WiE Lunch
2026-06-02 12:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Vienna) | VIECON – Restaurant D – Riesenrad Restaurant, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria
The RAS-WiE Lunch provides a vibrant platform to celebrate and empower women in robotics and automation. We will have two presentations from distinguished female speakers, sharing their experience as women researchers in robotics, followed by a moderated discussion promoting interaction between speakers and the audience.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to network. Luncheon will be served throughout the event, fostering an informal and welcoming atmosphere for dialogue and connection. This event is a unique opportunity to reflect on the impact of women in robotics, celebrate their contributions, and inspire future leaders.
The goal for this event is to be more than a lunch with women. All are encouraged to participate and enjoy the discussion.
There is NO CHARGE for this event, but space is limited. Register in advance!

Young Professionals Lunch
2026-06-02 12:30 - 14:00 | VIECON – Restaurant Melange, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria
Join us for a session on reproducibility in robotics, featuring two leading researchers tackling one of the field’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that systems work reliably beyond a single setup. Prof. Enric Cervera Mateu will follow with “It Works on My Machine—And Yours: Engineering Reproducibility in Robotics,” focusing on practical strategies, tools, and best practices to ensure that robotic systems can be reliably reproduced by others. Dr. Tobias Fischer will present “Beyond Containers: Cross-Platform Reproducibility for Robotics in the ML Era,” exploring how modern machine learning systems in robotics can be made robust and reproducible across different platforms and environments.
This session will provide valuable insights into building more open, reliable, and transferable robotics systems!
There is NO CHARGE for this event, but space is limited. Register in advance!

Plenary Session
2026-06-02 14:00 - 14:50, 2026-06-03 14:00 - 14:50 | VIECON – Hall A1
For information on the plenary sessions taking place at ICRA 2026, including the speakers, topics, and abstracts, please visit this page: https://2026.ieee-icra.org/program/plenary-sessions/

Panel 2 - Advancing Sustainability in Robotics: From Green Design to Real-World Impact
2026-06-02 15:00 - 16:30 | VIECON – Hall A1
Organizers

Bram Vanderborght, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and imec
Barbara Mazzolai, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Moderators and Speakers
Session 1 – Green Design (moderator: Bram Vanderborght)

Bram Vanderborght, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and imec
Ludovic Righetti, New York University
Balakrishnan Shankar, Amrita University’s
Sharath Chandra Akkaladevi, Profactor GmbH

Session 2 – Real-World Impact (moderator: Aude Billard)

Barbara Mazzolai, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Cecilia Laschi, National University of Singapore
Mirko Kovac, EPFL and Empa
Stefana Parascho, EPFL

Description:
The growing environmental impact of technological development, together with increasing resource scarcity and energy demands, makes sustainable design in robotics both necessary and urgent. As robots become more widespread across industries, natural environments, and everyday life, their lifecycle—from material extraction to manufacturing, operation, and disposal—raises critical concerns. Tackling these issues is essential to ensure that the advancements of robotics aligns with global sustainability goals. To this end, two complementary perspectives must be integrated: sustainable design, which reduces environmental impact through recyclable or biodegradable materials, energy-efficient systems, and greener production processes; and robotic solutions for sustainability challenges, where robots contribute to environmental, social, and economic domains such as ecosystem monitoring, disaster response, and precision agriculture. This dual approach underscores the role of robotics not only as a technological field but also as a key enabler of sustainable development.
This panel offers a platform to explore current trends for sustainability in robotics, bringing together academic research and applications. It will highlight ongoing initiatives and strategies aimed at advancing more sustainable practices, including circular design principles, energy optimization, responsible resource use and transparent lifecycle assessment methods. The discussion will also look ahead to future perspectives, identifying emerging trends, open challenges, and opportunities for innovation toward measurable and comparable sustainability performance in robotics.

Keynote Tutorial 2 - The Open Motion Planning Library (OMPL 2.0)
2026-06-02 15:00 - 16:30 | VIECON – Strauss 1-2
For information on the keynote tutorial sessions taking place at ICRA 2026, including the speakers, topics, and abstracts, please visit this page: https://2026.ieee-icra.org/attend/keynote-tutorials/

Interactive Session 2 (TuI2I & TuI2LB)
2026-06-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Hall C – Interactives (Poster Area)
Session Content (TuI2I & TuI2LB)

Afternoon Coffee Break
2026-06-02 16:30 - 16:45 | VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria
Enjoy coffee, tea and pastries during the coffee breaks.
However, coffee and tea are available permanently on all days between 10:00-17:00 (TUE-THU).
Please note that no extra drinking water will be offered. The Viennese tab water comes directly from the mountains and is absolutely safe to drink.
Please use one the ICRA Water Bottles (sponsored by NOKOV Motion Captures) or bring your own bottle!
You can refill them either at the NOKOV Water Fountain in Hall A or in one of the bathrooms.
Please help us to reduce plastic waste by using your own water bottle throughout the congress. Thank you.

