Odense to host leading robotics conference in 2027

Odense has been selected as the host city for ISARC 2027 – the world’s leading conference on automation and robotics in construction. This marks the first time the conference will be held in the Nordic region and will bring together international experts for networking, workshops, and knowledge sharing.

The 44th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC) will take place in the summer of 2027, underlining Odense’s growing importance in the global robotics scene.

“It’s fantastic news that the global elite in construction robotics is coming to Odense. ISARC 2027 is not just a conference – it’s a recognition of Odense’s position as a global powerhouse for technology and innovation. Hosting ISARC 2027 in Odense highlights, once again, that the world is looking our way when it comes to robotics and automation. It aligns with our clear vision of leading a movement where people work with robots – not as robots,” says Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense.

The decision was made at a recent board meeting of IAARC (The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction) in Montreal, Canada – and this will be the first time the conference is held in the Nordic region.

“Odense has developed into one of Europe’s most prominent hubs for robotics. With strong research environments and close ties to industry, the city is an ideal place to bring together the global elite in construction robotics. We look forward to visiting with ISARC 2027,” says Ioannis Brilakis, President of IAARC.

“This is a huge recognition of Odense’s position as an international hub for robotics and green innovation in construction. We look forward to welcoming the world to a city where global ambitions meet strong local solutions,” says Professor Christian Schlette from SDU, who led the conference bid.

A strong partnership behind the bid

A broad and strategic collaboration between the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), the City of Odense, Invest in Odense, Odense Robotics, Port of Odense, DTU, OTH Regensburg, and Destination Fyn laid the foundation for the successful bid.

A key highlight of the 2027 conference will be the world’s largest robotics center for large-scale construction, set to open at the Port of Odense in 2026. Based at SDU’s Center for Large Structure Production, the center will host demonstration projects, workshops, and international networking activities in connection with the conference.

This strong partnership also underscores Odense’s ambitions to become a leading conference city. At the intersection of tourism, academia, and private enterprise, the city creates unique experiences for business visitors.

“It’s rewarding to see how our daily efforts to attract international conferences are paying off. ISARC 2027 is a tangible result of ongoing collaboration between the city, academia, and industry. It contributes to our development as individuals, as a city, and as a regional stronghold,” says Kent Kordt Röder, Head of Convention, Destination Fyn.

A globally significant conference

ISARC brings together researchers, companies, and decision-makers from around the world every year. The themes span a wide range: from artificial intelligence, digital construction logistics, and automation to sustainability and data-driven solutions for the future of building.

The conference is conservatively expected to attract around 300 highly specialized participants from both academia and industry, with even greater potential.

Excitement is also growing at Odense Robotics:

“ISARC 2027 is an important opportunity to showcase Denmark’s leadership in robotics. We look forward to welcoming research and industry partners from around the world to Odense and strengthening international ties,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics.

The conference will not only be a professional milestone – it will also help drive investment, international visibility, and new collaborations between industry and academia.

Facts about international robotics conferences in Odense

2024 – Week of Robotics:

• ROSCon
• ICSR – International Conference on Social Robotics
• ROS-Industrial

2023:

• European Robotics Forum

Facts about Odense’s robotics ecosystem

• 160+ robotics, automation, and drone companies with 3,600 employees on Funen
• The world’s first commercially viable collaborative robot was invented here
• Odense is globally known as the capital of cobots
• More than €1 billion has been invested in the city’s robotics companies

Contact information
Christian Schlette – chsch@mmmi.sdu.dk – +45 93 50 73 77
Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense – via press advisor Alexander Mose-Johansen – +45 24 37 33 97
Press contact, Odense Robotics: Sarah Theil Pedersen – +45 28 55 20 56
Press contact, Destination Fyn: Gitte Vestermark – +45 30 59 24 42