Upcoming Events:23 March 2026 - 27 March 2026
Location:
The Frontier of Innovation: ERF2026 Heads to Norway
The European Robotics Forum (ERF2026) is set to descend upon the windswept, high-tech hub of Stavanger, Norway, from 23 to 27 March 2026. Taking over the Stavanger Forum, this isn’t just another industry gathering; it’s the pivotal meeting of minds for those shaping the future of automation.
This year’s theme, “Robotics for the blue economy and growth in space,” strikes at the heart of the next industrial revolution. It explores the fascinating nexus where deep-sea exploration meets orbital ambition. With Norway’s undisputed pedigree in offshore energy, maritime engineering, and burgeoning space tech, Stavanger provides the perfect backdrop for a deep dive into how robotics will conquer these final frontiers.
Widely regarded as the most influential summit for the European robotics and AI community, the ERF is where the magic happens. It’s a melting pot for over 1,000 elite engineers, academics, venture capitalists, and policymakers. With more than 120 workshop proposals already on the table, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the most ambitious and comprehensive gathering in the event’s history.
The forum is a flagship initiative of euRobotics, delivered in partnership with local heavyweights NORCE and SINTEF. It’s designed to bridge the gap between “technology push” and “market pull,” accelerating the journey from lab-bench prototype to real-world disruption.
The Visionaries: Featured Speakers
ERF2026 has assembled a formidable roster of industry titans and research pioneers:
- Alexandra Bech Gjørv – President and CEO, SINTEF
- Bernd Liepert – President, euRobotics
- Camilla Stoltenberg – CEO, NORCE Research
- Francesco Ferro – CEO & Co-founder, PAL Robotics
- Gabor Sziebig – Research Manager, SINTEF Industry
- Hedi Karray – Programme Manager for AI, European Innovation Council
- Stine Vemmestad Vatneberg – VP Facilities & Operations Technology, Equinor
The Roadmap
Monday, 23 March 2026
- Exclusive lab tours and industrial site visits
- The euRobotics General Assembly
- VIP reception and the annual members’ dinner
Tuesday–Thursday, 24–26 March 2026
- A marathon of over 120 workshops across dedicated industrial and scientific tracks
- A sprawling exhibition hall featuring the world’s leading robotics firms
- Further lab tours and site visits (26 March)
- Charity fun run and the official welcome reception (Evening of 24 March)
- The prestigious awards ceremony and gala banquet (Evening of 25 March)
Friday, 27 March 2026
- Final lab tours and site visits
- Closing remarks and networking wrap-up
The Accolades: ERF2026 Awards
The forum will once again celebrate excellence with several of the industry’s most coveted prizes:
- Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award (Deadline: 21 January 2026)
- Tech Transfer Award (Deadline: 23 January 2026)
- Georges Giralt PhD Award – Celebrating the brightest new minds in the field
- Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics (Deadline: 8 February 2026)
Secure Your Spot
Early bird registration is officially open! To bag your place at the heart of European innovation, head over to the official event website.
Opportunities for sponsorship and exhibition space are currently available for those looking to put their tech centre-stage. If you’re looking to get involved behind the scenes, volunteer applications remain open until 30 January 2026.
