ERW 2026: Bucharest to Host Robotics Showcase

About the Event

Mark your calendars, or at least the general vicinity of November 2026. The European robotics community is officially setting its sights on Bucharest, Romania, for the central event of European Robotics Week (ERW) 2026. The announcement was made during the 2025 event in Tallinn, confirming that the annual showcase of European robotics prowess will head to Eastern Europe.

Organized by the Brussels-based association eu-Robotics, ERW has been a staple since 2011, aiming to drag the often-esoteric world of robotics research into the public spotlight. For the 2026 edition, the local host is none other than the “Modelling and Simulation Centre of the Romanian Army” (RoSim), a choice that raises more than a few eyebrows and firmly plants the theme in the realm of “dual-use” technologies. Yes, the robots are reporting for duty, and they’re bringing their civilian-friendly cousins along for the ride.

This focus on dual-use applications—technologies with both civilian and military value—promises a fascinating, if slightly unnerving, exhibition. According to eu-Robotics, the proposal from Bucharest was compelling due to this strong focus and a commitment to public engagement, particularly with the younger generation who will one day have to decide whether to welcome or run from our new robotic overlords. Attendees can expect a blend of industry leaders, academic researchers, policymakers, and the general public, all gathered to poke, prod, and ponder the future of automation.

Key Themes

While the full agenda is still being bolted together, the core themes are clear, reflecting the unique partnership with a military simulation center.

• Dual-Use Technologies: The main event. Expect deep dives into robotics that are equally at home stocking a warehouse or performing reconnaissance. This track will likely explore everything from advanced logistics and autonomous navigation to drones that can inspect both bridges and borders.
• Public Engagement and STEM Education: A core mission of ERW is to demystify robotics for the public. Look for student competitions, hands-on workshops, and exhibits designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and ethicists—both of whom are urgently needed.
• Defence and Security Applications: With RoSim as a host, this is unavoidable. This theme will showcase how automation and AI are being integrated into modern defense strategies, from virtual battle space simulations to unmanned ground vehicles.
• European Robotics Collaboration: As always, the event serves as a critical networking hub for Europe’s robotics ecosystem, aiming to strengthen ties between industry, academia, and government institutions from across the continent.

Featured Speakers

The official speaker list has yet to be released. However, you can bet your bottom dollar it will feature high-ranking officials from eu-Robotics, senior figures from the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, and leading researchers and CTOs from Europe’s most influential robotics companies. We anticipate a lineup that can speak with authority on everything from reinforcement learning to regulatory frameworks for autonomous systems. Check back as the event date approaches for confirmed names.

Schedule

The detailed schedule for ERW 2026 is currently classified. However, the event typically spans a week in late November, with the central “Focus Event” taking place over two to three days. Attendees should anticipate a packed program including keynote addresses, technical deep-dive sessions, panel discussions on ethics and policy, and a large exhibition hall where you can see the latest hardware in action. The exact dates in November 2026 are still to be confirmed.

Registration

Registration details, including ticket prices and official opening dates, have not yet been announced. Prospective attendees are advised to monitor the official eu-Robotics website for the latest information. Given the unique focus, expect demand from both the usual tech crowd and some new faces in camouflage.