The Robotics Summit & Expo, produced by The Robot Report, has unveiled the first look at its conference agenda for the April 30-May 1 event at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The Robotics Summit & Expo brings together 5,000+ developers focused on building robots for a variety of commercial industries.
Attendees will gain insights into the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, and emerging trends. There will be 70-plus speakers on stage, 10+ hours of dedicated networking time, a Women in Robotics Breakfast, a MassRobotics startup showcase, and more. Returning to the show is the RBR50 Pavilion and RBR50 Awards Dinner that will honor the winners of the annual RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards.
Beyond the keynotes and conference sessions, there will be 200-plus exhibits and demos on the expo show floor, a career fair, a robotics development challenge, networking opportunities and more.
The complete agenda for the Robotics Summit & Expo is below. You can also view the agenda here to plan your trip and register here. Early bird registration for the Robotics Summit ends Feb. 28. Note that speakers are still being added.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Opening Keynote: Welcome to the Era of Physical Intelligence
Speaker: Daniela Rus, Director, MIT CSAIL
9-9:45 AM
Physical Intelligence is achieved when AI’s power to understand text, images, signals, and other information is used to make physical machines such as robots intelligent. To achieve effective physical intelligence, we need energy-efficient AI systems that can run reliably on robots, sensors, and other edge devices. In this keynote, MIT CSAIL Director Daniela Rus will discuss the challenges of transformer-based foundation AI models. She will also introduce alternative physics-based models and explain how they achieve performance efficiently.
The Future of Logistics Automation
Speaker: TBD
10-10:45 AM
The future of logistics automation is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems. This keynote will explore emerging technologies shaping warehouse and supply chain automation, from mobile robots to robotic picking and everything in between.
Case Studies: How Automation is Changing the Warehouse
Speaker: Kait Peterson, VP of Product Marketing, Locus Robotics
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
This session explores the transformative impact of data-driven warehouse automation, featuring case studies from diverse industries like retail, 3PL, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Gain valuable insights into the journey of implementing robotic technologies, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), from system integration and change management to ongoing optimization and performance measurement. The session also highlights how distribution operations have successfully scaled their automation strategies and provides guidance on next steps for evolving automation efforts.
Commercializing Robotics: The Power of Manufacturing Partnerships
Speakers: Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director at Pittsburgh Robotics Network; Larry Jasinski, Chief Executive Officer at Lifeward (more speakers to come)
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Join our panel of experts as they explore the critical role of outsourcing in robotics commercialization. Explore how leveraging strategic manufacturing partnerships can accelerate time to market, enhance product quality, and optimize costs. Our seasoned panelists will share real-world strategies, insights, and best practices for turning innovative ideas into successful products. Discover firsthand how to navigate common challenges and scale operations effectively from leaders who have done it all.
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Developing a Low Profile, Power Dense Actuator to Meet the Demands of Current Robot Designs
Speaker: Adam Farley, NE Regional Sales Engineer, Harmonic Drive
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
This session will discuss the need for motion control solutions that offer leading edge performance and reliability, while navigating around tight design constraints. Power density continues to be a cornerstone in robot actuator design, but this is often compromised by additional functionality required of actuators and their cabling. We will examine a new solution to these problems through the development of Harmonic Drive’s technology.
Navigating Constraints When Designing Motion Control for Medical Robot Joints
Speaker: Jordan Schaeffer, Novanta
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Designing a robot arm for medical applications presents technical challenges and customer needs. The focus is on creating an efficient robotic system that performs specific medical tasks while ensuring patient safety, involves careful joint design and component selection. Customers aim to design, assemble, integrate, and certify these systems, all while seeking innovation to maintain a competitive edge. However, they face challenges such as space constraints, heat generation, complexity, and high costs. To overcome these obstacles, customers look for gains such as relying on industry experts, reducing time to market, outsourcing non-core activities, and achieving a competitive advantage. Understanding these factors allows us to better support engineers when designing for Medical Robots.
Key ROS 2 Features to Learn as ROS 1 Sunsets
Speaker: Geoffrey Biggs, CTO, Open Source Robotics Foundation
1:45 – 2:30 PM
The first public release of ROS 2 was made by the Open Source Robotics Foundation more than 10 years ago. Since then, ROS 2 use in commercial products and services has grown enormously. In this talk, we will look at just a few of the incredible successes that ROS 2 has enabled around the world, in a wide range of fields. ROS 2 has enabled successful ventures in fields as varied as warehouse robotics, in-factory transportation, long-term ocean research, delivery drones, hotel delivery, hospital automation, and even on the International Space Station. Through these examples, attendees will learn why building on ROS 2 allows them to receive the work of hundreds of engineers for much lower investment than building from scratch, and why using ROS 2 is the best way to achieve success in their product development and scale up to full deployment faster than by building everything themselves. We will also discuss perceived barriers to adoption, and what’s on the horizon for ROS 2. ROS 1 reaches end of life on May 31, 2025.
