Beyond Connectivity: Transforming Robotics and Automation with 6G

This half-day workshop endorsed by the one6G board is proposed for the IEEE ICRA 2026 event that will take place in Vienna, Austria between the 1st and teh 5th of June 2026.

This workshop explores the transformative potential of next-generation 6G communication technologies in revolutionizing robotics. As we move towards a more connected and intelligent future, the tight integration of 6G’s ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and ubiquitous sensing capabilities with robotic systems is crucial. The event will focus on novel applications and research directions, including real-time cloud robotics, high-fidelity haptic teleoperation, and the orchestration of large-scale multi-robot swarms. We will delve into critical topics such as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for enhanced robot perception and High Reliability Low Latency Communication (HRLLC) for mission-critical applications. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between robotics and communications research, fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue to define the future of robotic autonomy, collaboration, and human-robot interaction in the 6G era.

Relevance and Expected Impact:

The proposed workshop addresses a timely and critical intersection of two rapidly evolving fields: robotics and wireless communication. As robotic systems become more complex and distributed, their reliance on robust, high-speed, and low-latency communication is paramount. The advent of 6G promises to unlock capabilities previously considered impossible, such as real-time cloud-based control, seamless human-robot collaboration through high-fidelity haptics, and the coordination of vast robot swarms. This workshop will provide a unique forum to explore these synergies, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical applications and challenges. We will bring together experts from both fields to ensure contributed content reflects the state of the art, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in areas like remote surgery, autonomous logistics, and environmental monitoring. By fostering this interdisciplinary exchange, we expect the workshop to have a significant impact on shaping the research agenda for the next decade of robotics.

Workshop Format (Half-day):

Our workshop is designed to maximize interaction and engagement, going beyond traditional presentations. The format includes a mix of provocative talks, peer-reviewed paper presentations, and interactive breakout sessions. We will explicitly provide a hybrid participation model where remote attendees can participate in real-time Q&A and join virtual breakout rooms, ensuring people who are unable to travel can still engage meaningfully.

Tentative Schedule at a Glance:

• 9:00 AM – 9:05 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks – Prof Kaspar Althoefer (QMUL)
• 9:05 AM – 9:25 AM: Provocation Talk 1: Prof Gerhard P. Fettweis (TU Dresden)

• 9:25 AM – 9:50 AM: Provocation Talk 2: Prof Davide Scaramuzza (University of Zurich)

• 9:50 AM – 10:10 AM: Provocation Talk 3: Prof Giuseppe Loianno (UC Berkeley)

• 10:10-10:25: Invited poster pitch  – Poster chair: Prof Dejan Vukobratovic (UNS)

• 10:25 AM – 10:40 AM: Coffee Break & Networking

• 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM: Provocation Talk 4: Prof Anibal Ollero (Universidad de Sevilla)

• 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM: Interactive Breakout Sessions & Discussions – Dr Mona Ghassemian

  • Theme 1: Connected Robotics – Lead: Prof Toktam Mahmoodi (King’s College London- one6G member)

  • Theme 2: Standardisation Activities – Leads (IEEE SA- TBC)

  • Theme 3: Testbeds, PoC and Implementations – Leads (euRobotics – TBC)

• 12:20 PM – 12:30 PM: Closing Remarks – Prof Kaspar Althoefer