Robotics conferences aren’t just rooms full of engineers debating AI ethics while ignoring their coffee — they’re where the best-of-the-best meet up to network and brainstorm. 

Whether you’re here to network with the big brains, see cutting-edge tech in action, or find out if robots are finally taking your job, you’re in the right place.

This guide covers the best robotics conferences, how to pick the right one, and how to actually make it worth your time.

We’ll cover:

• Why do people attend robotics conferences?
• How to choose the right robotics conference
• Top robotics conferences (updated annually)
• Tips for making the most of a robotics conference

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Why do people attend robotics conferences?

If you think robotics conferences are just about PowerPoint slides and free pens, you’re missing the good stuff. These events are where insane ideas turn into reality, and yes, sometimes robot dogs roam the expo floor like they own the place.

Why do people keep showing up?

• Staying ahead of robotics industry trends is survival mode: Robotics moves real fast — miss a year, and suddenly robots are flipping burgers while you’re still figuring out how to work your smart fridge. These events keep you in the loop.
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• Networking with industry leaders beats cold emails: Want to casually chat with the people designing the next-gen humanoid AI? Conferences attract top engineers, AI researchers, and investors who are actually making things happen.
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• Hands-on experience makes it real: Watching a demo video is cute, but controlling an AI robotic arm yourself? That’s next-level. Some conferences let you test-drive sophisticated robots like you’re in the PS7 era. 

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How to choose the right automation conference

This may sound obvious, but not every AI robot conference is going to be a banger. Some are packed with cutting-edge AI breakthroughs, while others feel like a high school science fair with better funding.

How to pick the ideal robotics conference

• Industry focus matters — don’t show up at the wrong party: Are you into industrial automation, AI-driven robotics, or deep academic research? Different conferences cater to wildly different crowds. Pick the one that aligns with your goals.
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• Location isn’t just about travel perks: Sure, a robotics conference in Tokyo or Silicon Valley sounds cool, but think bigger. Events in robotics hubs tend to attract the top players — meaning better networking and bigger insights.
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• The speaker lineup tells you everything: If the keynote list looks like an AI-generated name generator, run. Look for leading robotics engineers, AI researchers, and industry veterans who actually have something useful to say.
• Networking opportunities are make-or-break: Some conferences are startup-heavy, whereas others focus on big automation companies. Know what kind of people you want to meet before you book that ticket.

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Top robotics conferences (we update these every year)

Some robotics conferences come and go like failed tech startups, but a few consistently deliver the best speakers, next-level research, and networking opportunities

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Let’s examine these conferences in detail.

1. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)

If robotics had an Olympics, this would be the main event. Every year, ICRA brings together the smartest minds in AI, automation, and robotics — all flexing their latest breakthroughs like they just unlocked a new skill tree.

Why it’s important

• This is where future robots get announced before the rest of the world even knows they exist. Blink, and suddenly there’s a humanoid robot making lattes.
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• The entire industry shows up — tech giants, startups, research labs, and that one guy who insists robots are the downfall of society.
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• AI-powered drones, self-learning robots, next-gen automation tech — it’s all here, and it’s all absurdly cool.

Who should attend

• Engineers and AI researchers, aka the people actually building our future robot overlords.
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• Industry pros looking for new tech, big ideas, or just an excuse to expense a trip to an elite robotics event.
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• Students and academics who want to present research, shake hands with the big names, and maybe score a future job at Boston Dynamics.

Cool stuff you’ll see

• Live demos of robots that move better than you do. Exoskeletons, AI-driven warehouse bots, and machines that make Boston Dynamics' parkour robots look lazy.
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• Talks from top-tier robotics engineers and AI pioneers. If someone is building the future, they’re probably speaking at ICRA.
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• The best networking in robotics: Whether you’re here to meet future collaborators or just stand near Elon Musk and absorb his Bitcoin powers, this is the place to do it.