Nuts & Bolts of Robotic Navigation
Speakers: Sonali Deshpande, Staff Robotics Software Engineer at Relay Robotics; Andrea Okerholm Huttlin, Senior Staff Software Engineer at Collaborative Robotics; Garrett Place, Business Development Manager of Robotic Perception Technologies at ifm USA; William Sitch, Chief Business Officer at Main Street Autonomy
1:45 – 2:30 PM
This panel will explore the essentials of robot navigation, offering practical insights into best practices, sensing modalities, and approaches that ensure safe and reliable navigation in real-world environments. We’ll explore key topics such as sensor fusion, SLAM techniques, path planning, and obstacle avoidance, emphasizing the importance of robust systems for dynamic, unstructured settings, and more.
Surgical Robot Haptics & Force Interaction
Speaker: Robert Brooks, Founder & CEO at ForceN
1:45 – 2:30 PM
This talk offers a practical guide to implementing force/torque sensing in surgical & medical robotics. It will cover use cases in general surgery, ophthalmic, catheter, & orthopedic robotics. It will discuss best practices for designing force reflecting haptics, patient contact & localization, & surgeon collaboration. Attendees will also learn about the latest advances in force/torque sensing technology, including advances in overload protection, rapid prototyping, and edge intelligence.
Advancing Remote Surgery: Tackling Latency, Precision, and Security Issues
Speaker: Darren Porras, Market Development Manager, Healthcare at RTI
2:45 – 3:30 PM
Remote surgical robotics require a complex interplay of robots, communication infrastructure and real-time control systems. Technical hurdles remain that are impacting the reliability, precision and adoption of remote surgery. These challenges include latency and network reliability; AI-powered haptic feedback and precision; data security and privacy; system integration and scalability; and fail-safe system environments. Attendees will learn about the cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and machine learning, that enable remote surgery. The talk will also explore new solutions to the technical challenges that are slowing down progress. The talk will include a demonstration of an integrated multi-vendor system that uses commercial off-the-shelf software to process data from a remote controller client to a robotic arm. It will also illustrate how the system uses a data-centric architecture to protect itself against unauthorized access.
Building Robots that Scale for Large Companies
Speaker: Mikell Taylor, Principal Technical Product Manager at Amazon Robotics
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Large companies like Amazon are operating at massive scale with high demands on safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost. Successfully selling technology to them can be a major win but without the right approach, there can be many pain points. Join this session to hear directly from design and development teams within Amazon Robotics to learn more and get your questions answered about how to build and partner with large companies and successfully deploy systems with the right focus on safety, cost, data privacy, network security, IP ownership, and more.
How Mobile Manipulators are Re-defining Logistics
Speaker: Jan Zizka, CEO & Co-founder at Brightpick
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Mobile manipulation is rapidly emerging as the next frontier in robotics. Mobile manipulators come in many different forms, each offering unique advantages and some already achieving widespread adoption. Early deployments have proven that mobile manipulators have the potential to transform the automation landscape, offering greater flexibility, superior performance, and more labor savings than existing technologies. This talk will explore the current state of mobile manipulation, showcase successful deployments, and discuss how businesses can leverage these systems to enhance their operations.
Planetary Pivot – Scaling Mobile Robotics with Modern Actuator Concepts
Speaker: Alessandro Forino, Head of Robotic Drive Systems at maxon
2:45-3:30 PM
The talk will explore the evolution of actuator designs in modern mobile robotics, emphasizing the shift towards lower-cost and less complex systems while maintaining high performance. Traditional robotics applications, such as industrial manipulators, have relied on precise motion control with low-backlash gears and high-stiffness components. However, emerging trends in autonomous mobile robots, which operate in unstructured environments and interact closely with humans, necessitate new actuator paradigms.
Risk is Different with AI: Strategies for Resilient Robots
Speaker: SK Gupta, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist at GrayMatter Robotics
2:45 – 3:30 PM
AI is transforming various industries, but its deployment introduces unique risks that must be carefully managed. As AI becomes integral to manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors, understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for success. This talk will explore key risks associated with AI in robotics, including vulnerabilities in training data, potential algorithmic errors, privacy and security concerns, and the impact on workforce skills. It will introduce practical frameworks for auditing training data, verifying AI models, and customizing tools for specific risk management needs. Additionally, the talk will discuss strategies for ensuring compliance with emerging regulations and preventing unintended consequences that could harm both businesses and the environment. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for assessing system performance, implementing failsafes, and adapting to changing conditions—ensuring that AI tools are deployed safely, effectively, and ethically.
