ACRA 2026 Committee

General Chair

At this year’s ACRA, we will host three distinguished panels on three key themes in robotics, including “AI/HRI”, “SLAM”, and “Industry Insights”, providing an opportunity to meet some of the leading researchers in the field.

Professor Dana Kulić conducts research in human–centred robotics, focusing on human–robot interaction, interactive robot learning and human motion analysis. Her career includes research at the University of Tokyo on robot learning from demonstration, and a decade at the University of Waterloo, where she built a leading group in human-robot interaction and assistive systems. Since 2019, she is the Director of Monash Robotics and a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University. She is an ARC Future Fellow, a CSIRO Adjunct Fellow and the Deputy Director of the ARC Centre for Optimised Ageing. She studies how robots can learn from and respond to human behaviour to collaborate safely and effectively in real-world settings, from healthcare and rehabilitation to industrial and everyday environments.

Professor Liang Zheng is a Professor in the School of Computing at The Australian National University (ANU). He holds a Computer Science Futures Fellowship and is a recipient of an ARC DECRA Fellowship. He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Tsinghua University in 2010. Professor Zheng’s research spans a broad range of topics in computer vision, with interests in understanding the underlying patterns and principles of data and learning algorithms. His work covers both practical applications, including person re-identification and medical image analysis, and foundational challenges such as dataset-level learning, deep learning, and synthetic data analysis. He leads a team of talented researchers and students developing innovative computational frameworks and vision systems. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the computer vision community, including Area Chair for premier conferences such as CVPR, ECCV, and ACM Multimedia, and Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology (T-CSVT).

Dr Navinda Kottege is the Research Director of CSIRO’s Cyber-Physical Systems Research Program (Robotics, AI and Computer Vision) of ~200 people (~100 staff, ~100 affiliates) based in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart. Navinda also co-leads the ‘Productive Industries with Human-Robot Teaming’ Program of Research (PoR) which is also known as the ‘Physical AI’ PoR. Navinda was the Principal Investigator for team CSIRO Data61 that won the US$1M second place prize at the DARPA Subterranean Challenge finals in September 2021. Navinda initiated and led legged robot research within CSIRO since 2011, an activity that grew into a world-class R&D capability within the organisation. Navinda joined the CSIRO as a Postdoctoral Fellow soon after receiving his PhD in Engineering from The Australian National University in 2009. He is a senior member of the IEEE, and was the Chair of the IEEE Queensland joint chapter for Control Systems/Robotics and Automation Societies during 2020-2021. He is also a member of the ACM, and an Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland.

Prof Kathryn Kasmarik is a Professor of Computer Science at UNSW Canberra and co-founder of the AIR (AI in Robotics) Group. Her research focuses on evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, artificial intelligence, and autonomous robotics, particularly the development of robot swarms that can evolve their own collective behaviours. In 2026, she was named in The Australian’s Top 250 Researchers for her contributions to evolutionary computation. Professor Kasmarik has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, and her research has been supported by the Australian Research Council, Defence Science and Technology Group, and other funding partners.

Professor Gamini Dissanayake is an Emeritus Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at UTS and the founding Director of the UTS Centre for Autonomous Systems. A pioneer in robotics and mechatronics, his research has focused on Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM), autonomous navigation, field robotics, and robotic systems. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has published over 300 journal and conference papers and made internationally recognised contributions to robotics research and education. His work has advanced applications ranging from self-driving vehicles and autonomous robots to industrial, mining, disaster response, and aged-care robotics. He also played a key role in establishing mechatronics education in Australia, including developing the country’s first Mechatronics degree program at the University of Sydney.

Professor Frank Dellaert‘s research focuses on large-scale inference for autonomous robot systems, on land, air, and in water. He pioneered the use of several probabilistic methods in both computer vision and robotics. With Dieter Fox and Sebastian Thrun, he has introduced the Monte Carlo localization method for estimating and tracking the pose of robots, which is now a standard and popular tool in mobile robotics. More recently, he has investigated 3D reconstruction in large-scale environments by taking a graph-theoretic view and introduced factor graphs into the mainstream language of the robotics community. Prof. Dellaert has published more than 200 technical articles, as well as several book chapters. In 2005, he won an NSF CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, and was awarded research grants by NSF, DARPA, ARL, ARO, Intel, Microsoft, Samsung and others. During a leave from 2014 to 2018, Prof. Dellaert has spent time at his Alma Mater in Belgium and did an extensive stint as Chief Scientist at Skydio. He also worked for Facebook’s Reality labs 2016-2018 and for Google AI 2020-2022, and as CTO at Verdant Robotics.

