A Critical Event for Defence Robotics: Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems (MRAS) 2026

Looking ahead to the 9th annual Military Robotic & Autonomous Systems (MRAS) conference, taking place in London on 13-15 April 2026, the event continues to serve as a key meeting point for advancing unmanned and autonomous capabilities across NATO and allied forces.

With defence organisations accelerating their integration of robotic technologies, MRAS remains the foremost forum for collaboration, innovation, and strategic insight in this rapidly evolving domain.

In the News

Global conflict trends are underscoring an urgent need for adaptable unmanned systems across land, air, and maritime domains.

• Ukraine’s frontline experimentation with UGVs continues to push the limits of autonomy under live combat conditions.
• British forces remain active in testing advanced RAS concepts across NATO’s eastern flank.
• The UK MoD is rapidly expanding AI‑enabled drone development, signalling an increasing reliance on autonomy for future operations.

These developments demonstrate a clear shift: RAS technologies are no longer “future-focused” – they are changing operational realities today. MRAS 2026 provides a vital collaborative hub where armed forces, innovators, and industry can align on lessons learned, emerging requirements, and fast-track development pathways.

The 2026 Programme

This year’s programme delivers a deeper, more operationally focused agenda, including:

• Integrated UGV/UAV systems for battlefield logistics and medical evacuation.
• Lessons from Ukraine: moving beyond MOTS/COTS procurement toward faster spiral development.
• Autonomy in airborne operations and human-machine teaming in expeditionary warfare.
• RAS integration into complex terrain missions.

NEW: Autonomous Breaching Technology Stream

Breaching operations, including mine clearance, obstacle removal, and barrier reduction, remain some of the most dangerous missions for ground forces. In 2026, MRAS introduces a dedicated conference stream exploring how autonomous vehicles are reshaping these high‑risk tasks.

Sessions will examine:

• Current system development and design approaches.
• Remote and semi-autonomous breaching capabilities.
• Integration considerations for mission planning.
• How reducing soldier exposure enhances survivability and manoeuvre advantage.

Why Attend?

By joining MRAS 2026, participants gain direct access to the individuals who are shaping the future of robotic capabilities, those who conduct trials, define requirements, and select solutions for procurement.

This year’s event offers:

• Exclusive insights into NATO RAS priorities.
• Updates on UK and allied autonomous capability investments.
• Direct engagement with decision-makers behind a defence sector investing over £4 billion in autonomous technologies.
• A trusted platform built on nearly a decade of success.

Featured Speakers

Across the three-day programme, attendees will hear from leaders including:

• Major General Matthew Cansdale, Director of Army Futures, British Army
• Brigadier General Michael Janisch, Director, Defence Technology Agency, Austrian Armed Forces
• Brigadier Chris Gent, DCOS Transformation & Integration, NATO Allied Land Command
• Brigadier Ed Cartwright, Commander, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, British Army
• Colonel James R Howard, Commander Experimentation & Trials Group ETG, Experimentation & Trials Group HQ, British Army
• Colonel Toby Till, Colonel Army Training – Army Training Executive Army Trg Exec, Army Futures, British Army HQ
• Lieutenant Colonel Roman Kuziv, Commander of Medical Forces and Sustainment Group East, Military Medical Service, Armed Forces of Ukraine
• Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley, Incoming Director of Robotics Implementation and Coordination Office, Australian Army HQ
• Lieutenant Colonel Dan Sawyers, Head JHUB, UK MoD
• Robert Monto, Director, Advanced Concepts & Critical Technologies, U.S. Army

Plus, a high-level panel, moderated by Martin Joesaar, EU Defence Innovation Office, on: “How Should NATO Learn from the Ukraine War?”, which will include discussions on the shift from traditional off‑the‑shelf acquisition to rapid, spiral-based development cycles.

A previous attendee from UK MoD DE&S noted, “MRAS goes from strength to strength each year – it really is a key date for the defence robotics community.”

Join MRAS in shaping the future of military robotics and autonomous capability. Save £100 with the early bird offer. Full details available at: www.robotics-autonomous.com