All

Autonomous (unmanned) systems are changing the way we work, live, build our businesses and conduct research. They also bring societal challenges, such as digital security, ethics and human interaction with systems.

This spring, on April 2, 2025, the first edition of the National Autonomous Systems Congress will start in Drachten, bringing together professionals from industry, science and the social field to explore the opportunities and challenges of autonomous technology in its broadest sense. This congress is the springboard to autonomous systems and is probably the first event of this magnitude in the EU. A great time, then, to reflect on what autonomous systems actually are, what “autonomous technology” means to us.

What are autonomous systems?

Autonomous systems are technologies (software in conjunction with hardware) that can function independently without constant human intervention. The best-known example is the self-driving car, but today there are significant advances being made on all fronts. From drones that inspect infrastructure and detect damage before we can, from robots that assemble products to assistants that support healthcare workers. These are the core technologies of the future. What makes it so interesting is how these systems will reshape our work and interactions with technology.

The depth of autonomy

Therefore, it is important to understand the depth of autonomy. There is not just one kind of autonomy. We are dealing with a spectrum. The degree of autonomy can vary depending on the technology and the purpose of the system. From systems that simply assist in tasks (such as automated customer service) to systems that can operate and learn completely independently (such as a fully self-regulating warehouse where the lights could be turned off). Autonomous systems are often classified on a scale ranging from level 0 (fully manual operation) to level 5 (fully autonomous systems, with no human intervention). So the shift to a more autonomous world is not black and white, but a constantly evolving process.

Over the years, technology has improved significantly, and although most autonomous systems do not currently operate fully independently, the direction is clear: The world is moving toward full autonomy in various sectors. In a world where the pursuit of efficiency, safety and sustainability is becoming increasingly important, autonomous systems are here to stay.

The building blocks of autonomy

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Machine Learning (ML): The backbone of autonomous systems. AI enables these systems to recognize patterns, make decisions and learn from their environment.
• Sensor fusion: LiDAR, radar and advanced cameras make it possible to create a detailed and dynamic map of the environment.
• Edge Computing: Data is processed directly at the source instead of waiting for a central server, which is essential for real-time decision-making.
• Autonomous software architectures: Secure, robust and self-adaptable software enables autonomous systems to operate without human intervention.

The economic impact: efficiency, innovation and employment

If you look at the history of technology, you see a pattern: automation has always evoked a mix of fear and optimism. When steam engines transformed factories, people thought jobs would disappear. When computers invaded offices, we feared mass unemployment.

But what happened again and again was economic restructuring. Efficiency increased, new sectors emerged, and human labor shifted from repetitive to creative and strategic work. Autonomous systems are going to repeat that pattern, but on a much larger scale.

Think logistics: autonomous trucks and warehouse robots shorten delivery times and reduce costs. Think healthcare: AI-driven diagnostic systems help doctors work faster and more precisely. Think agriculture: autonomous tractors and drones optimize crops and minimize waste.

The point is: this is not just about cutting costs or increasing productivity. This is about a fundamentally new way of working and producing, in which speed, precision and adaptability become the core of economic activity.

Northern Netherlands as an incubator for autonomous technology

In recent years, the Northern Netherlands has focused heavily on autonomous systems, as the region has a strong industrial and technological base on the one hand and a proactive approach to digital innovation and sustainability on the other. Both industry leaders and policymakers support this focus, as autonomous technologies not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute to societal challenges such as aging and labor shortages.

The Northern Netherlands has an increasingly robust ecosystem with organizations and initiatives such as:

• Innovation Cluster Drachten (ICD): brings together high-tech companies to develop new autonomous applications.
• EDIH NN (European Digital Innovation Hub North Netherlands): supports companies in implementing autonomous systems.
• University of Groningen and High Schools: working on cutting-edge research in AI, software and systems engineering and robotics.
• Fieldlabs: provide testing environments where companies and researchers can validate new technologies in realistic scenarios.

There are also major initiatives under development, such as Infinitech, a knowledge center focused on the autonomous manufacturing industry, AI Factory and Project Beethoven.

The Northern Netherlands is not waiting. It is actively building a future where autonomous technologies are not only possible, but are becoming the norm.

Boston Dynamics: The Face of Autonomous Engineering and Robotics

You’ve probably come across a video online of a humanoid robot that can defy obstacles and even somersault. That’s Atlas from Boston Dynamics. When it comes to autonomous robots, Boston Dynamics is a name known around the world. The American company, which has Google X, Softbank and Hyundai as owners, is taking the world by storm with their groundbreaking mobile robotics development…:

• Spot: A robot dog that can navigate complex environments and is widely used for inspection and automation.
• Stretch: An advanced logistics robot designed specifically for loading and unloading packages, making warehouse processes more efficient.
• Atlas: A humanoid robot with impressive agility and freedom of movement, able to perform increasingly sophisticated tasks independently.

