Challenge

Preparations for a flight test
The Challenge will give you the opportunity to solve real-world challenges in civilian security research.

Develop solutions for real-world security challenges. The Drone Challenge Brunswick is a three-day competition in which interdisciplinary teams tackle practical challenges and develop innovative concepts and prototypes for applications in civil protection.

The competition centers on a series of real-world challenges inspired by civilian security research. The focus extends beyond drones themselves to include the technologies that enable and support their operation in both aerial and ground-based environments.

Date: XYZ 2027, XX:00 a.m. – XX:00 p.m.

Location: DLR Braunschweig, Building XY, Room XY

Challenge Tasks

At the Drone Challenge Brunswick 2027, teams will tackle the task of detecting "hazardous objects" in a realistic operational scenario. Their objective is to identify a designated object within the DLR Drone Cage and transmit the relevant information to emergency responders. The challenge takes place in a realistic environment with predefined requirements for automation, sensing, and communication. Teams will develop innovative technical solutions using advanced drone and information systems.

The detailed competition task will be unveiled on 5 November 2026 during the symposium.

Topics

The Challenge is intenionally designed as an interdisciplinary competion, covering a broad range of topics in the field of unmanned aviation. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Drone Technology
  • Flight Guidance
  • Sensor Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Situational Awareness Systems
  • Software Development
  • Data Analytics
  • Robotics
  • Ground and Maritime Systems
The flight trials will take place in a realistic test environment.

Participation Requirements for the Challenge

Teams of up to five members are eligible to participate.

Requirements

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • At least half of the team members must be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program at a German university.
  • Students and start-ups are welcome to form joint teams.
  • Participation is free of charge.

The number of available places is limited.

Registration for the challenge will open once the rules have been published, i.e. from 5 November 2026 at the earliest.

Further information, including details on potential funding for travel, accommodation, and material expenses, will be announced together with the publication of the competition rules on 5 November 2026.