysis of satellite observation data, such as radar and optical imagery. Among other things, the information gathered can help monitor ship traffic and environmental conditions, and better protect critical infrastructure.
Solutions for tomorrow's shipping industry
The exhibits demonstrate the breadth of DLR's research – from energy and propulsion, through navigation and robotics, to satellite-based remote sensing and security. The aim is to test new developments in practical, real-world settings and bring them into application more quickly, working with collaborators from industry, government and research. In doing so, DLR is contributing to a resilient maritime infrastructure in Europe and to Germany's competitiveness as a research and industry location.
MODULARIS is a seagoing technology platform that, once complete, will be used to test and further develop new energy, navigation and communication systems under real-world conditions. This talk offers insights into the platform's special features and the technology planned for use on board.
2 September: Robotic teleoperation for the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) at sea
DLR is developing methods for the remote-controlled location and recovery of legacy munitions at sea. This talk will present a system that allows the gripper arm of an underwater vehicle to be operated from a remote control centre. Haptic feedback enables precise work to be carried out from a safe distance.
3 September: Ranging Mode (R-Mode) – a robust backup solution for global satellite navigation (GNSS) disruptions
R-Mode enables position determination independent of satellite signals, using existing maritime radio infrastructure. This includes Automatic Identification System (AIS) radio stations, which transmit ship and position data, as well as medium-wave transmitters. This talk covers the current state of development and the method's capabilities.
Contact
Jana Hoidis
Corporate Communications Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, Oldenburg, Geesthacht, Kiel
