Robotics@UNSW Launch & Showcase 2026
About this Event
The inaugural Robotics@UNSW Showcase will launch Robotics@UNSW as a university-wide community, bringing together capabilities that span autonomous systems, embodied AI, maritime robotics, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure.
The Showcase will feature a keynote address from Professor Maurice Pagnucco, panel discussions with leading voices from research and industry, and live demonstrations and exhibits from students and researchers across UNSW.
It will provide a rare opportunity to see the breadth of UNSW’s robotics activity in one place and meet the people behind it.
Attendees will be able to explore new research collaborations, connect with emerging robotics talent, and discover cutting-edge research from Australia’s #1-ranked university in the 2027 QS World University Rankings.
What to expect
- Keynote address by Professor Maurice Pagnucco, UNSW Engineering
- Panel discussions exploring the future of robotics and intelligent systems, featuring Dr Sue Keay and Professor Flora Salim from the UNSW AI Institute, alongside invited industry experts
- Interactive demonstrations and robotics showcases from across UNSW
- Opportunities to meet researchers, students and industry representatives
- Networking with representatives from industry, government, Defence and academia
- Evening networking reception
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for:
- Industry leaders and innovators
- Government and Defence representatives
- Researchers and academics
- Technology professionals
- Students interested in robotics and AI
- Organisations seeking research partnerships, talent and innovation opportunities
Join us as we launch Robotics@UNSW, celebrate the University's diverse robotics capability and create new connections across research, education, industry and government.
Places are limited due to venue capacity. Early registration is encouraged.
Contact
Event & registration enquiries: Sharlene Rainford – [email protected]
Research & collaboration enquiries: Will Midgley – [email protected]
Agenda
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:15 AM
Registration / arrival coffee, tea
🕑: 09:15 AM
Welcome and formal opening
Host: Sue Keay, Director UNSW AI Institute;
🕑: 09:25 AM
Launch of Robotics@UNSW
Host: Will Midgley & Sue Keay, UNSW AI Institute
🕑: 09:35 AM
Keynote
Host: Maurice Pagnucco, Deputy Dean, Education, UNSW
🕑: 10:05 AM
Morning Tea & Showcase
🕑: 10:50 AM
Lightning Talks 1 - Students
🕑: 11:40 AM
Panel 1: How useful are humanoids? Moderated by Sue Keay, UNSW AI Institute
Host: David Pearce, Our Robot Future
🕑: 12:20 PM
Lunch & Robotics Showcase
🕑: 01:10 PM
Lightning talks 2 - Academics
🕑: 01:50 PM
Spotlight - Ocius
🕑: 02:20 PM
Afternoon Tea & Showcase
🕑: 03:05 PM
Panel 2: Will edge AI change everything? Moderator: Will Midgley, AI Institute
Host: Ben Dupree, Hullbot
🕑: 03:45 PM
Closing address & 'provocation'
Host: Francisco Cruz Naranjo, Senior Lecturer UNSW Engineering
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
AUD 0.00
