Australia’s Robotics Research Credentials Open Door to $20b Global AI Robotics Industry

Australia’s leadership in intelligent robotics research was recognised today with the announcement that Sydney has won the right to host the IEEE/Robotics Society of Japan (RSJ) International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in 2028 – the event’s first time in the Southern Hemisphere in its 30-year history.

“This is a big win for Sydney and the NSW visitor economy. It’s also exciting to be hosting such an important global discussion in Sydney. This emerging field is reaching a critical inflection point and hosting a world leading conference will put Australian experts at the forefront of that conversation”, said Minister for Jobs and Tourism the Hon John Graham.

Business event bidding specialists BESydney partnered with pre-eminent robotics researchers from around Australia to bid to bring IROS down under, attracting between 7-10,000 global delegates generating an estimated $31 million in direct expenditure into the local economy. IROS Sydney will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) from 2-6 October 2028.

Last year, IROS 2028 Bid Co-Chair, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu, was recognised with the Harashima Award, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s highest award for his contributions to the field of Infrastructure Robotics.

Professor Liu said, ”The successful bid to host IROS2028 in Sydney highlights the outstanding efforts of distinguished Australian robotics researchers, Professors Dana Kulic, Peter Corke, Denny Oetomo, and Hanna Kurniawati. Their expertise and dedication have secured this prestigious event, and I am honoured to co-chair alongside them. This is a great opportunity to showcase Australian robotics, promote the robot industry in Australasia, and also advance robotics in the Pacific Island Countries.”

IROS is one of the largest and most impactful robotics research conferences worldwide. Established in 1988 and held annually, IROS gathers the expert international robotics research community to explore the frontier of science and technology in intelligent robots and smart machines. The research showcased at these global conferences plays a critical role in growing new industries, providing the foundation for innovation.

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis Smith said, “Events such as IROS allow us to build global connectivity for our robust local research ecosystem as well as showcasing Australian capability and collaboration and investment opportunities. New South Wales hosts advanced research facilities, such as the UTS ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction and Robotics Institute, and the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics and the ARC Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub, and these institutions have pioneered innovations in areas including space robotics, infrastructure maintenance, and sustainable mining applications​.

“Initiatives like the Sydney Quantum Academy and Tech Central’s innovation hubs underpin Sydney’s vibrant ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration across fields such as AI, quantum computing, and robotics. These advancements are driving NSW’s competitive edge and attracting international conferences and investment that spotlight its leadership in digital and intelligent technologies,” she said.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said supporting Business Events Sydney’s successful bid to host IROS via the Business Events Bid Fund Program presented a huge opportunity for Australian tourism.

“Since its inception, our Business Events Bid Fund has been helping to support a thriving visitor economy by building a strong pipeline of future international business events across Australia,” she said.

IROS is sponsored by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, the Robotics Society of Japan, the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers, the New Technology Foundation, and the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. 

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