Autonomous systems play a key role in the future of our economy and society. From the medical sector to manufacturing, from agriculture to energy supply, distribution, mobility and the living environment – everywhere we see how autonomously operating technologies tackle more complex challenges. They make our work more efficient, more sustainable and less labor-intensive.
Are we on the eve of the Autonomy Economy?
Users are excited and can't wait, technology providers are seizing the opportunity to develop more content and strengthen their position as a solution provider. The Netherlands seems well positioned to become a forerunner in the Autonomy Economy.
During the first National Congress Autonomous Systems we bring together users, technology suppliers, companies, scientists and policy makers to discover the possibilities of autonomous systems and how we can use them responsibly and effectively.
Discover how humanoid robots are transforming healthcare, how smart factories are redefining manufacturing processes, how autonomous shipping is revolutionizing logistics, and how autonomous systems are optimizing the management of public space
The National Congress Autonomous Systems will take place on April 2, 2025 at the De Lawei Theater in DrachtenIn addition to a plenary program and demonstration square, there are three tracks: for industry, science and society.
Entrance fee: € 175,-
Keynote by Aaron Saunders, CTO Boston Dynamics
The American Boston Dynamics is conquering the world with their groundbreaking humanoid mobile robotics, such as the Spot, Stretch and Atlas. Chief Technology Officer Aaron Saunders will share his vision of the future of autonomous systems and how these technologies are transforming our world.
Program
Walk-in & Opening
| 09:00 - 09:30 | Walk-in |
| 09:30 - 09:45 | Welcome by Jacquelien Scherpen, Rector Magnificus RUG, and Fred Veenstra, mayor of Drachten |
| 09:45 - 10:05 | Opening lecture by Monika Hoekstra, Managing Director NXTGEN Hightech |
Industry – Autonomous Solutions Redefining the Game
| 10:15 - 10:45 | Autonomy in Dairy Farming: efficiency and sustainability on the Farm Lely – Sergio Ooijens |
| 10:45 - 11:15 | Leaders in the European Sheet Metal Industry due to autonomous production 247TailorSteel - Carl Berlo |
| 11:15 - 11:45 | Autonomy in recycling: Technology for a circular future Bollegraaf / Lub Recycling Solutions - Edmund Tenfelde |
| 11:45 - 13:00 | Lunch & Expo |
| 13:00 - 13:35 | Autonomous boating inspires other industries IBM - Jan Willem Sieben |
| 13:35 - 14:15 | Modular autonomous systems for a world in motion Avular - Albert Maas |
| 14:15 - 14:30 | Short break |
| 14:30 - 15:10 | From Man to Machine: The transformation to logistical autonomy Vanderlande - Frank van Dijck |
| 15:10 - 15:40 | Autonomous robots in Industry and Agriculture: Innovation in the workplace Batenburg Bones - Thom Verwater |
Science - Next Generation in Autonomous Systems
| 10:15 - 10:55 | Autonomy in Multi-robot Systems BACK – Prof. Bayu Jayawardhana |
| 10:55 - 11:35 | From data to future high-tech systems TU Eindhoven – Prof. Tom Oomen |
| 11:35 - 13:00 | Lunch & Expo |
| 13:00 - 13:50 | What can large language models (AI) do for autonomous robots? BACK – Prof. Ming Cao |
| 13:50 - 14:20 | Halftime toward 2050 - Looking Back and Forth in Robot Soccer University of Bremen – Prof. Udo Frese |
| 14:20 - 14:40 | Short break |
| 14:40 - 15:20 | Robot Autonomy among Decision-Making Agents Tu Delft – Prof. Javier Alonso-Mora |
| 15:20 - 16:00 | Pervasive Smart Sensing Systems at the Edge. University of Twente – Dr. Özlem Durmaz |
Society – Autonomy in Balance: Ethics & Legislation
| 10:15 - 10:55 | Who bears the risks? The future of risk management in the age of autonomous systems AON – Evert-Jeen van der Meer |
| 10:55 - 11:35 | Autonomous Systems in Public Space and Society Qbuzz – Michel van der Mark |
| 11:35 - 13:00 | Lunch & Expo |
| 13:00 - 13:40 | What is the concept of ELSA & what do we mean by responsible AI UMCG - ELSA AI Lab Northern Netherlands – Mirjam Plantinga |
| 13:40 - 14:15 | Confidence and reliability of Ai in autonomous systems BACK – Christos Emmanouilidis |
| 14:15 - 14:30 | Short break |
| 14:30 - 15:10 | Social: Confidence, Work and Acceptance CNV – Pete Fortune |
| 15:10 - 15:50 | AI ACT - What you need to know and how to comply RUG, AIC4NL - Mag. Dr. Oskar Josef Gstrein, Martijn Bekking |
Keynote
| 16:00 - 17:00 | Shaping the Future of Humanoid Robotics and Their Transformative Impact. Boston Dynamics - Aaron Saunders |
Closing & Networking Reception
| 17:00 | Closing and networking reception |
🎫 Tickets
Ticket sales have started! Space is limited. The first 50 tickets have already been sold, so claim your ticket quickly before it's sold out.
The organization of the National Congress Autonomous Systems is in the hands of the Innovatiecluster Drachten (ICD), The European Digital Innovation Hub Northern Netherlands (EDIH NN), the AI Hub Northern Netherlands, the University of Groningen (RUG) and @North and is made possible by Municipality of Smallingerland