Regular Sessions (Orals) - TuBT2, TuBT3, TuBT4
2026-06-02 16:45 - 18:15 | VIECON – Hall A3, Lehar 1-4, Strauss 1-2 – see description
Regular Session (TuBT2) – Hall A3: Control and Optimization
Regular Session (TuBT3) – Lehar 1-4: Manipulation and Locomotion
Regular Session (TuBT4) – Strauss 1-2: Multi-Robot Systems

Keynote 2 - Medical & Healthcare Robotics
2026-06-02 16:45 - 18:15 | VIECON – Hall A1
For information on the keynote sessions taking place at ICRA 2026, including the speakers, topics, and abstracts, please visit this page: https://2026.ieee-icra.org/program/keynote-sessions/

Award Session (TuBT1)
2026-06-02 16:45 - 18:15 | VIECON – Hall A2
Award Finalists 2 (TuBT1): Award Finalists 2
See also further details being listed here.

RAS Town Hall
2026-06-02 18:15 - 19:15 | VIECON – Hall A3
Calling all Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) members, and those interested in learning more about RAS! The RAS leaders want to connect with you at the upcoming RAS Town Hall. They will be present to discuss current initiatives and future programs, and to hear your voice on the priorities of RAS and our community.
All in-person attendees of the Town Hall will be provided with a small RAS gift.

SAC and Young Reviewers Program (YRP) Social Hour
2026-06-02 19:15 - 20:30 | VIECON – Restaurant D (Riesenrad)
The Student Activities Committee (SAC) and Young Reviewers Program (YRP) have joined forces to create a memorable event to connect the community and to address some of the common questions that students have about the peer-review process.
These questions include:

What are the guidelines and the template for writing a perfect review?
How can AI tools be used responsibly in the peer-review process?
How do conference or journal review policies work, including double-anonymous reviewing?

If you are interested in learning more about these topics, then the SAC and YRP Social Hour is the perfect event for you!
The Young Reviewers Program (YRP) is designed to help RAS members learn about the best practices in peer review. This event is designed as an informal opportunity to learn more about RAS’s review process, discuss current challenges in peer review, and share practical guidelines for writing effective reviews, including emerging topics such as the role of AI in reviewing workflows.
Additional time will be available for students to get to know each other and network, making it easier to engage in thoughtful conversations on the future of robotics and automation during the remainder of the conference.
There is NO CHARGE for this event, but space is limited. Register in advance!

Registration Open
2026-06-03 08:00 - 18:00 | VIECON – Foyer A

Panel 3 - Building Sustainable and Trustworthy AI for Automation
2026-06-03 09:00 - 10:30 | VIECON – Hall A1
Moderator:
Maria Pia Fanti, Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy
Bengt Lennartson, Chalmers University, Sweden

Participants/Speakers:
Aude Billard, EPFL STI IMT LASA, Swisse
Title: Should we start listing domains where not to deploy automation?
Ken Goldberg, University of California Berkeley, USA
Title: Building Sustainable and Trustworthy AI for Sorting 100 Million E-Commerce Packages.
Andra Keay, Silicon Valley Robotics, USA
Title: Five levels of sustainability for robotics: a conceptual framework
Birgit Vogel-Heuser, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Title: Using Design and operation knowledge to increase trustworthiness of AI in Automation

Description:
As AI-driven automation rapidly transforms industries, questions of sustainability and trust have moved to the forefront. How can we ensure that automated systems are not only efficient and innovative, but also environmentally responsible, transparent, fair, and accountable?
This panel brings together experts from industry, research, and policy to explore how Sustainable and Trustworthy AI can be designed, deployed, and governed in real-world automation contexts. Panelists will discuss practical strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of AI systems, address bias and reliability in automated decision-making, and build user and public trust through transparency and oversight.
Through real-world examples and cross-sector perspectives, the session will highlight current challenges, emerging standards, and actionable best practices. Attendees will gain insights into how organizations can balance performance, responsibility, and long-term impact as they scale AI-powered automation.
This panel is designed for a diverse audience interested in the development and use of AI in automation, including practitioners and decision-makers working in AI, automation, manufacturing, robotics, IT, and related sectors who want to implement AI systems that are efficient, responsible, and aligned with sustainability goals; faculty and lecturers in AI exploring the theoretical and societal implications of AI-driven automation; and researchers and PhD students investigating trustworthy AI, green AI, human-centered automation, and governance frameworks who are looking to exchange ideas and learn about real-world challenges.

