Robots, brass band and buzzing excitement: ROBOTBRAG 2026 attracted a record number of companies for the anniversary edition

Spirits were high when a record number of people and robots gathered for the tenth time for the Danish Robot & Automation Expo (ROBOTBRAG) in Odense.

The sun was high in the sky, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the Danish flag was fluttering at the top of an automatic flagpole when DIRA and the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) opened their gates and tent canvases for the tenth time for the robot festival at Forskerparken in Odense – this year as part of the Week of Robotics in collaboration with Odense Robotics.

True to tradition, the celebration of the Danish robot industry featured the sweet scent of brunsviger, and although this Funen classic was as delicious as ever, it was hardly what attracted no fewer than 3,755 participants.

Instead, it was the technologies of the future that stole the spotlight, and this seems more important than ever. This is the view of Henrik Jacobsen, Director of DTI's robot technology centre.

– Geopolitical changes have made supply chains uncertain, and we are looking at a future where the workforce is shrinking, while production requirements and targets are rising. When that is the case, we have to find new ways. Here, automation and robot technology are obvious solutions. That is why it is a very important task to demonstrate and exhibit what the technology can do today and in the future, says Henrik Jacobsen.

For those very reasons, the theme of this year's ROBOTBRAG was: Get robust with robots.
 

Technology was brought to life

The record number of robot enthusiasts streamed through tents and innovation halls, which were filled with enthusiastic voices and the buzz of robots.

Here were high-flying robots, fast robots, advanced AI systems, and budding startups, which together inspired the wider Danish industry.

The technologies were not only on display but were brought to life in the hands of exhibitors and visitors. But this year was different, as the robots also brought life to the visitors.

The humanoid robots stole the show at the opening of DTI's brand-new Humanoid Lab.

The human-like robots waved visitors closer, offered guests dance lessons, and it all kicked off in style when one of the robots conducted the 7th Regiment Band. The music was sweet, but the message resonated even more.

The humanoid robots provided an insight into how technology can help businesses and elevate work tasks and production in the future.

– Humanoid robots are getting a lot of attention in the market. Many companies assume they can become the solution to the labour shortage we are seeing in a number of areas. This is positive, as Danish companies must keep up to maintain resilience and competitiveness, says Henrik Jacobsen.

Even though most Danish companies can see clear benefits in introducing robots, only one in ten companies has a strategy in this area.

For 10 years, ROBOTBRAG has been trying to change that by gathering technology and curious companies in one place.

The youth must create the future

ROBOTBRAG's Friday programme addressed another issue. Fewer than one in five primary and lower secondary school students choose vocational education. This means, among other things, that industrial companies lack employees who can operate their robots.

– Many of the education programmes we need in the industry are not visible to the general public. While individuals meet carpenters and car mechanics in their daily lives, automation technicians and industrial technicians are hidden away inside factories that are not accessible to the public. If we want more young people to choose these programmes, it is crucial that they become visible, says Michael Boas Pedersen, Chief Consultant at the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI).

– We lack apprentices and students, we lack "manpower", you could say, and therefore we want to make ourselves more visible and champion the education pathways that lead to jobs in the industry, says Michael Nielsen, Chairman of the Board of DIRA.

Visibility was truly addressed at ROBOTBRAG. Six 8th-grade classes were invited to a robot duel. They competed in drone flying, programmed robot arms, played football with LEGO cars, and tried out service jobs using VR goggles.

The energy of the young people shone brighter than the sun as they got to test the technologies, and the energy level peaked when a drum roll culminated in the announcement: "The winner is 8.C from Munkebo School". With a roar of victory, they raised a cheque for 5,000 kroner into the air. However, the other classes did not go home empty-handed. They left with an exciting experience under their belts and insight into all the opportunities that come with choosing vocational education.

ROBOTBRAG was one of the main events during the Week of Robotics, which took place from 5–8 May 2026 in Odense. The Week of Robotics is organised by the Danish Technological Institute, DIRA, and Odense Robotics.

The events brought together Danish and international stakeholders from across the robotics ecosystem – including companies, researchers, decision-makers, technology experts, and end-users – to strengthen collaboration and position Odense as a leading global hub for robotics.

See how the Danish Technological Institute can help you

While Friday inspired the young people with the possibilities of the future, the entirety of ROBOTBRAG provided Danish companies with inspiration on how businesses can adapt to developments and become more robust in the future.

However, there can be a long way from inspiration to implementation.

That is why DTI is ready to help your company with automation and robotics.