International iRoboCity2030 Summer School 2026: ROS 2, AI and Field Robotics
Madrid, Spain, 22–26 June 2026
Web: iRoboCity2030 Summer School 2026 – ROS 2, AI and Field Robotics
Email: irobocity2030@gmail.com
Registration deadlines:
- Early until 30 April 2026
- Normal until 31 May 2026
- Late until the event.
MOTIVATION AND DESCRIPTION
The iRoboCity2030 Summer School 2026, entitled “ROS 2: AI and Field Robotics”, offers undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world an intensive one-week experience focused on the technologies driving the new generation of autonomous and intelligent robots. The program combines theoretical and practical training in ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2), Artificial Intelligence, and Field Robotics, guided by researchers from leading universities and technological centers in Madrid. Over five days, participants will advance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, from the fundamentals of ROS 2 to the application of AI techniques in different field robotics domains such as autonomous driving, quadrupedal robots, agricultural robotics, aerial robotics.
In addition to the academic program, the summer school will feature two plenary lectures delivered by internationally recognized leaders in the ROS 2 ecosystem. The first will be given by Steve Macenski (OpenNavigation), lead developer of the Nav2 system, widely regarded as the reference standard for autonomous robot navigation in ROS 2. The second will be delivered by Davide Faconti, creator of BehaviorTrees.CPP and Groot, tools that are extensively used for developing robotics applications based on Behavior Trees.
The school’s pedagogical approach is strongly practical and collaborative: participants will learn by doing, combining knowledge of artificial intelligence, control, and perception with their direct application in ROS 2, both in simulation environments and on real robotic platforms. Beyond its technical dimension, the school promotes intercultural collaboration and international teamwork, creating a dynamic environment for learning and experimentation.
This summer school is part of the iRoboCity2030 initiative, the robotics innovation network of the Community of Madrid, and represents a joint effort by the region’s leading universities and research centers to promote advanced training and knowledge transfer in robotics and artificial intelligence.
LIST OF SPEAKERS AND INSTRUCTORS
Steve Macenski (OpenNavigation) — “Nav2 & ROS 2 Overview: Techniques & Applications Powering an Industry”
Davide Faconti (BehaviorTrees.CPP / Groot) — “Being a roboticist in the era of AI: what changed and what didn’t”
Carlos Balaguer, UC3M
Francisco Martín Rico, URJC
José M. Cañas, URJC
Luis Miguel Bergasa, UAH
Fabio Sánchez, UAH
Miguel Antunes, UAH
Santiago Montiel, UAH
Rodrigo Gutiérrez, UAH
Christyan Cruz, UPM
Roemi Fernández, CSIC
Raúl Fernández, UCM
…
ORGANIZATION
This summer school is part of the iRoboCity2030 initiative, the Robotics Innovation Network of the Madrid Region. It represents a joint effort by leading universities and research institutions to promote advanced training and knowledge transfer in robotics and artificial intelligence.
SOCIAL EXPERIENCE
The Summer School will take place in the city centre of Madrid and well connected by public transport. The city is famous for its lively atmosphere, outdoor cafés, cultural events, and late-evening social life, providing countless opportunities to meet people and enjoy experiences beyond the classroom. With its warm climate, rich culture, excellent food, and safe, walkable neighborhoods, Madrid combines academic learning with an unforgettable social experience.