Vienna Gives Robotics Its Record Year

ICRA 2026⁠, the world’s leading robotics and automation congress, has closed in Vienna with record-breaking results.

Held under the theme “Robots for All”, the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation brought together nearly 9,000 participants, up from 6,200 in 2025, alongside 196 international exhibitors and more than 14,000 m² dedicated to exhibitions, competitions and live demonstrations. It also recorded the strongest sponsorship performance in the event’s history.

The congress was the result of a five-year strategic process that began in 2021, when AIM Austria⁠, part of AIM Group International, led Vienna’s bid together with the Technical University of Vienna⁠, the Vienna Convention Bureau⁠ and VIECON⁠. AIM then acted as congress organiser and strategic partner, overseeing management, sponsorship, exhibition planning, stakeholder engagement and the attendee experience.

A defining feature of ICRA 2026 was its effort to bring robotics beyond the scientific community. The Festival of Robots opened the subject to citizens through free exhibitions, live demonstrations and educational activities across Vienna, attracting families, students and the wider public.

The social programme also showcased the city’s cultural assets, with an Imperial Night at the Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School welcoming 4,800 participants.

Beyond its scientific programme, ICRA 2026 generated value for Vienna’s hospitality, tourism, transport and service sectors, while strengthening the city’s profile as a destination for large-scale technology and scientific congresses. Sustainability, inclusion and public engagement were also embedded across the event, supporting its ambition to create long-term value for the host destination.