AI, drone and robot technologies on display as Robot Convergence Festival relaunches as industry-focused event
A showcase bringing together the defining technologies of the era — AI, drones and robotics — is set to open, offering hands-on experiences and industry networking opportunities.
Daejeon announced it will hold the "2026 Daejeon Advanced Robot Connect" at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) for three days, June 9–11.
The event will run concurrently with the Defense Industry Development Exhibition, a flagship forum for cooperation among industry, academia, research institutions, government and the military, creating an integrated ecosystem spanning industry, defense and startups.
Notably, the city has expanded and restructured the former Robot Convergence Festival — previously centered on public experiences and competitions — into an industry-linked event focused on business-to-business cooperation, investment attraction and technology commercialization.
Through this platform, organizers plan to share the latest technologies and industry trends in AI, drones and advanced robotics, while facilitating corporate partnerships, investment attraction and technology exchange.
Local robotics companies will participate to exhibit and demonstrate their advanced robot technologies and products, showcasing the competitiveness and growth potential of Daejeon's robotics industry. Participating firms include Saeon Co., Rastech Co., Lion Robotics Co., ITZ, RGT Co., Axvis Co., Angel Robotics Co. and Kinetics Co.
Also running alongside the main event is a startup and technology commercialization program linked to KAIST's "Deep Tech Scale-Up Valley Development Project." Held in Rooms 204–205 of Exhibition Hall 1 at the DCC, the program will feature the 2026 K-Robotics Startup Cup and the 2026 Robot Alliance Technology Transfer Consultation.
On June 10, a commercialization competition targeting current and prospective entrepreneurs in the robotics sector will be held, with startups possessing promising ideas and technologies competing for recognition.
Then on June 11, the 2026 Robot Alliance Technology Transfer Consultation will offer technology advisory sessions and matching programs to expand the cooperative network between companies and research institutions, strengthening the foundation for technology commercialization in the robotics industry.
"This event will serve as a platform for industrial exchange connecting advanced robot technology, the defense industry and the startup ecosystem," said Yoo Se-jong, director of Daejeon's Future Strategic Industry Office. "We expect it to be an opportunity to showcase Daejeon's robotics competitiveness and capacity for technological innovation to audiences at home and abroad."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
