Programme

Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of USVs and drones. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.

Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of UAVs. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.

Autonomous transport is moving from technology development to commercial deployment. In this keynote, we will share how Volvo Autonomous Solutions is approaching commercialization on US highways by building not only autonomous trucks, but a complete transport solution and a scalable Transport-as-a-Service business model. The focus will be on what it takes to make autonomy work in real customer logistics flows, and how Volvo Autonomous Solutions move to industrial scale.

This track dives into the deep tech powering port autonomy — from AI-driven connectivity and infrastructure resilience to autonomous rail and yard logistics. Hear directly from the researchers and industry leaders building the technology stack that makes tele-operated and autonomous port operations possible.

• From smart assets to smart coordination: port autonomy across the chain (MPET)
• Always best connected: AI-enhanced connectivity for mission-critical operations (V-Tron)
• Resilience in a maritime and port environment: infrastructure monitoring and safe, secure communication, supported by AI (Citymesh)
• Autonomous yard tractors: enabling the next generation of smart logistics (ANT Machines)
• Rail: the autonomous backbone to the port (OTIV)
• Use of testbeds in accelerating AI use in the real world (North Star)

William Riggs, Professor & Academic Administrator in Urban Technology, Future Mobility & Sustainable Design, speaks on AV and Physical AI operations — covering charging, workforce, and economic development.

Discover how teleoperated crash absorbers make roadworks safer, with insights into the CARE project, its technology, and a live-streamed demonstration of the teleoperators

Live demonstrations paired with keynotes from ongoing autonomous mobility projects.

Nine Flemish innovators and scale-ups take the stage to show what autonomous technology is actually doing in and around the port today, not in theory, but in operation. Three tracks, four minutes each, live audience questions and a live vote. The best pitch by audience vote wins a free one-year Beacon membership.

• Track 1 – Autonomous systems & robotics in operation
• Track 2 – The autonomy stack:
• Track 3 – Sustainable & intelligent port operations

China's Next Miracle: How China flips the innovation model

Get ready for a compelling look at how China is accelerating innovation at scale through AI, data, and tightly connected ecosystems. In this keynote, Pascal Coppens reveals how companies are rethinking innovation itself: moving away from slow, linear planning towards rapid experimentation and real-world scaling at remarkable speed.

He will take you inside a bold long-term vision where ports, factories, and logistics networks are evolving into highly autonomous, intelligent systems. More than a trend overview, this session offers a perspective on where global innovation is heading and what it could mean for anyone shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and technology providers. Exchange ideas, share impressions, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.