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.
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