The city of Porto is preparing to host ADRF26 (AI, Data and Robotics Forum), with INESC TEC serving as the scientific organiser of the conference. This high-impact European forum – which brings together hundreds of stakeholders from industry, academia and policymaking – aims to accelerate innovation and technological transformation. More than 500 participants are expected to attend this year’s edition, taking place from 13 to 14 October at the Alfândega do Porto; tickets are already on sale.
This year’s theme is Apply AI where it matters, with discussions focusing on several key topics shaping today’s agenda: strategic autonomy and European leadership, AI deployment in real-world use cases and sectoral impact, the development of European infrastructures, and regulation and trustworthy AI. Registration is now open not only for attendees, but also for workshop submissions and participation in the technology exhibition.
Workshop proposals for the fourth edition of the ADR Forum can be submitted until 30 June. All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from INESC TEC, the ADRA (AI, Data and Robotics Association), and the European Commission. Around 30 workshops are expected to take place throughout the two-day conference.
Tickets can be purchased until 2 October, although the early-bird discount is only available until mid-July.
The event will also feature 1,200m² of exhibition space dedicated to technology showcases. Several stand packages are available, providing access to a range of conference activities, including speaking opportunities, conference tickets, the social dinner and – depending on the selected package – different exhibition areas for showcasing technologies.
The final programme will be released once the workshop evaluation process has been completed; a provisional agenda is already available online.
The significance of hosting ADRF26
Beyond bringing a major European discussion on these topics to Porto – and, naturally, to Portugal – through INESC TEC, hosting ADRF26 represents a milestone that is “central to competitiveness, industrial renewal and the future direction of science and technology in society”, explained João Claro, Chairman of INESC TEC.
“Europe is entering a period in which these areas are playing an increasingly central role in terms of economic positioning, industrial development and strategic autonomy. This is particularly obvious in the growing attention towards computing infrastructures, data spaces, experimentation environments, regulation, and the capacity to apply these technologies in sectors like energy, industry, mobility, ocean-related activities and public services,” said João Claro, adding that it is important to “look at AI, data and robotics in an integrated way, since in practical terms they are increasingly becoming part of our everyday reality”.
Women in robotics
The impact of the event extends beyond the city of Porto. The conference opening event will take place at WOW (World of Wine), in Vila Nova de Gaia. Featuring a dedicated panel on women in robotics, tickets for this welcome event are already available for purchase, although the programme is still TBD. The initiative is a partnership between INESC TEC, ADRA and CTAG (Automotive Technology Centre of Galicia).
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