At the National Autonomous Systems Congress, Aaron Saunders, Chief Technology Officer of Boston Dynamics, will share his vision for the future of autonomous systems. He will address how these technologies will radically change the way we work, produce and interact with machines.

A glimpse of Atlas:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tF4DML7FIWk%3Ffeature%3Doembed

What does the National Congress on Autonomous Systems have to offer you?

On April 2 in Drachten, users, technology suppliers, companies, scientists and policy makers will come together to discover the potential of autonomous systems and how we can deploy them responsibly and effectively.

Autonomous systems are changing the way we live and work. They will increase productivity, automate tasks and create new industries. But they will also raise fundamental questions about work, ethics and human interaction with technology.

The question is not whether this change will happen. The question is how we deal with it. How do we ensure that autonomy not only creates efficiency, but also a fair and inclusive future? How do we harness the power of these systems without losing control of them? These are the questions discussed at the National Congress on Autonomous Systems.

• Keynotes from a world leader in autonomous technology, Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics.
• Three thematic tracks: industry, science and society.
• Live demonstrations of the latest autonomous systems in action.
• Networking opportunities with leaders, investors and policy makers who are shaping the future.

How can you participate in the conference?

Do you want to be on the front lines of the autonomy revolution? Tickets for the National Autonomous Systems Congress are available through.

National Autonomous Systems Congress brings pioneers together in Drachten to explore the impact and potential of autonomous systems.

Autonomous systems are playing an increasing role in our economy and society. From the medical sector to the manufacturing industry, from agriculture to energy supply and logistics – applications are emerging everywhere that make work more efficient, sustainable and less labor-intensive. Are we on the eve of an ‘Autonomy Economy’? The Netherlands seems well positioned to play a leading role in this. During the first National Autonomous Systems Congress, on April 2, 2025, in Schouwburg De Lawei in Drachten, companies, scientists and policy makers will come together to discover how autonomous systems can be deployed responsibly and effectively.

Complex challenges

Innovation Cluster Drachten, European Digital Innovation Hub, AI-Hub Noord-Nederland, @North, University of Groningen and the NOM are responsible for organizing the event. Everything revolves around the impact autonomous technologies have, says Hans Praat (NOM) on behalf of the organizing team. “We believe in the power of autonomous systems to solve complex challenges, and not just because we will soon have too few people to do the work.” According to him, autonomy provides a solution to social issues, such as mobility, energy and manufacturing, and represents an opportunity for technology providers to strengthen their position. “Users are excited and can’t wait, while providers seize the opportunity to expand their role as solution providers. The Netherlands seems well positioned to become a forerunner in the Autonomy Economy. In fact, we already are.”

Pioneers on stage

During the conference, frontrunners from various sectors will be on stage. For example, Sergio Ooijens of Lely will start with a presentation on how their autonomous milking and feeding robots make dairy farming worldwide more efficient, sustainable and animal-friendly. Another notable speaker was Carl Berlo, CEO of 247TailorSteel, who developed a fully autonomous manufacturing system that allows customers to place orders online and control production. “247TailorSteel has set the new standard in the sheet metal industry and is now the largest player in Europe,” Praat said.

Eindhoven-based startup Avular is another interesting player. “If it is up to Avular, the Netherlands will become a robot country,” Praat stated. The company develops modular autonomous robots and drones that can be flexibly deployed in the agriculture, inspection, and logistics sectors. Another impressive example comes from Bollegraaf and Lubo Recycling Solutions, frontrunners in AI-driven autonomous recycling plants. Top executive Edmund Tenfelde will explain at the conference how their systems make the processing of waste to raw material more efficient.

Northern Netherlands as a breeding ground for autonomous systems

Praat sees the Northern Netherlands playing a key role in these developments: “The Northern Netherlands has a long history in the manufacturing industry. Together with the RUG, the AI hub and other partners, we are building an ecosystem where autonomy is one of the new spearheads.” The National Autonomous Systems Congress is a logical consequence of this. “We are doing this not only as NOM, but together with other partners. This congress is a way to bring the frontrunners together and position the Northern Netherlands as an innovation hub.”

Batenburg Industrial Automation Beenen is one of those frontrunners in the North. During the congress, innovation manager Thom Verwater will explain how their technology helps in the transition to autonomous production environments. Batenburg Beenen is active in industry and the agribusiness sector, where autonomous robots are playing an increasing role.

