Xpotential in Düsseldorf brought together pioneering technologies and innovative solutions from the fields of drone technology, autonomous systems, sensor technology, robotics and digital infrastructures at a single trade fair – a symbiosis that reflects the pulse of the times and paves the way to a safer, more efficient and more connected future. In its special exhibition highlights section, the exhibition presented an impressive range of products and concepts, from security technologies to autonomous aerial vehicles and smart network solutions. The following provides a comprehensive insight into the core topics and technological trends that define Xpotential as a showcase for innovation.

Innovation and future visions – A review of Xpotential in Düsseldorf

Xpotential in Düsseldorf impressively demonstrated how companies are shaping the future of security and automation technology. ACAL BFI set a clear example for precision, analysis and the integration of robust systems with its ‘security technologies of tomorrow’. Aerotate also impressed with efficient solutions that not only optimise existing processes but also enable completely new application scenarios.

Drone technology and autonomous systems in focus

One of the main highlights of the trade fair was drone technology, which impressed with numerous innovations. AIR6 SYSTEMS and AIRBORNE ROBOTICS presented an outlook on developments up to 2025, while ALLTRON contributed to increased efficiency and security with smart video surveillance. The long-range drone ‘DB UAS’ from Airial UAS, which was specially designed for the rail sector and already marked an important milestone at InnoTrans 2024, received a great deal of attention.

AIRlabs Austria underscored the importance of drone testing and pilot training in an extensive infrastructure network. The state-of-the-art quadrocopter platform Stribog, based on the DroneCore architecture and the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX, demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of open systems for industrial inspections and autonomous research projects.

Networked security and communication solutions

The trade fair clearly showed that the increasing complexity of modern operational scenarios requires integrated security concepts and robust communication networks. MFA-Tech highlighted the strategic advantages of private wireless networks in the port industry, which enable the optimisation of logistics, a reduction in downtime and an improvement in occupational safety.

Alpha Robotics Germany and Avionic-design.de presented technological solutions that combine interdisciplinary expertise from IT, robotics and autonomous vehicle technology. The portable remote ID receiver Dronetag RIDER helped to increase transparency in the airspace and thus increased safety when operating unmanned systems.

Integration in critical infrastructures and specialised applications

Specialised applications in critical infrastructures were also in focus. Avilus and Avy presented innovative concepts for dual-use drones as well as a revolutionary VTOL solution for MedEvac, logistics and ISR.

Benewake demonstrated the possibilities of high-precision distance measurements, level detections and material flow monitoring in autonomous vehicles and robots using advanced sensor technologies. Cambridge Sensoriis impressed with innovative collision avoidance and interception systems, which are indispensable in complex airspaces. Exabotix presented its ‘DRONEPORT’, a fully autonomous drone-in-a-box solution that overcomes the challenges of inspecting critical infrastructure.

Robotics and automated control

In addition to unmanned aerial systems, robotics also came to the fore. ALISYS ROBOTICS presented the VISION 60 Q-UGV, an ultra-modern autonomous walking robot for a wide range of applications. C-ASTRAL Aerospace showed how the integration of C³P software enables efficient control of UAS flights and contributes to the seamless connection of hardware and software.

The ELP-Disruptor Integration Spot X-DiS, which expands the Spot walking robot from Boston Dynamics with defusing-specific accessories and thus highlights the versatile application possibilities of modern robotics systems – from bomb defusing to inspection tasks – received particular attention.

Global cooperation and strategic partnerships

Xpotential served as a platform for international cooperation. COBRA International used the show to deepen strategic partnerships and develop innovative UAV components. Flying Objects Technologies and uAvionix highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation with advanced IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) solutions for the European market.

Oesía and Primoco UAV SE set new standards in the area of teaming and swarm capabilities, which will significantly increase the operational efficiency and flexibility of unmanned systems in the future. Such collaborations are essential to establish global standards and promote the exchange of know-how across industry and national borders.

Pioneering applications and system integration

The exhibition impressively demonstrated that the future of unmanned systems lies in holistic system integration. Holywaytec presented how hardware, network and cloud merge in an integrated low-altitude system to enable 24/7 automation and significant cost savings.

HHLA presented its Integrated Control Center platform, showing how the digitalisation of airspace improves both efficiency and safety in U-Space. Lemvos set new standards for offshore and coastal operations with the LM450 UPS, while LightWares perfected autonomous landings in Drone-in-a-Box systems by integrating microLiDAR® sensors. Vodafone highlighted the transformation of drone technology from a pure hobby to an indispensable tool for businesses – a paradigm shift that is also having an impact on the areas of security, sustainability and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Xpotential in Düsseldorf presented a diverse range of cutting-edge technologies and impressively demonstrated the innovative strength of the participating companies. From precise sensor solutions to autonomous drones and robotic systems to integrated network solutions, the trade fair showed how technological advances and interdisciplinary cooperation lead to robust, flexible and future-proof applications.

For visitors and trade visitors, the exhibition not only offered exciting insights into developments in the coming years, but also a valuable platform for making contacts and setting the course for a digital and automated future. Xpotential has thus set new standards in the networking of technologies and illustrates how dynamically the market for unmanned systems and autonomous solutions is positioned.