Advancing Robot Learning with Force Sensing & Physical Intelligence
Speaker: Klajd Lika, CEO & Founder at Bota Systems
4:15 – 5 PM
Robots have traditionally excelled in industrial settings with precise, repetitive tasks, but their adaptability in dynamic, unstructured environments has been limited due to complex programming requirements. AI and Machine Learning (ML) promise to make robots more adaptable and easier to program, yet challenges remain, particularly in data acquisition. While current robotic sensors capture motion data like joint positions and visuals, they often lack force measurements crucial for predicting actions and handling deformable or movable objects. Force and torque sensing play a vital role in improving robot control and enabling “”physical intelligence”” through AI-driven learning, allowing robots to perform tasks like preventing slippage, grasping delicate objects, and operating in dynamic environments. These advancements pave the way for applications in warehouse automation, healthcare, and underwater robotics. This session will explore effective methods for equipping robots with force sensing and capturing high-quality data to advance robotic learning and adaptability.
How to Get Your First Robot into the Factory
Speaker: Jan Hennecke, Low-Cost Automation Product Manager at igus
4:15 – 5 PM
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. But how do you take the first step in integrating robotics into your factory floor without breaking the bank or disrupting operations? This talk will guide you through the process of introducing your first robot into production. Designed for engineers and project managers, this presentation will demystify the world of robotics integration, focusing on practical, cost-effective strategies that deliver maximum ROI. You’ll learn how to identify processes ripe for automation, choose the right low-cost robotic solutions, and navigate common pitfalls in implementation. The talk will share real-world examples and success stories to illustrate how small investments in robotics can yield significant gains in efficiency, consistency, and scalability. You will also learn how igus’ innovative, low-cost automation solutions can help your factory stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.
MassRobotics Healthcare Catalyst Showcase
Speakers: TBD
4:15 – 5 PM
MassRobotics is hosting its 4th annual Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst. The goal is to advance healthcare robotics companies by providing the connections, guidance and resources they need to grow and succeed. Attend this talk to hear pitches from healthcare robotics startups currently in the program. Each of the startups embodies the innovative spirit and potential to transform the healthcare industry with their unique robotic solutions.
The State of Humanoids
Speakers: Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at ASTM International; Al Makke, Director – Engineering at Schaeffler; Pras Velagapudi, Chief Technology Officer at Agility Robotics
4:15 – 5 PM
Join industry experts for a panel that explores the technical and business challenges shaping the development of humanoids. Hear insights from early deployments, what’s on the horizon, and the ongoing efforts to establish safety standards.
Mix & Mingle Networking Reception
5 – 7 PM
Connect with robotics colleagues from around the world to recap Day 1 of the show, catch up with old friends and create new connections.
RBR50 Awards Dinner
6 – 8 PM
The RBR50 Awards honor the industry’s top advancements each year. The 2025 RBR50 winners will be celebrated during a reception and dinner that returns to the Robotics Summit. Come learn from and network with robotics innovators around the world.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Women in Robotics Breakfast
Speakers: Laura Major, Interim CEO & CTO at Motional; Joyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder & Chief of Operations at MassRobotics
8-9 AM
Join robotics industry peers for an hour of networking, engagement, and mentorship (and food and drink, of course). Find a mentor, reach out to a new contact, reconnect, and help foster a movement that needs more female leadership at all levels. Attendees will also hear from Laura Major and Joyce Sidopoulos about their journeys in the robotics industry.
Opening Keynote: Boston Dynamics on Redesigning Atlas & the Future of Humanoids
Speaker: Aaron Saunders, CTO at Boston Dynamics
9 – 9:45 AM
Boston Dynamics CTO Aaron Saunders will unpack the new, electric Atlas humanoid and share insights from being at the forefront of humanoid development for years. This keynote will explore the challenges and opportunities of building humanoids for real-world applications, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Boston Dynamics continues to innovate and push the limit of robotics.
Keynote: Building Robotic Manipulation at Amazon Robotics
Speakers: Steve Crowe, Executive Editor at The Robot Report & Chair of Robotics Summit & Expo; Aaron Parness, Director of Applied Science in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Amazon Robotics
10 – 10:45 AM
Aaron Parness and Steve Crowe will discuss some of the latest developments and breakthroughs from Amazon Robotics. The fireside chat will explore how these advancements are enhancing Amazon’s fulfillment operations around the world.
Bridging Robotics and Systems Programming: Why Rust is a Game Changer
Speaker: Guillaume Binet, Founder at Copper Robotics
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
As robotics systems grow more complex, integrating specialists like algorithm developers, machine learning engineers, and control experts can be challenging—especially when relying on traditional languages like C++. In this talk, I’ll share my journey of building Copper, a robot runtime designed to address these integration hurdles. Rust provides both systems-level performance and safety, overcoming issues like concurrency and undefined behavior while remaining accessible to developers less experienced in low-level programming. Through real-world examples and Rust code snippets, we’ll explore how Rust excels in managing concurrency, writing error-free algorithms, and bridging the gap between low-level control and high-level design under the Copper framework. By the end, you’ll see how Rust can streamline robotics development, making it more integrated, efficient, and reliable.
