Scaling in-space missions into commercial services will require a new generation of autonomous robots capable of operating across diverse platforms, missions, and service providers. Achieving this vision depends on embedding modularity and interoperability into the design, development, and operation of space robots and supporting infrastructure.
While significant advances have been made in robotic manipulation, autonomous operations, and servicing technologies, the absence of common interfaces, standards, and interoperable architectures remains a major barrier to scalability and commercial adoption.
This workshop will identify key technical, operational, and regulatory challenges and explore opportunities for standardization and cross-sector collaboration — with a focus on how modular and interoperable robotic ecosystems can reduce costs, increase flexibility, enable sustainable space operations, and unlock a thriving in-space economy.
From active debris removal and in-orbit servicing to modular orbital assembly and interoperable planetary systems, these illustrative concepts reflect the type of robotic ecosystems the workshop aims to enable: adaptable, serviceable, and scalable across missions and environments.
| Session | Timings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Invited Talks | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Six expert talks followed by Q&A |
| Coffee Break | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Coffee break with interactive poster presentations |
| Panel Town Hall | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | "Building a Modular and Interoperable Space Robotics Ecosystem: What Must Change?" — interactive discussion with audience participation |
| Closing | 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Workshop concluding remarks and thank-you note |
The town-hall panel will bring together expert panelists and the audience to explore technical, operational, commercial, and policy challenges. Particular attention will be given to common interfaces, standards, certification approaches, business incentives, and the collaborative frameworks required to transition from proprietary solutions towards open, scalable ecosystems.
Early-career researchers, industrialists, and academics are invited to present their latest work through poster presentations. Selection will prioritise direct relevance to the workshop topic, with equity, diversity, and inclusion also considered. Posters will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel from industry, academia, and space agencies.
Poster abstract submission deadline is 16 October 2026.
All selected poster presenters must register for the conference using the registration link. Registration opens on 31 August 2026, and closes on 23 October 2026. Early-bird rates available until 24 September 2026.
Submit a Poster Abstract →A workshop outcomes report capturing key discussions, findings, and recommendations will be published. Presentation slides, posters, and supporting materials will be shared via an open repository (e.g., GitHub), providing long-term access for researchers, agencies, standards bodies, and policymakers worldwide.
