Austria is becoming a global hub for robotics – and is showcasing what AI can do

Events such as ICRA attract over 8,000 international robotics experts. International scientists, cutting-edge research from TU Wien and AIT, and startups such as XELA and Neoalp are shaping Austria’s robotics ecosystem. 

In early June, more than 8,000 robotics experts travelled to Vienna for the International Conference on Robotics & Automation (ICRA)International Conference on Robotics & Automation (ICRA) (). Over 140 companies and research institutes presented their developments – ranging from industrial robots to humanoid systems equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) – at one of the world’s most important robotics conferences. 

The “Festival of Robots”, organised at the end of May as part of ICRA, demonstrated that robotics also captivates the general public. Around 15,000 visitors saw robots in action. A fully autonomous lifting and loading crane developed by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and Palfinger celebrated its world premiere. 

The “Festival of Robots”, organised at the end of May as part of ICRA, demonstrated that robotics also captivates the general public. Around 15,000 visitors saw robots in action. A fully autonomous lifting and loading crane developed by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and Palfinger celebrated its world premiere. 

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Research at TU Wien and AIT

Whilst traditional industrial robots perform fixed tasks, AI-powered systems learn from data and adapt flexibly to new situations. To ensure that autonomous machines can be used safely, the AIT tests systems such as autonomous cranes and forklift trucks under realistic conditions at the Large Scale Robotics LabLarge Scale Robotics Lab () for applications in logistics, construction, industry and forestry.

The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) is also making targeted efforts to strengthen this field: in early 2026, two tutors founded the TU Wien Robotics ClubTU Wien Robotics Club (). Interest was high: within ten hours, around 250 people had signed up. Today, around 60 students are working on projects such as humanoid robots and autonomous harvesting systems. Support is already being provided by international and domestic investors and business angels, including Andreas KlingerAndreas Klinger (), Noctua Science VenturesNoctua Science Ventures (), Hansmann Family OfficeHansmann Family Office () und Hubert RhombergHubert Rhomberg (). The next step is the creation of Austria’s first robotics hub, covering 200 square metres, which also aims to provide co-working spaces for deep-tech startups.

A number of other organisations in Austria are also conducting research into robotics, such as Fraunhofer AustriaFraunhofer Austria (), the Ars Electronica FuturelabArs Electronica Futurelab () and the Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production at Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production at Joanneum Research (). This means Austria is on the right track. As Markus Vincze, a professor at the Vienna University of Technology and chair of the ICRA conference, emphasises, robotics will soon become an increasingly integral part of everyday life. At the same time, he says, it is becoming “increasingly important for Europe to keep production, expertise and technological development within its own economic area.”

Robotics startups and international talent are boosting the region’s appeal

One example of international talent in the field of robotics in Austria is the American AI researcher Emily Kate GenatowskiEmily Kate Genatowski (), who completed her PhD at the University of Vienna and is now one of the most sought-after scientists in her field. She lived with a humanoid robot for a yearlived with a humanoid robot for a year () to find out what society still needs to learn before humanoids become part of everyday life.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JgEtIgUTo&t=2shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JgEtIgUTo&t=2s ()

With the support of the ABA, she recently founded PSL, a company that develops insurance models for AI-powered and humanoid robot systems. Genatowski: “My plan for PSL is to lay the foundations for the responsible use of humanoid robotics in both the industrial and private sectors.” She praises Austria as a “dream location for entrepreneurs”.

Local startups are also attracting international attention:

• Iono RoboticsIono Robotics (): the Linz-based startup recently unveiled “Workmate”, the first humanoid robot developed entirely in Austria. An integrated drone can take off directly from the robot’s head. 
• NeoalpNeoalp (): the Viennese start-up is helping the industrial group Semperit to introduce humanoid robots. In our video, CEO Christian Tauber talks about the benefits of working at AI Factory Austria. (Link zu Beitrag AI-Factory).
• XELA Robotics:XELA Robotics: () entwickelt im Rahmen einer österreichisch-japanischen Kooperation taktile Sensoren für Roboteranwendungentaktile Sensoren für Roboteranwendungen (), um ihnen einen Tastsinn zu verleihen. Unterstützung erhielt das Unternehmen von Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN)Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN) () und der ABA.
• BaubotBaubot (): was founded in Austria and acquired by the German Fischer Group. The company manufactures mobile robots for the construction industry.

These companies benefit from an environment in which research and industry are closely intertwined and actively networked through platforms such as GMAR (EN: Society for Measurement, Automation and Robotics) or the Austrian Humanoid HubAustrian Humanoid Hub (). The latter serves as a national platform for humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence, and promotes collaboration, pilot projects and knowledge transfer. The Practical Robotics Institute Austria (PRIA) supports and promotes the next generation of scientists in the fields of robotics, automation and information and communication technology.