Designing Our Next-Generation Surgical Robot
Speaker: Barry Greene, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Vicarious Surgical
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
This talk will dive into technical and clinical aspects about Vicarious Surgical’s next-generation surgical robot, which is designed for exceptional outcomes through natural motion, supernatural reach, and streamlined workflows. Using a unique architecture with all moving joints inside the abdomen via a single 18 mm port, the system offers optimal orientation, improved safety, and reduced incision size by 30%. With 9 degrees of freedom, 28 sensors per arm, 3D visualization, and multispectral imaging, the robot enhances decision-making and AI-driven advancements in surgery.
From Chaos to Clarity: Using AI to Find Important Events in Robot Logs
Speaker: Benji Barash, Co-Founder & CEO at Roboto AI
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Robots generate massive logs of multimodal data, making it challenging to find key insights without sifting through everything manually. This session explores cutting-edge techniques like signal search and vision-language models that quickly extract meaningful data, essential for debugging, validation, and training robot foundation models. Learn how to transform robot logs into a powerful tool for development and next-gen robotics.
Maximizing the Value of a Warehouse Through Lights Out Order Fulfillment
Speakers: Yaro Tenzer, CEO & Co-Founder at RightHand Robotics (more speakers to come)
11:30 – 12:15 PM
Lights-out order fulfillment has been a significant goal in recent years, though some argue that the technologies needed for fully automated facilities are not yet mature. However, several companies are already operating “lights-out” facilities. This talk will delve into the perceived gap between expectations and the reality of warehouse operations.
Fundamentals of Robotics Hardware & Software Design
Speaker: Marcin Panek, Robotics Software Lead at Bosch
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Every robotics system requires a proper and stable software and hardware platform, much like a building relies on a solid foundation. Experience from robotics product development projects shows that teams often neglect the critical phases of platform requirement collection, design, and implementation, instead rushing into developing autonomy features. Some fundamental questions to consider include: – What compute unit should be used? – What are the system’s compute power requirements, and how can they be assessed? – What operating system is most suitable? Is hard RealTime required? Is safe OS required? – What are the core functionalities and services of the software platform? E.g., logging, diagnostics, configuration, and runtime management. – Is ROS the right choice for every case? What middleware should be adopted? – How can AI/ML workloads be efficiently executed on the platform? – What are the hardware requirements in terms of memory, connectivity, hardware interfaces, and environmental conditions? In this talk, we will emphasize the importance of well-designed robotics software and hardware platforms, highlight common issues that teams often encounter late in the project lifecycle, and propose frameworks to guide the platform design process effectively.
Generative AI’s Impact on Robotics
Speakers: Xavier Chi, Co-Founder at mbodi AI; Ted Larson, CEO at OLogic; Rajat Bhageria, Founder & CEO at Chef Robotics; Karthee Madasamy, Founder & Managing Partner at MFV Partners
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Generative AI is revolutionizing the software industry, but how can this breakthrough be applied to robotics? This panel will discuss the applications of large language models (LLMs) and text generation applications to robotics. It will also explore fundamental ways generative AI can be applied to robotics design, model training, simulation, control, human-machine interaction and more.
ToF vs. Active Sterero Vision: Which 3D Imaging Technique is Right for You?
Speaker: Philip Freidin, Sales Engineer at IDS
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Dive into the science of depth sensing in this seminar on 3D imaging for robotics, focusing on active-stereo vision and time-of-flight (TOF) techniques. Learn the fundamentals, explore the strengths and limitations of each method, and discover real-world applications and advancements shaping the future of automation. Gain the knowledge to confidently choose the best 3D imaging technology for your robotics projects.
Closing Keynote: Advanced Bionics for Humans & Robots
Speaker: Aadeel Akhtar, CEO & Founder at PSYONIC
3:30 – 4:15 PM
This talk and live demo explores the synergy between robotics and medical devices, highlighting groundbreaking advancements in bionic technology. From the development of prosthetics that restore touch and dexterity to the integration of robotics for improved human-machine interaction, learn how cutting-edge research and innovation are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Discover the shared challenges and solutions in creating life-changing devices for humans and building better robots inspired by biology.
MassRobotics Career Fair
3:30 – 5:30 PM
The MassRobotics Career Fair is designed for technical industry job seekers, including both recent graduates and seasoned engineers, computer scientists, vision specialists, mechatronics experts, AI professionals, and more. Companies from start-ups to industry leaders will be hosting information tables where candidates can learn more about the company, find out what positions are open, and schedule interviews.
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