Essential robotics conferences for 2024-2025: explore innovation and networking

As the robotics and automation landscape continues to evolve, the upcoming 2024-2025 season offers numerous conferences and events designed to bring together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. Spanning the globe from Tokyo to Bristol, these gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for networking, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and engaging in high-level discussions on the future of robotics. Whether you are interested in healthcare robotics, industrial automation, or the latest advancements in AI, these events are essential for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of the industry. Many of the conferences are hybrid, offering online tickets for those who want to access talks and workshops without travelling.

Japan Robot Week (online 11-27 September, in-person 18-20 September 2024)

Japan Robot Week – Tokyo, Japan
Japan Robot Week 2024, held every two years since 2012, focuses on manufacturing and service industry robots, with an emphasis on collaborative robots and system integrators. The event promotes active business discussions and technology exchanges under the theme “Towards a society where people and robots coexist.” It aligns with Japan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Economy’s mission to create robot-friendly environments. There’s an in-person expo in Tokyo from 18-20 September and a free online event will take place from 11-27 September.

International Robot Safety Conference (1-3 October 2024)

International Robot Safety Conference – Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
The International Robot Safety Conference 2024, organised by the Association for Advancing Automation, focuses on the critical aspects of robot safety in the rapidly expanding field of robotics. It offers expert insights into the latest safety standards, including updates to ISO 10218, mobile robot safety, and industrial cybersecurity. The event features more than 40 safety professionals, an exhibitor hall with leading safety companies, and aims to enhance attendees’ understanding of risk assessment and safe deployment of robotic systems in various industries.

Engineering Design Show (9-10 October 2024)

Engineering Design Show – Coventry, UK
The Engineering Design Show (EDS) “showcases the best mechanical, electronic, and embedded design”. It includes an expo with hundreds of suppliers and, alongside the exhibition, a free-to-attend conference (and workshops) covering topical content on the challenges, pain points and opportunities for the engineering sector. Includes sessions on socially assistive robots and “What does it take to become a roboticist?”

It takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena and is advertised as “the biggest event in the UK for design engineers”. It is not purely a robotics show, but if you are looking for a solution or some help for your design dilemma, this could be the show to attend.

RobotWorld (23-26 October 2024) 

RobotWorld – Seoul, South Korea
RobotWorld 2024, held in Seoul, South Korea, is a leading global robotics event featuring an exhibition, conferences, and competitions. The event showcases cutting-edge robotic technologies and provides a platform for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and explore business opportunities. It includes various activities such as B2B meetings, academic forums, and robot competitions, aimed at driving innovation and collaboration in the robotics industry.

Humanoids 2024 (22-24 November 2024)

Humanoids 2024 – Nancy, France
This conference focuses on humanoid robotics research and development, showcasing advancements in design, control, perception, and interaction of humanoid robots. It will also host a robotics competition, a large industrial exhibition, and outreach activities for children and the general public.

International Conference on Healthcare Robotics (17-18 December 2024)

International Conference on Healthcare Robotics – Bristol, UK
The International Conference on Healthcare Robotics, Advantages and Limitations (ICHRAL-2024) aims to gather more than 500 global participants, including academics, researchers, and industry professionals, to discuss current trends, challenges, and advancements in healthcare robotics. The conference will feature keynote lectures, oral talks, poster presentations, and workshops, providing opportunities for networking, research review, and exploring practical applications in the field.

International Conference on Mechanical, Robotics and Aerospace Engineering (16-17 January 2025)

International Conference on Mechanical, Robotics and Aerospace Engineering – Manchester, UK
The International Conference on Mechanical, Robotics and Aerospace Engineering (ICMRAE – 25) invites professionals, academics, and practitioners to engage in high-level discussions on solutions, future trends, and innovations in these fields. Organised by the IIERD (International Institute of Education, Research, and Development), the event offers opportunities for networking, research presentations, and career advancement, with a focus on international collaboration. Participants can connect with experts and explore new areas, enhancing their professional journeys.

European Robotics Forum (25-27 March 2025)

European Robotics Forum – Stuttgart, Germany
The European Robotics Forum 2025 is one of the most influential robotics events in Europe. One of the major attractions (in our opinion) is that “participants will have the opportunity to explore industrial institutions as well as Fraunhofer Institutes, the University of Stuttgart, Cyber Valley, and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. These visits will offer valuable insights into pioneering research and market-ready applications.”

Robotics and Automation (25-26 March 2025)

Robotics and Automation – Birmingham, UK
The Robotics and Automation Exhibition is the UK’s largest event dedicated to robotics and automation technologies, bringing together over 350 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in robotics, automation, and associated technologies. The event includes more than 60 conference sessions, offering practical insights into technological advancements and trends. It serves as a significant platform for professionals to explore cutting-edge solutions, network, and develop business relationships across various industries.

Automate (12-15 May 2025)

Automate – Detroit, Michigan, USA
Automate 2025 is North America’s largest automation event, showcasing the latest in robotics, machine vision, AI, and more. The event offers hands-on demos, expert-led presentations, and networking opportunities, attracting professionals from various industries to explore innovative automation solutions. It also includes a large exhibition floor, educational sessions, and opportunities for collaboration and learning.

International Conference on Robotics and Automation (19-23 May 2025)

International Conference on Robotics and Automation  – Atlanta, Georgia, USA
This flagship conference of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society is a premier global event focused on robotics and automation. It brings together researchers, engineers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss the latest advancements, share research findings, and explore emerging trends in the field. The conference features technical sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, making it a key platform for networking and collaboration in robotics and automation.