Safe Autonomy Industry Summit

Join us at the Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) at the University of York for a day dedicated to accelerating innovation and safety in autonomous systems.

This event is an opportunity for industry colleagues to see the Institute’s research in action, understand how it addresses real-world challenges, and connect directly with researchers and industry peers to discuss future collaborations and shape the future of our research.

The event will feature demonstrations of our research, showcasing how we’re tackling the real-world challenges of adoption of autonomous systems, robotics and supporting technologies (including AI and advanced communications), as well as a chance to discover how cross-sector partnerships are unlocking new commercial frontiers in safe autonomy and responsible AI.

Demonstrations will include:

• Ground-based and aerial robotics
• Solar energy farm inspection and maintenance using autonomous systems
• Surveillance, monitoring and inspection of indoor, outdoor and underwater environments.
• Safety and assurance framework development and assessments
• Quantum, radio and underwater communications

What to expect:

• Networking sessions with key industry and academic researchers
• Panel discussions on the value of collaboration in the context of AI and autonomous systems
• Opportunities to explore future collaborations

Who should attend:

Industry leaders and professionals from all sectors interested in the safe use of autonomous systems, robotics and AI; their design, safety assurance, and the resilient and secure communications technologies that support their deployment.

We are extending invitations to connections working in aerospace, maritime, rail, automotive, telecommunications, defence, energy, health and advanced manufacturing sectors, but all are welcome and we would love to see you in York.

Registration is free but there are limited spaces available.

Agenda:

09:30 - 10:00

Arrivals and check in

10:00 - 10:10

Welcome address from ISA Directors

Dr Ana MacIntosh and Professor John McDermid OBE FREng

10:10 - 10:40

Introduction to research at ISA

10:40 - 11:00

Morning break

11:00 - 12:00

Demonstrations and networking (Part one)

12:00 - 12:45

Panel One: Collaboration at ISA: The Value of Effective Partnerships

12:45 - 13:15

Lunch

13:15 - 14:15

Demonstrations and networking (Part two)

14:15 - 15:00

Panel Two: Safety in the Age of AI and Autonomy

15:00 - 15:30

Q&A session

15:30 - 15:55

Networking session and pre-arranged meetings

15:55 - 16:00

Closing comments by ISA Directors

(Agenda subject to change)

Registration closes 24 April 2026

For more information: Contact Katherine Abrahams - [email protected]

About the Institute for Safe Autonomy:

The Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) works across academic disciplines, and with partners from industry, policy and society, to explore how robotics, connected autonomous systems and AI can safely benefit people and the planet.

From driverless cars and remotely monitored ships, to robotic arms and virtual assistants – new technologies which can learn and solve problems independently are transforming the way we live, travel and work. Our mission is to ensure that these systems, their software, and their communications are safe.

Our work covers sectors including renewable energy, rail, maritime, automotive, quantum communications, defence, health and agri-tech.

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Host or Publisher Institute for Safe Autonomy