BOSTON — The 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo is bringing thousands of robotics developers, engineers and industry professionals to Boston for a two-day event focused on the technologies shaping the next generation of commercial robots.

The event, taking place April 30 and May 1 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, features more than 200 exhibitors, more than 50 educational sessions and five keynote presentations covering artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, logistics, healthcare, motion control and other areas of robotics development.

The opening day begins with two keynote presentations highlighting developments in humanoid robotics and intelligent logistics.

Boston Dynamics opens the keynote program

At 9 a.m., Aaron Saunders, chief technology officer at Boston Dynamics, will present “Redesigning Atlas: Boston Dynamics on the Future of Humanoids.”

Saunders will discuss the company's new electric Atlas humanoid and the engineering challenges involved in developing robots capable of operating in real-world environments.

The presentation will examine the opportunities and technical difficulties associated with humanoid robots as researchers and companies work to move the technology from development laboratories toward practical applications.

Symbotic focuses on intelligent logistics

At 10 a.m., James Kuffner, chief technology officer at Symbotic, will deliver the second keynote, “The Future of Intelligent Automated Logistics.”

Kuffner will discuss how advances in machine learning, computer vision, perception and computing power are enabling increasingly sophisticated robotic systems for warehouses and supply-chain operations.

A central focus will be the coordination of large fleets of robots operating simultaneously. Kuffner is expected to examine how motion-planning and task-management algorithms can help robots work reliably in semi-structured environments and handle increasingly complex logistics operations.

The expo floor will also open at 10 a.m., giving attendees access to hundreds of exhibits, product demonstrations and robotics technologies.

Technical sessions cover a broad range of applications

The summit's breakout program features sessions covering both the technical and business challenges involved in developing and commercializing robotics.

Topics include building global robotics companies, warehouse automation, medical robotics, robotic navigation, motion control, remote surgery, ROS 2, fundraising and the commercialization of emerging technologies.

Other sessions will explore mobile manipulators, robotic dexterity, force sensing, humanoid robotics and the challenges of deploying robots at large companies.

The program also includes a MassRobotics Accelerator Showcase, highlighting startups working on new robotics technologies.

Humanoids and physical AI take center stage

Humanoid robotics will be one of the major themes throughout the first day.

A panel titled “The State of Humanoids” will bring together experts from ASTM International, Schaeffler, Agility Robotics and The Robot Report to discuss the current state of humanoid development.

Another session, “Virtual Twins for Humanoid Robotics,” will examine how digital models and simulation technologies can support the development of humanoid systems.

Additional sessions will focus on force sensing, physical intelligence and the technologies needed to make robots more capable of interacting with their surroundings.

Engineering Theater offers hands-on industry insight

The Engineering Theater on the show floor will feature presentations addressing some of the most important engineering challenges facing robotics developers.

Topics include stability and safety for autonomous bipedal robots, software-defined robotics, robotic hands, vibration management, tactile sensing and warehouse automation.

The sessions are designed to give engineers and technology professionals practical insight into technologies that can influence robot design, reliability and deployment.

Networking and industry events

Beyond the technical program, the Robotics Summit & Expo will provide several opportunities for attendees to connect with companies, researchers, startups and other professionals in the robotics industry.

The expo floor will remain open until 5 p.m., with networking activities scheduled throughout the afternoon.

The Robotics Mix & Mingle Reception will follow the show floor from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 258ABC.

The evening will also feature the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Reception & Gala, recognizing companies and technologies that have made significant contributions to robotics innovation.

MassRobotics is also participating in the event through its startup and robotics-development programs, including its Accelerator Showcase and Form and Function Robotics Challenge.

A major gathering for commercial robotics

The 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo is designed to bring together the people developing, manufacturing and deploying commercial robotics systems.

With more than 5,000 attendees, over 200 exhibitors and a program covering artificial intelligence, sensing, software, humanoids, healthcare and logistics, the Boston event provides a broad look at how robotics technology is moving into increasingly diverse industries.

The summit continues through May 1, with additional keynote presentations, technical sessions, demonstrations and networking opportunities scheduled for the second day.