When the European Robotics Forum (ERF) takes place in Stavanger this March, it will do so against a backdrop that reflects both the history and the future of robotics. According to Gabor Sziebig, Research Manager in Robotics and Automation at SINTEF, the 2026 edition will place a stronger emphasis on real-world applications, education, and the growing convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence.
At SINTEF, Sziebig’s current research focus is firmly outside the factory walls. While industrial robots have long proven their value in controlled, static environments, his work targets construction sites—dynamic, unstructured settings where robots must collaborate closely with humans.
This includes a broad spectrum of platforms, ranging from wheeled ground vehicles to legged and humanoid systems. The goal is not novelty, but productivity: improving efficiency, safety, and throughput in sectors where automation has so far lagged behind manufacturing.
Humanoids: hype meets practicality
Humanoid robots are expected to be one of the most visible trends at ERF 2026. Sziebig is cautious, calling them the biggest “hype” in robotics today. Their appeal lies in their general-purpose design, particularly for tasks involving dexterous manipulation that are difficult to automate with conventional industrial robots.
In factory settings, however, Sziebig sees limits. Humanoids have so far been deployed mainly for repetitive handling tasks that require many degrees of freedom—jobs that would otherwise need complex multi-axis industrial robots. Demonstrations such as those previously shown by Mercedes-Benz illustrate the potential, but long-term viability depends on cost-benefit trade-offs.
In many cases a humanoid’s legs add little value on factory floors with flat, predictable surfaces. A fixed or wheeled base combined with a highly flexible upper body may prove more economical. Full legged humanoids, by contrast, are more likely to find their place in households and other uneven environments.
AI enables new industrial use cases
Beyond humanoids, Sziebig points to a quieter but more impactful shift: the integration of advanced AI into traditional industrial robots. These systems, once considered “dumb” and rigid, are now being augmented with perception and learning capabilities that enable applications such as high-mix, low-volume production.
Tasks like one-piece production, previously uneconomical for automation—are becoming feasible through AI-driven planning and adaptation. This trend, often described as “physical AI,” is less about entirely new robot hardware and more about expanding what existing machines can do.
Why Stavanger?
Stavanger may not be widely known as a robotics hub, but it has deep historical roots in the field. Near the city, one of the earliest industrial painting robots was developed, a system later acquired by ABB and forming the basis of its IRB-6 robot line.
Today, the region’s strengths lie in offshore energy and maritime industries. In oil and gas, robots increasingly handle inspection, maintenance, and gas detection on unmanned platforms. In aquaculture, robotic systems inspect and clean submerged fish nets, reducing the need for human divers and improving safety.
A different ERF experience
ERF 2026 will be hosted at Stavanger’s large oil and energy exhibition venue, giving the event a more industrial character than previous editions. One notable change is the integration of student competitions directly alongside the exhibition floor, involving not only university students but also high school participants.
The aim is to expose younger generations to robotics and AI at an early stage and to strengthen the talent pipeline. While attracting a balanced gender mix in technical fields remains challenging, the organizers have placed clear emphasis on representation: around three-quarters of the keynote speakers are female, and the opening session will be led almost entirely by women, alongside Norway’s Crown Prince.
Government and strategy
Robotics and AI are high on Norway’s political agenda. A recently established Ministry of Digitalisation is actively involved, and the Digitalisation Minister will address ERF attendees. Norway has also launched nine national AI research centres, two of which explicitly focus on health robotics, highlighting the growing overlap between AI research and robotic systems.
Focus
Looking ahead, Sziebig expects the robotics industry to move away from overly broad “general-purpose” ambitions. Instead, progress in 2026 and beyond will likely come from application-specific systems: robots designed for clearly defined tasks, supported by AI toolchains that allow them to perceive and adapt to their environments.
For ERF 2026, success will be measured less by record-breaking attendance and more by execution: smooth logistics, strong technical content, and an experience that reflects Norwegian standards in organization and hospitality. With a realistic target of around 1,200 participants, the focus is firmly on quality over scale. As ERF arrives in Stavanger, it brings together history, industry, and emerging research directions, offering a snapshot of where European robotics stands today, and where it is heading next.
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