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2. ​Robotics: Science and Systems (RSS) Conference​

If ICRA is the Olympics of robotics, RSS is the secret underground fight club where the real action happens. This conference is where the sharpest minds in robotics come together to showcase research that’s so cutting-edge, it might just slice your Wi-Fi signal in half.​

Why it’s important

• Single-track focus means you won’t suffer from FOMO — everyone gets the same high-quality content, no need to clone yourself to attend parallel sessions.​
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• Peer-reviewed papers that are more meticulously scrutinized than your last Tinder profile pic, ensuring only top-tier research makes the cut.​
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• Workshops and tutorials that dive deep into topics like AI integration and autonomous systems — think of it as boot camp for your brain.​

Who should attend

• Researchers and academics who want to flex their intellectual muscles and maybe engage in some friendly debate over the latest algorithms.​
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• Graduate students looking to network, learn, and possibly find someone to fund their caffeine habits.​
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• Industry professionals eager to poach fresh talent or scout out the next big breakthrough in robotics before it becomes mainstream.​

Cool stuff you’ll see

• Live demos of robots that could probably beat you at chess, dance-offs, and maybe even parallel parking.​
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• Poster sessions where you can engage in deep discussions or just nod thoughtfully while pretending to understand complex equations.​
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• Networking events that are the perfect blend of awkward small talk and potential career-defining conversations.

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3. ​Robotics Summit & Expo

If upcoming conferences had a Coachella, this would be the main stage — minus the overpriced merch and influencer mix-ups. Hosted in Boston, a city that practically breathes innovation, this event is where engineers, developers, and tech enthusiasts gather to geek out over the latest in robotics.

Why it’s important

• Comprehensive coverage, every stage of robotics development in one place. From design and engineering to manufacturing and deployment, this summit covers it all.
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• Heavyweight speakers, with industry giants like Boston Dynamics, Amazon Robotics, and MIT taking the stage. These aren’t random tech bros — they’re the people actually shaping the future of automation.
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• Hands-on demos — because watching robots on YouTube just isn’t enough. Ever wanted to see a robot do parkour in real life? This is your chance.

Who should attend

• Developers and engineers, aka the people who actually build the future. If you’re into robotics software, AI, or hardware engineering, this is your playground.
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• Business leaders and investors looking for new opportunities, strategic partnerships, or the next big thing in robotics before it goes mainstream. (And you get bragging rights because you knew them from back in the indie days.) 
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• Students and academics — whether you’re job-hunting, showcasing research, or just want to see a robot dog in action, this is the place to be.

Cool stuff you’ll see

• Live demos of robots that move better than you do: Drones, exoskeletons, AI-powered humanoids — all doing things that make Boston Dynamics videos look like warm-ups.
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• Panel discussions with the brightest minds in robotics: Topics range from AI integration to robot ethics to whether we’re ready for machines that learn on their own (spoiler: we’re probably not).
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• Networking events where real connections happen: From job-hunting and pitching an idea, to just wanting to talk shop over drinks, this is prime networking territory. It pays to be at this Boston robotics conference. 

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4. AI Robot Conference

Now, if a robotics convention were like Comic-Con, the AI Robot Conference 2025 (Robotics-2025) would be where all the coolest robots and their creators come to strut their stuff. Set in the cyberpunk metropolis of Tokyo, this event is the ultimate playground for anyone obsessed with artificial intelligence and robotics.​

Why it’s important

• AI and robotics finally working together, not just in theory: Expect to see robots learning on the fly, making decisions, and maybe even roasting their creators in real time.
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• All the biggest names in AI-driven robotics in one place: If someone’s building the next game-changing autonomous system, they’re either speaking here or silently taking notes in the audience.
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• Demos, research, and panels that don’t hold back: You’ll get an unfiltered look at what’s coming next, including self-learning robots, AI-powered industrial systems, and maybe a humanoid with a personality complex.

Who should attend

• AI researchers and roboticists: This is where the real breakthroughs happen — not X (Twitter) threads, not tech blogs, but actual labs and research presentations.
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• Industry pros who want to separate hype from reality: If your company wants to invest in AI-driven automation, you need to be here before your competitors are.
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• Students, startup founders, and tech nerds: Whether you're here to soak up knowledge, network with the big players, or just see some insane robot demos, this event is stacked with opportunities.

Cool stuff you’ll see

• Live demos of AI-powered robots doing things that were sci-fi five years ago: Autonomous drones, humanoid robots learning in real time, and machines that can probably out-cook your grandma. Think generative AI but on steroids. 
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• Mind-blowing research presentations that might melt your brain: Machine learning breakthroughs, AI-driven automation, and deep dives into how robots are evolving from simple tools to decision-makers.
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• Expert panels where robotics leaders argue about the future: Get brutally honest takes on automation, ethics, and whether robots should have emotions—or just stick to flipping burgers.

