Safe Autonomy Industry Summit draws experts from across sectors

Posted on Thursday 7 May 2026

The event attracted around 50 delegates, representing sectors including transport, aerospace, health, agri-tech and energy, reflecting the breadth of the Institute’s research.

Delegates were given an introduction to ISA’s three research pillars - Design and Verification, Communications and Assurance. Throughout the day they also had the opportunity to tour the Institute’s laboratories and test spaces, view current research and meet researchers.

A panel discussion explored the value of academic-industry partnerships, such as a recent collaboration with the Port of Tyne testing ultra-high reliable communications. Researchers introduced a cell-free system to the Port’s warehouse facility, to address connectivity issues.

Speaking about the partnership, Elaine Scott, Director of Innovation, Port of Tyne, said: "As a port we are very focused on day to day operations, but we know there's a whole wave of technologies that are coming on the horizon and it's really important that we learn about that technology, so that we can understand what that means for us operationally, and also in terms of investment."

Researchers also demonstrated how research is being practically applied across multiple sectors. Demonstrations included secure quantum communications, as well as safe robotic systems for tele-operated chemistry experiments, agricultural inspection, solar farms, and healthcare settings. In a panel session on safe autonomous systems and AI, researchers from our assurance pillar highlighted that the work being carried out at the Institute is drawing positive attention from across the world, particularly in the maritime industry. 

ISA Co-Director Dr Ana MacIntosh said: “From the beginning, ISA was designed to be outward facing. Events like this Summit are central to our mission. They provide an opportunity for our researchers to engage directly with industry and regulators to solve real-world challenges, which is how we ensure our research excellence translates into meaningful impact.”

Dr Bernard Twomey, Kongsberg Maritime: “Events like this are extremely valuable because they bring together people from different domains who are facing similar challenges around autonomy. By understanding how other sectors are addressing these issues, we can avoid reinventing the wheel and learn from both their successes and their mistakes. For me, that is the real value of bringing different perspectives together.”