When Stavanger hosts the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in March 2026, it will place Rogaland on the European map for robotics and artificial intelligence. The event represents an important opportunity for regional industries to connect, showcase competence and explore new opportunities for growth.
Ahead of the conference, the City of Stavanger and Haugaland Vekst are working closely with regional partners to map and highlight the breadth of expertise and business potential that already exists in the region. To ensure that local companies are part of the journey, they are inviting the business community to three dialogue meetings this November in Bryne, Stavanger and Haugesund.
According to Even Eide, advisor in the City of Stavanger’s business department, the goal is to build awareness and strengthen collaboration. “We noticed that many companies are not yet familiar with the ERF conference, so we are arranging three regional meetings to mobilise interest. Some of the seats are already taken, but there is still room for more,” he explains.
Eide sees the selection of Stavanger as host city, with NORCE and SINTEF as national organisers, as a unique opportunity to unite the region’s robotics and AI communities. “For once, companies across sectors such as health, oil and gas, industry and maritime have something in common: they are all users of AI and robotics,” he says.
From the pioneering Trallfa painting robots to today’s leading technology firms like AutoStore and Aarbakke, Rogaland has a long history of developing and applying advanced solutions. The expertise is often spread across industries, which makes collaboration even more valuable.
Oddvar Skjæveland, Director of R&D Infrastructure at NORCE, describes the event as an important recognition of the region’s capabilities. “The forum gives us a platform to present Norwegian and regional innovation in AI and robotics, and we hope it will be a catalyst for new European partnerships,” he says.
For Invest in Rogaland, the conference underlines the region’s growing role in applied technology and industrial innovation. Hosting ERF 2026 offers a chance to attract new investment, strengthen cooperation between research and business, and demonstrate how Rogaland’s industries continue to lead in the use of automation and AI.
Harald Minge, CEO of the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce, believes the forum will be a milestone. “Being host to ERF gives Rogaland a unique opportunity to bring together businesses, academia, EU partners and the public sector to show that we are at the forefront of adopting robotics and AI at an industrial scale in Norway,” he says.
| Date | Place | Focus |
| 14 November | Høghuset, Bryne | AI and robotics for competitiveness in Jæren and Dalane |
| 19 November | Stinger Technology, Stavanger | Presentations of robotics and AI solutions from companies across Nord-Jæren |
| 26 November | Haugesund | Haugalandet’s business community and collective robotics expertise |
The European Robotics Forum is the EU’s flagship conference for robotics and AI, gathering around 1,500 participants from industry, academia, and the public sector. The 2026 edition will be held in Stavanger from 23 to 27 March, featuring workshops, presentations, exhibitions, and site visits. The event is organised by euRobotics aisbl, NORCE and SINTEF, with support from local and regional partners.
Those interested in participating or learning more can contact: