ERF 2026 | Workshop “Coupling Mobile Robotics & Manipulation”

PAL Robotics workshop at ERF

The PILLAR-Robots project is gearing up for the European Robotics Forum (ERF 2026), and we are excited to announce our leadership in one relevant workshop session of the event: “Coupling Mobile Robotics & Manipulation”.

As our project enters its final phases of developing purposeful, autonomous robots, this workshop represents a key milestone in bridging the gap between our lifelong learning research and the practical, industrial needs of mobile manipulation.

Why you should join us

Mobile manipulation, the integration of robotic arms with mobile bases, is a rapidly growing field driven by the need for more flexible production lines and the increasing scarcity of labor in Europe. However, significant gaps remain between academic breakthroughs and industry-ready deployment.

Speakers lineup

The workshop features a panel of experts who are shaping the future of autonomous robotics, including key representatives from the PILLAR-Robots consortium:

  • Richard Duro(Universidade da Coruña): Project Coordinator of PILLAR-Robots.
  • Francesco Ferro(PAL Robotics): CEO of PAL Robotics and PILLAR-Robots partner.
  • Marco Rosa(PAL Robotics): Workshop co-organiser and PILLAR-Robots partner.
  • Gianluca Palli(University of Bologna): Lead for the INTELLIMAN sister project.
  • Giorgio Cannata(Università di Genova): Expert in robotic perception and tactile sensing.
  • Industry perspectives will be provided by representatives from ABB AG (Christoph Bik) and Roche (David Fertig).

Workshop details

Whether you are a researcher looking to validate your latest algorithms or an industry leader seeking to automate complex logistics, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to network and shape the future of European robotics.

  • Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
  • Time: 11:10 – 12:30
  • Room: Synesvarden
  • Organisers: Lei Wan(XITASO GmbH), Max Spahn(ABB AG), and Marco Rosa(PAL Robotics).

We look forward to seeing you in Stavanger to help us build a roadmap for the next generation of mobile manipulators! For more updates on our presence at ERF 2026, follow us on social media and stay tuned to our upcoming newsletters.

PILLAR-Robots