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Taking place in London, United Kingdom, on 13-15 April 2026, Military Robotic & Autonomous Systems (MRAS) brings together senior leaders and technical experts from NATO allied forces, including those driving RAS units, experimentation programmes, and procurement strategies.
Why Now?
Recent developments highlight the urgency of advancing robotic and autonomous systems in modern warfare. Ukraine is actively stress-testing Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) under battlefield conditions, British forces are trialling high-tech systems on NATO’s eastern flank, and the UK military is exploring AI-driven drones for future operations. These headlines underscore a clear reality: autonomous technologies are no longer theoretical, they are shaping the battlefield today. NATO nations must accelerate integration to maintain operational advantage, protect personnel, and respond to evolving threats. MRAS provides a unique forum for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and rapid innovation in this fast-moving domain.
This year’s agenda addresses critical topics prominent in today’s conversations, including:
- Integrating UGV and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies for frontline medical evacuation and logistics
- Lessons from Ukraine: shifting from off-the-shelf acquisition to rapid, spiral-based development
- Autonomy in airborne operations with the 16 Air Assault Brigade
- Autonomous vehicles for breaching and complex terrain
Breaching operations, such as clearing mines, wire, and barriers, are essential for enabling movement but have traditionally placed soldiers at significant risk. Advances in autonomous vehicle technology now allow these tasks to be carried out remotely, improving safety and efficiency. New for 2026, a dedicated stream will delve into autonomous vehicles for breaching. This stream will outline current developments in autonomous breaching systems, including their design, practical applications, and integration into wider operational plans reducing exposure during complex missions.
Who Attends?
MRAS is designed for military robotics specialists, programme managers, and procurement officers seeking to understand the big picture of Unmanned Systems (UxS) and their role in future force structures. Attendees range from senior leaders shaping doctrine to NCOs focused on technical interoperability and industry partners eager to showcase cutting-edge solutions.
Why Attend?
Attending the 9th Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems event gives direct access to the decision-makers who run trials, set requirements, and award contracts. Gain exclusive insight into NATO’s evolving procurement strategies and operational requirements, while positioning your solutions at the forefront of the UK’s £4 billion defence investment in autonomous systems. As a respected and established forum with nine years of success, this event is the ultimate platform to influence, connect, and stay ahead in the rapidly advancing RAS domain.
Featured Speakers Across the Three Days:
- Major General Matthew Cansdale, Director of Army Futures, British Army
- Brigadier Mike Cornwell, Head Future Force Development, British Army
- Brigadier Chris Gent, NATO Allied Land Command
- Brigadier Ed Cartwright, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team
- Lieutenant Colonel Roman Kuziv, Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley, Australian Army HQ
- Surgeon Commander Will Sharp, UK MoD
Plus, moderated by Martin Joesaar, EU Defence Innovation Office, with senior leaders from the UK MoD and British Army, the panel, ‘How Should NATO Learn from the Ukraine War?’, will include discussions around moving from military off-the-shelf acquisition to more rapid, spiral-based acquisition.
“MRAS goes from strength to strength each year, it really is a key date for the defence robotics community.” DE&S, UK Ministry of Defence.
Be part of shaping the future of military robotics. Save £400 if you book your place at the ninth edition of Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems today.
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