Industry Keynote Session 1
2026-06-03 09:00 - 10:30 | VIECON – Strauss 1-2
9:00 EIT Manufacturing, Dominik Kerschat: Automating Documentation Artifacts in Safety Critical Processes
9:10 Beckhoff Automation Gmbh, Thomas Morscher-Unger: ATRO – The future of robotics is modular
9:20 Franka Robotics, Sven Parusel: Translating Innovation: Closing the Gap in Physical AI Deployment
9:30 Amazon, Aaron Parness: Amazon’s Robotic Manipulation
9:40 Infineon Technologies AG, Maurizio Incurvati: The road towards a new era of actuators for humanoids
9:50 Robosense, Xiansheng Yang: Breaking Boundaries in 3D Perception, Empowering Spatial Intelligence
9:55 PaXini Tech, Li Jiale: Build a Bridge Between AI Intelligence and the Physical World
10:00 Galbot, He Wang: Towards the AlphaGo and ChatGPT Moments of Embodied AI
10:10 Encord, Alejandra Gutierrez: What Data Makes Robots Work?
10:20 Flexiv Robotics, Shuyun Chung: Bridging the Last Millimeter in Contact‑Rich Manipulation

Interactive Session 3 (WeI1I & WeI1LB)
2026-06-03 09:00 - 10:30 | Hall C – Interactives (Poster Area)
Session Content (WeI1I & WeI1LB

Tech Talk Stage
2026-06-03 09:00 - 17:00 | VIECON – Hall C7
ICRA 2026 Tech Talk Stage Schedule
Join us on the Tech Talk Stage in the Hall C7 – next to the Exhibition Hall to bridge the gap between industry and academia with our rapid-fire Tech Talks. In just 12 minutes, companies dive into today’s technical challenges and the solutions they’ve built. These sessions serve as the perfect industry complement to academic posters and presentations.
Whether you are seeking your next career move or are curious about the technology shaping our world, come see the state of the art in action. Afterward, you can find every speaker at their respective booths on the exhibition floor in Hall B, making them easily accessible for further discussion and networking.

Innovation Stage
2026-06-03 09:00 - 17:30 | VIECON – Hall C6
ICRA 2026 Innovation Stage Schedule
The Industrial Activities Board (IAB) is introducing the Innovation Stage as a dedicated space for budding robotics entrepreneurs and those interested in ecosystem building and partnerships. They will showcase short talks from the Startup exhibitors, as well as seasoned experts.
If you are facing start up challenges, such as preparing to manufacture for the first time or finding the right robotics companies to partner with. Then this is a place to be.
Join us in Hall C6 (next to the Exhibition Hall) to gain actionable advice on avoiding common pitfalls and find inspiration in the lived experiences of those who have successfully navigated the struggles of entrepreneurship.

Exhibition Hall Open
2026-06-03 09:00 - 18:00 | VIECON – Hall B, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria

Competition Area Open
2026-06-03 09:00 - 18:00 | VIECON – Hall B, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria
You can find all related information, descriptions, competition websites and schedules here: https://2026.ieee-icra.org/program/competitions/

Arts in Robotics
2026-06-03 09:00 - 18:00 | Hall C – Arts in Robotics Area
Come by and enjoy the Arts in Robotics Area (incl. Hall C3) during TUE, WED, and THU..

Morning Coffee Break
2026-06-03 10:30 - 11:00 | VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center, Messeplatz 1, Vienna, 1020, Austria
Enjoy coffee, tea and pastries during the coffee breaks.
However, coffee and tea are available permanently on all days between 10:00-16:00 (MON, FRI) and 10:00-17:00 (TUE-THU).
Please note that no extra drinking water will be offered. The Viennese tab water comes directly from the mountains and is absolutely safe to drink.
Please use one the ICRA Water Bottles (sponsored by NOKOV Motion Captures) or bring your own bottle!
You can refill them either at the NOKOV Water Fountain in Hall A or in one of the bathrooms.
Please help us to reduce plastic waste by using your own water bottle throughout the congress. Thank you.