One sector where autonomy is already having a considerable impact is logistics. Vanderlande, world market leader in baggage handling systems and warehouse logistics, will show at the conference how autonomous systems determine the future of distribution. CTO Frank van Dijck, also president of the FEM (European Materials Handling Federation), explains how the combination of autonomy and flexibility is fundamentally changing the industry.

Boston Dynamics and the future of humanoid robots

One of the highlights of the congress is undoubtedly the keynote by Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics. “For the first time he is coming to the Netherlands to share his vision of how humanoid robots are transforming our world,” says Praat enthusiastically. Boston Dynamics is known worldwide for its pioneering robots, such as Atlas and Spot, which can navigate autonomously and perform complex tasks. “That he immediately said yes to our invitation shows that the Netherlands is an interesting market for this kind of development.”

In addition to industrial applications, attention will also be paid to the societal impact of autonomous technology. One of the speakers is Piet Verduyn of FME, who addresses the ethical and legal aspects of autonomy. Talk: “Labor productivity and regulation are always part of these discussions. How do we ensure that autonomy is efficient, responsible, and inclusive?”

The congress is divided into three tracks: industry, science, and society. These will cover all facets of autonomy: from the latest scientific insights to practical implementation in companies and the social issues involved.

Key role

“Autonomous systems play a key role in the future of our economy and society,” Praat said. “We are already seeing how they optimize production processes, transform healthcare and manage our living environment more efficiently. During the National Autonomous Systems Congress, we will bring together the forerunners and try to establish a national agenda so that the Netherlands can become a major player in the upcoming Autonomy Economy.”

He has his answer ready for people still in doubt about the role the Netherlands can play in this field: “Nothing happens by itself, except autonomous systems”

he Netherlands is taking a major step forward in the world of autonomous systems with the announcement that Aaron Saunders, Chief Technology Officer of world-renowned Boston Dynamics, will give a keynote address at the National Autonomous Systems 2025 Congress. The congress will take place on April 2, 2025 at Schouwburg De Lawei in Drachten.

Boston Dynamics is a global leader in advanced robotics and autonomous systems. Saunders’ arrival underlines the importance of the Netherlands as an innovative and economically powerful technology country and the potential of the Netherlands as a forerunner in the Autonomy Economy. At a time when autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important for industry, logistics and mobility, the Netherlands offers fertile ground for development and implementation.

The Netherlands as a hotspot for autonomous systems

Firm efforts are being made to strengthen the Netherlands as a leader in autonomous technologies. Through cooperation between industry, startups and knowledge institutions, the Netherlands is becoming increasingly attractive to international technology companies and investors.

“Autonomous systems are not only technology of the future, they are the business case of today. Companies that capitalize on them not only remain relevant, but lead the way. In the regions, we see that innovation and employment go hand in hand-from high-tech startups to established manufacturing industries that operate autonomously. We have the people, the knowledge and the drive here to make the Netherlands the hotspot for autonomous technology. This conference shows: those who want to get ahead, look to autonomy” said Dina Boonstra, director NOM, on behalf of ROM-Netherlands.

The Netherlands has numerous fine examples of companies that are leading the way in autonomous systems, both large and small. A striking example is Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions from Appingedam. Thanks to the use of AI and autonomous technology, Bollegraaf supplies complete factories around the world in which waste is reprocessed into reusable raw materials.

Hilde van der Meer, commissioner Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA): “The arrival of Aaron Saunders in the Netherlands is a signal that our innovation climate is recognized internationally. The Netherlands offers not only strong knowledge and infrastructure, but also a dynamic ecosystem where high-tech companies and talent flourish.”

Autonomous systems in industry and society 

Autonomous systems are essential to the future economy and society. They are of great importance in various sectors, from medicine to manufacturing, and from agriculture to energy supply. Autonomous technologies make our work more efficient, sustainable and less labor-intensive. The conference brings together users, technology suppliers, companies, scientists and policy makers to explore the possibilities of autonomous systems.

The program also includes three tracks focused on industry, science and society. In the industry track, companies such as Lely, Avular, 247Tailorsteel and Vanderlande present their solutions. The science track offers insight into the role of AI in autonomous systems with presentations from the University of Groningen and TU Eindhoven. The society track covers ethics and legislation with speakers from Qbuzz, UMCG, CNV and the NL AI Coalition.

The conference is organized by the Drachten Innovation Cluster, EDIH Noord-Nederland, University of Groningen, AI Hub Noord Nederland, NOM and @North.