Events

Cross-sector Aerial Robotics Workshop: Identifying Applications, Common Challenges and Opportunities Across Sectors

Aerial Physical Interaction

Date:	Tuesday 17 March 2026 13:00 - 17:00
Location:	Centre for Advanced Robotics @ Queen Mary School of Engineering and Materials Science Faculty of Engineering and Science Queen Mary University of London Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS Map

Supported and funded by the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS) Network under the Aerial Physical Intelligence Topic Group, we are hosting a cross-sector workshop on 17h March 2026, at Queen Mary University of London, focused on the future of aerial robotics beyond inspection. This is a satellite event of Queen Mary University of London's Night of Science and Engineering.

Aerial systems are moving rapidly from passive sensing toward physical interaction, manipulation, and deployment in safety-critical environments. Yet meaningful cross-sector dialogue remains limited.

This workshop will bring together stakeholders from nuclear, infrastructure, construction, energy, transport, and manufacturing to:
• Identify high-value application areas
• Share operational constraints and lessons from deployment
• Map technological capabilities against real-world needs
• Highlight regulatory and assurance barriers
• Shape future demonstrator and collaborative funding opportunities


The agenda and location details:
13.00 – 13.50 | QMUL Robotics Research Tours
A chance to visit relevant QMUL facilities and see some of the research environments and capabilities supporting work in robotics and autonomous systems.

14.00 – 15.15 | Introductions and Lightning Talks
This session will provide an overview of the working group objectives, followed by short lightning talks highlighting perspectives, capabilities, and key challenges across the community.

15.15 – 15.30 | Tea and Coffee Break

15.30 – 17.00 | Roundtable Workshop and Reflections
This discussion-based session will focus on shared challenges, cross-sector opportunities, and priorities for future research, collaboration, and community-building activity.

17.00 – 18.30 | Networking
An informal opportunity to continue conversations, build new connections, and explore potential collaborations with others attending the workshop.

On behalf of the organising committee (UCL, Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, and the University of Bristol), we look forward to welcoming colleagues from across sectors to this discussion.