Regular Sessions (Orals) - WeAT2, WeAT3, WeAT4
2026-06-03 11:00 - 12:30 | VIECON – Hall A3, Lehar 1-4, Strauss 1-2 – see description
Regular Session (WeAT2) – Hall A3: Medical Robotics I
Regular Session (WeAT3) – Lehar 1-4: Robot Perception I
Regular Session (WEAT4) – Strauss 1-2: Field and Service Robotics

Keynote 3 - Robot Perception & Spatial AI
2026-06-03 11:00 - 12:30 | VIECON – Hall A1

Award Session (WeAT1)
2026-06-03 11:00 - 12:30 | VIECON – Hall A2
Award Finalists 3 (TuAT1): Award Finalists 3
See also further details being listed here.

Lunch with Leaders
2026-06-03 12:30 - 14:00 | VIECON – Restaurant D (Riesenrad)
As a student or young professional attendee, you will meet and interact with distinguished RAS leaders from academia and industry. The event will feature informal roundtable discussions over lunch, which allows participants to receive career advice, gain insight into the future, or simply engage in general conversation to get to know pioneers in the field.
Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your networking experience and make meaningful connections with figures in the world of robotics and automation.
There is no charge for this luncheon; however, space is limited. Register in advance!
Link to Student Registration

Follow the SAC on social media!
Instagram: @ieee_ras_sac
Bluesky: IEEE RAS SAC at ieee-ras-sac.bsky.social
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ieee-ras-sac

Science Communication Crash Course
2026-06-03 13:00 - 14:00 | VIECON – Hall C5
Presenters:
Sabine Hauert (University of Bristol and Robohub)
Ella Scallan (Robohub)
Evan Ackerman (IEEE Spectrum)
Kohava Mendelsohn (IEEE Spectrum)
Interested in sharing your robotics research with a broader audience?
Effective science communication is crucial. It bridges the gap between complex robotics concepts and diverse groups, including policymakers, business leaders, and the general public. As a researcher, honing this skill can not only improve your communication but also broaden your network and amplify the impact of your work.
In this concise tutorial, top science communicators in robotics and AI will guide you on how to present your research clearly and succinctly to non-specialists. You’ll discover how to steer clear of hype, select appropriate images and videos to showcase your work, and get started with social media. We’ll conclude with tips from mainstream media on how to reach a wider audience with your story.

Panel 4 - Publish or Perish: Surviving the Paper Deluge - Is AI the solution? If not, what is the Solution?
2026-06-03 15:00 - 16:30 | VIECON – Hall A1
Moderator
Aude Billard, EPFL

Panelists/Speakers
Renaud Detry, KU Leuven
Greg Dudek, McGill University
Nadia Figueroa, Univ. Pennsylvania
Dongheui Lee, TUM
Shigeki Sugano, Waseda University
Kunpeng Yao, University of Leeds

Description:

As the robotics community faces an unprecedented acceleration in publication volume, staying at the forefront of research has become a monumental challenge. As an example, in 2025 alone, IEEE published more than 50 thousands on robotics and automation, and IEEE publications represent only a fraction of the total research available online. Reading even one subfield fully can take weeks of full-time work. That leaves little room to explore beyond one’s specialty, even though major breakthroughs often come from cross-disciplinary idea.
To make things worse, the vast majority of researchers search for papers using Google Scholar, IEEEXplore, or simply via Google, arXiv, and social media. All these search methods put on par papers published in any venue, irrespective of the venue quality, and including papers that have not undergone a peer-review process. Important contributions are hence more and more likely to go unnoticed. It has also become harder for young researchers to grasp the literature, increasing the risk of revisiting already solved problems.
This panel will debate how to address this issue. The panelists will present different solutions, ranging from reducing the volume of publications and modifying paper formats to emphasize novelty and significance, to developing new search engines that rank papers according to the quality of the journal or conference, or based on peer-review evaluation scores. Others will discuss the role that LLMs and other AI tools can play in reviewing the literature, and present a case study comparing human versus LLM-generated review of the Learning from demonstration literature. The audience will be invited to participate in the debate through live polling and rank your question tool.

Keynote Tutorial 3 - Building, Running and Deploying Modern Software Tools for Robotics
2026-06-03 15:00 - 16:30 | VIECON – Strauss 1-2