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Honorable mentions

These conferences might not get a full breakdown, but they’re still worth checking out if you're in the robotics space.

Let’s take a look: 

• Industrial Automation Expo: All about factory automation, industrial robotics, and AI-powered manufacturing. If you care about smart factories, IoT, and robots that work harder than humans ever will, check this out.
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• Startups & Investment in Robotics Summit: Robotics startups meet VCs, investors, and industry giants looking for the next big thing. If you’re launching, funding, or scaling a robotics company, Robotics Invest’s invite-only event is where deals get made.
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• Health Care Robotics Forum: Specializes in medical and assistive robotics. If you're into AI prosthetics, robotic surgery, or health care automation, the Robotics Summit: Healthcare Robotics Track is the place to see what the new stuff is going to be doing. 
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• IMTS: This Chicago-based expo gets an honorable mention because Standard Bots showed off their awesome RO1 six-axis cobot arm here. Call us partial, but they raised $63 million last year, so they’re probably on to something. 

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Tips for making the most of a robotics conference

You bought the ticket, booked the hotel, and maybe even practiced your firm but not-too-firm handshake — now what? 

Robotics conferences are more than wandering around, collecting free tote bags, and nodding at PowerPoints. If you seriously want to get value from the event, you need a strategy.

How to make it worth your time

1. Plan your schedule like a chess player: Conference schedules are jam-packed, and you don’t want to waste time figuring out where to go once you’re already there. Research speakers, panels, and workshops in advance so you don’t miss anything important.
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2. Network with purpose: Don’t awkwardly hover near important people — have a goal for who you want to meet. Whether it’s VCs, researchers, or startup founders, know what you’re looking for and make those connections count.
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3. Get hands-on with demos: Watching a video of a robot is fine, but testing one yourself is next-level. If the conference has live demos, try everything you can — especially if there’s a chance to operate a robotic arm, drive an AI-powered drone, or pilot an exoskeleton.
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4. Follow up or be forgotten: Nobody remembers random small talk. If you meet someone interesting, send a quick follow-up email or LinkedIn message within a few days. That’s how networking actually turns into opportunities.

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FAQs

What are the best robotics conferences for AI and automation?

The best robotics conferences for AI automation include IEEE ICRA, AI Robot Conference, and Industrial Automation Expo. If you’re focused on AI-driven robotics, these are the best picks:

• IEEE ICRA: The biggest robotics research event, covering everything from AI to industrial automation.
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• AI Robot Conference: Specializes in AI-powered robots, machine learning, and autonomous systems.
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• Industrial Automation Expo: Great for businesses looking to integrate AI into large-scale automation.

Do robotics conferences offer virtual options?

Most major conferences have some kind of virtual component, but they’re usually limited to keynote sessions and pre-recorded talks. If you want the full experience — live demos, networking, and hands-on tech — showing up in person is still the move.

How can startups benefit from attending?

Startups can benefit from attending robotics conferences by gaining valuable opportunities to meet investors, pitch their ideas, and even find early customers. In essence, robotics conferences are prime real estate for networking and funding. Startups can:

• Meet investors sniffing around for the next big thing in robotics
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• Pitch their company in dedicated startup showcases
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• Find early customers or partners who need cutting-edge automation solutions

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Summing up

The best robotics conferences are a place to watch the future unfold before your eyes. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, entrepreneur, or investor, picking the right event can give you industry-shaping insights, career-changing connections, and firsthand experience with cutting-edge robotics.

These conferences offer a front-row seat to the biggest innovations in the field. 

Choose wisely, plan ahead, and make the most of every opportunity — because you don’t always get second chances. (Well, maybe at the next conference.) 

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Next steps 

RO1 by Standard Bots is more than a robotic arm, it’s the AI-driven six-axis cobot upgrade your factory needs to automate smarter. 

• Affordable and adaptable: Best-in-class automation at half the price of competitors; leasing starts at just $5/hour.
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• Precision and strength: Repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload make it ideal for CNC, assembly, inspection, and material handling, and a lot more. 
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• AI-driven and user-friendly: No-code framework means anyone can program RO1 — no engineers, no complicated setups. And its AI, on par with GPT-4, means it keeps learning on the job. 
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• Safety-minded design: Machine vision and collision detection let RO1 work side by side with human operators.

Book your risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and see how RO1 can take your factory automation to the next level.