Moscow is rapidly establishing itself as a powerhouse in robotics and automation. Once known primarily for its raw industrial output, the Russian capital is now a hub for cutting-edge research, international collaboration, and large-scale industrial tech showcases.
From academic symposiums focused on artificial intelligence to massive trade fairs featuring autonomous logistics, the city’s 2026 calendar is packed with opportunities for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts.
Here is your essential guide to the robotics industry events in Moscow this year.
Spring: Academic Excellence and Scientific Breakthroughs
DSPA-2026: Digital Signal Processing and its Applications
Date: April 14-16, 2026 (Concluded)
The spring season kicked off with the 28th edition of the DSPA International Conference. This event is critical for understanding the “brains” behind modern robotics.
Why it mattered:
Held under the banner of digital signal processing, the conference confirmed its status as a platform where science meets the real sector of the economy. The event brought together global researchers from Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, India, and Turkey, alongside industry giants like Rosatom, Rostec, and Yandex.
Key discussions included future Wi-Fi standards, the role of efficient neural networks, and diagnostics for industrial robot motors—topics essential for the next generation of autonomous systems.
ROS Meetup 2026: The Open Source Robotics Forum
Date: March 20-22, 2026 (Concluded)
For the software engineers of the robotics world, the ROS (Robot Operating System) Meetup was a landmark event. In 2026, the conference introduced the “ROSRM” scientific track for the first time, focusing specifically on AI methods in robotics.
The Academic Edge:
The event was hosted at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) and featured a unique publication pipeline. Accepted papers were published in the Scopus-indexed journal Optical Memory and Neural Networks.
Article topics included intelligent robotics, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and navigation—highlighting the deep integration of AI into modern robotics.
SmartIndustryCon 2026
Date: March 23-27, 2026 (Concluded)
While technically held in Sochi, this conference draws the majority of its intellectual force from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It serves as the annual meeting point for Industry 4.0 technologies.
Industrial Focus:
The conference featured a dedicated section on Industrial Robotics alongside Digital Twins, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), and AI for manufacturing. With over 200 reports from 40+ Russian cities and international representatives, it remains a vital link between academic theory and factory-floor reality.
ICROSMA 2026: Robotics and Smart Manufacturing
Date: April 10-11, 2026 (Concluded)
The Researchfora organization hosted the International Conference on Robotics and Smart Manufacturing (ICROSMA) in Moscow in early April.
This event aimed to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to share cutting-edge developments in the field. Topics covered ranged from artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering to nanotechnology and smart materials. Proceedings were submitted to indexing services like ISI Thomson, ensuring international academic visibility.
New Infrastructure: Robotic & Unmanned Systems Test Center
Date: Opened March 2026
While not a conference, the launch of Russia’s first full-cycle test center for robotic and unmanned systems in Moscow is a game-changer for the industry.
The Facility:
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the center on March 18, 2026. It is designed to test a wide range of technologies—from logistics and transport robots to aerial drones, underwater vehicles, and construction systems.
The Process:
Developers can apply for trials via an online platform with an expedited approval process, allowing testing to begin within days. This initiative is expected to dramatically accelerate the transition from prototype to mass production.
Late Spring: The Industry Giants Take Over
Metalloobrabotka 2026
Date: May 12-15, 2026
As the weather warms, the industrial action moves to the massive exhibition floors. Metalloobrabotka is not just a Russian event; it is one of the top 10 leading machine tool trade fairs in the world.
The Scale:
Held at Crocus Expo, this exhibition is a powerhouse of heavy industry. The 2026 edition features over 1,500 exhibitors and is expected to draw nearly 50,000 professional visitors.
The Robotics Angle:
While historically focused on metalworking, the event has evolved to include massive sections on industrial robots and automation. It serves defense, aerospace, heavy machinery, and shipbuilding sectors, making it the primary sourcing event for heavy industrial robotics in Eastern Europe. Key global players like AMADA, DMG, MAZAK, and TRUMPF are typically present.
Looking Ahead: September’s Logistics & Automation Focus
CeMAT RUSSIA 2026
Date: September 15-17, 2026
For those interested in logistics, warehouse automation, and mobile robotics, CeMAT RUSSIA is the must-attend event of the second half of the year.
What to Expect:
Held at the Crocus Expo IEC, this is the 16th International Exhibition for machinery, equipment, automation tools, and robotics specifically for warehouse and industrial logistics.
Key Robotics Features:
- Mobile Robots: The exhibition floor features AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), LGVs (Laser Guided Vehicles), and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).
- Picking Robotics: Live demos of robotic arms used for sorting and order picking.
- Shuttle Systems: Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and stacker cranes.
- IT Integration: WMS, WCS, and ERP systems that control the robotic fleets.
Who attends: Logistics Directors, Production Engineers, and IT Specialists looking to integrate unmanned solutions into their supply chains.
DRONTECH 2027: Unmanned Systems
Date: February 10-11, 2027
Scheduled to take place at Crocus Expo, DRONTECH 2026 is a unique business platform for manufacturers and developers of unmanned systems, robotic and autonomous solutions.
The event showcases UAVs and drones, autonomous transport systems, robotics, and AI-based solutions, featuring leading companies that set trends in the industry. It operates alongside security and safety expos, emphasizing the role of robotics in surveillance and infrastructure protection.
Family-Friendly Robotics: Spring Robot Fest
For professionals attending events with families—or for those simply wanting to see robotics in a fun, public setting—the Spring Robot Fest at VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) is a highlight.
This ongoing exhibition at Pavilion #2 features over 20 robots from around the world, including Baxter the robot (famous for predicting the 2018 World Cup winner), Thespian the robot actor, and robotic fish. It offers workshops for building robots and VR zones.
Summary for the Industry Professional
Moscow’s 2026/27 robotics calendar can be navigated by focus area:
- For Researchers & Academics: Look out for DSPA and ROS Meetup (typically early spring) for publication opportunities and theoretical breakthroughs.
- For Industrial Buyers: Metalloobrabotka (May) is essential for heavy manufacturing robotics, while CeMAT RUSSIA (September) is the prime event for logistics and warehouse automation.
- For Entrepreneurs & Startups: The new Unmanned Systems Test Center is a critical resource to validate prototypes quickly.
- For Drone & Autonomous Vehicle Specialists: DRONTECH will be the specific gathering point for aerial and ground-based unmanned systems.
Whether you are looking to publish in Scopus, purchase a fleet of AGVs, or network with engineers from Rosatom and Yandex, Moscow remains a critical stop on the global robotics circuit in 2026/27.