UST Sponsors UTES 2026 in Gothenburg

Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) is partnering with Chalmers University of Technology in sponsoring UTES 2026 – Unmanned Technologies for Earth and Space, taking place 26–27 October 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Hosted at Chalmers University of Technology, the two-day international symposium is free to attend and will bring together researchers, engineers, industry leaders, government agencies and students working across unmanned and autonomous technologies. The event will examine systems operating across air, land, sea, underwater and space environments, providing a forum for technical exchange between academia, industry and the public sector.

The sponsorship reflects UST’s focus on connecting the global unmanned systems community and supporting the discovery of emerging technologies, engineering solutions and expertise across autonomous platforms and their enabling subsystems. UST covers technologies spanning UAVs and UAS, ground robotics, USVs, AUVs, UUVs and ROVs, together with components, software, sensors, navigation, communications, propulsion and autonomy.

Connecting Unmanned Technologies on Earth and in Space

UTES 2026 has been structured around a two-day program focused on two complementary technology domains.

Day One – Earth Applications will focus on unmanned aviation, autonomous systems, U-space, advanced air mobility and terrestrial applications. Preliminary sessions will address uncrewed aviation and AAM, U-space and traffic management, regulation and airspace integration, as well as industrial applications and technology demonstrations.

Day Two – Space & Planetary Exploration moves the discussion beyond Earth’s surface, covering satellite systems, Earth observation, planetary robotics, autonomous decision-making, remote operations and AI-enabled space missions.

Across both days, an accompanying exhibition will provide opportunities to explore technologies and demonstrations and to connect with organizations working throughout the autonomous systems ecosystem.

Expert Speakers Across Autonomy, Aviation and Space

A growing lineup of keynote speakers will bring experience from autonomous operations, defense research, UAS testing and certification, robotics and human spaceflight.

Confirmed speakers currently include:

• Richard Tanner – Strategic & Operational Advisor, Maritime Autonomy
  Tanner will address Maritime Autonomy & Future Operations, drawing on experience supporting the transition toward autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems.
• Lars Forssell – Program Manager for Loitering Munition, FOI
  Representing the Swedish Defence Research Agency, Forssell will explore Loitering Munitions & Future Defence Systems, including the evolving role of autonomous technologies within future operational environments.
• Jordi Salvador Bernadí – CEO, BCN Drone Center
  Bernadí will focus on Drone Testing, Certification & Advanced Air Mobility, bringing experience from UAS testing, regulatory compliance and the development of advanced air mobility technologies.
• Vladimir Pletser – Director Space Training Operations, Nautexe Global
  Pletser will bring the space dimension to the programme with a keynote on Human Spaceflight & Astronaut Training, informed by experience spanning microgravity research, mission preparation and operational training.
• Dr. Jeevan Perera – Senior Engineer & Manager, NASA
  With more than 40 years of experience supporting human spaceflight programmes including the International Space Station, Space Shuttle and Orion, Dr. Perera will discuss Human Spaceflight, Robotics & Flight Software. His work also includes flight software, risk management and advanced robotics development.Further keynote speakers and presentation topics are still being confirmed, with the event programme continuing to develop ahead of October.

Building Collaboration Across the Unmanned Systems Ecosystem

By bringing together aviation, robotics, intelligent traffic management, Earth observation and space technologies within one programme, UTES 2026 aims to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration between disciplines that increasingly rely on common technologies including autonomy, AI, sensing, communications and remote operations.

The event will also provide opportunities for attendees to meet researchers, technology developers, public organizations and other industry stakeholders through technical sessions, presentations, demonstrations, networking and the exhibition.

Taking place 26–27 October 2026 at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, UTES 2026 is free to attendees and exhibitors.

Find out more and register for UTES 2026 >>