Robotics Pioneers to Forecast Next Two Decades at RoboBusiness 2026

Three of the most influential figures in the history of robotics will convene on October 20, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, to map the trajectory of the industry through 2046. The opening keynote session of RoboBusiness 2026 will bring together a rare assembly of academic and commercial leadership to analyze the technologies and markets that will define the next 20 years of automation.

The session features Rodney Brooks of Robust AI, Jonathan Hurst of Agility Robotics, and Ken Goldberg of UC Berkeley. Moderated by Steve Crowe, executive editor of The Robot Report, the panel will examine the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of RoboBusiness, which takes place from October 20-21, 2026.

The Evolution of Commercial Robotics

Robotics has undergone a fundamental shift over the last two decades, moving from experimental laboratory technology to a critical business tool. Today, autonomous systems are deeply integrated into high-stakes sectors including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and defense. As these systems move from niche applications to core infrastructure, the industry requires a strategic framework to manage the transition from specialized tools to general-purpose utility.

RoboBusiness has functioned as a primary gathering for commercial developers to synchronize research with industry trends. By centering this anniversary event on a long-term forecast, the organizers are addressing the gap between current deployment capabilities and the theoretical potential of future robotic systems.

Strategic Implications for the Industry

The composition of the keynote panel provides a comprehensive cross-section of the industry's power centers. By combining the perspectives of a pioneer in mobile and humanoid robotics (Brooks), a leader in the commercial deployment of humanoid logistics (Hurst), and a distinguished academic expert in human-robot interaction (Goldberg), the session aims to provide a high-level strategic forecast.

This convergence is critical as the industry faces a pivotal moment. The transition toward humanoid forms and more intuitive human-robot collaboration suggests that the next 20 years will be defined not just by what robots can do, but by how they integrate into human environments. The insights from these three figures will likely signal where venture capital and research efforts should pivot to ensure scalability and safety.

Looking Toward 2046

As the industry looks toward the next two decades, the focus will likely shift toward the intersection of advanced AI and physical embodiment. While the October session will provide the initial roadmap, the broader RoboBusiness event will serve as the venue for testing these theories against current market realities.

Observers will be watching for specific consensus among the panelists regarding the timeline for widespread humanoid adoption and the regulatory hurdles that may slow the industry's progress. While the keynote sets the vision, the subsequent sessions in Santa Clara will determine how those forecasts translate into actionable business strategies for the coming years.