Professor Michael Milford conducts interdisciplinary research at the boundary between robotics, neuroscience, computer vision and machine learning, and is a multi-award winning educational entrepreneur. His research models the neural mechanisms in the brain underlying tasks like navigation and perception to develop new technologies in challenging application domains such as all-weather, anytime positioning for autonomous vehicles. From 2022 – 2027 he is leading a large research team combining bio-inspired and computer science-based approaches to provide a ubiquitous alternative to GPS that does not rely on satellites. He is also one of Australia’s most in demand experts in technologies including self-driving cars, robotics and artificial intelligence, and is a passionate science communicator. He currently holds the position of Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics, Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, Professor at the Queensland University of Technology, and is a Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

Professor Teresa Vidal-Calleja is a Professor and Research Director at the Robotics Institute, UTS, and an internationally recognised expert in robotic perception, SLAM, autonomous navigation, and field robotics. Her research focuses on enabling robots to operate safely and effectively in challenging and hazardous environments through advanced sensing, mapping, and perception technologies. She leads research on next-generation robotic sensing systems, including unconventional sensors and environmental flow-field perception, with applications in manufacturing, mining, construction, logistics, and emergency response. Professor Vidal-Calleja is also a co-lead of the Australian Cobotics Centre, supporting the adoption of collaborative robotics in industry, and serves in editorial and leadership roles across the international robotics community.

Dr Sue Keay is an expert in robotics, AI and automation. She is the Director of the UNSW AI Institute and founded Robotics Australia Group, the peak body for the robotics industry. With a background in science and a passion for cutting-edge technologies, Sue has led successful initiatives that bridge the gap between research and practical applications. Her expertise lies in leveraging robotics, AI and automation to solve complex challenges across various sectors. Sue is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), a member of the Kingston AI Group and Chief Executive Women, and serves on numerous advisory boards, including the board of the computer vision start-up, Visionary Machines. Sue holds an MBA from The University of Queensland Business School, a PhD in Earth Sciences from ANU and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.

Professor Takanori Komatsu is a cognitive scientist and a full professor at Meiji University in Japan. Holding both an Engineering degree and a PhD in Cognitive Science, he is currently based at the Department of Frontier Media Science, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Science at Meiji University. His research specialisation is cognitive and psychological aspects of user-technology interaction across a broad range of artefacts across computers, smart devices, robots and AI. Recent research interests include proposing auditory displays and artificial subtle expressions for usage in user interfaces, applying moral psychology in Human-Robot Interaction, assessing temporal perception in Human-Computer Interaction and investigating factors in deployment of robotic technologies.

Professor Cori Stewart is a leading figure in advanced manufacturing and innovation acceleration. With a background in humanities, she bridges government, research and industry to bring bold ideas to life. In 2019, she founded Australia’s first independent not-for-profit technology-based commercialisation facility, ARM Hub. The Hub has successfully guided hundreds of companies through robotics, AI and manufacturing scale-up projects, delivering productivity gains and strengthening national capability. She has spearheaded strategic international partnerships – including launching Propel-AIR, Australia’s first AI and robotics accelerator – and contributed to multiple Industrial Transformation Training Centres. Stewart influences the innovation landscape through policy development and commercialisation strategies. As a board member of Industry Innovation Science Australia, Stewart shapes Australia’s industry and innovation investment. She is also a Superstar of STEM 2023, and winner of an Asia Pacific Women in AI Award for Manufacturing.

Dr Danielle Haj-Moussa brings a multidisciplinary background across engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship. She earned a Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering (University Medal) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney. Prior to joining Main Sequence, Danielle worked as a software engineer at Accenture, undertook extensive policy research in the Artificial Intelligence space and dove into the world of start-ups, taking part in Blackbird’s Foundry program. Danielle is also co-founder of Tech for Social Good, an NFP that empowers the next generation of responsible impact tech leaders. Danielle is passionate about impactful deep-tech that can change the world and is excited to help start-ups commercialise and scale up. Danielle has a particular interest in AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, decarbonisation and sustainable fashion.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor

Platinum Sponsor

Serverobotics

Gold Sponsor

Bluerydge

Multiple sponsorship and exhibitor options are available for partnering with the premier Australasian conference on Robotics and Automation. Please contact the partnership and engagement chair at crl@canberra.edu.au

The Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA 2026) invites submissions of original, high-quality research contributions in all areas of robotics and automation. ACRA is the premier robotics conference in Australia and New Zealand, bringing together researchers, industry practitioners, and students to share advances and foster collaboration in areas of Robotics and Automation, including (but not limited to):

• SLAM, motion and path planning
• AI and machine learning for robotics
• Human–robot interaction
• Multi-robot systems and swarm robotics
• Field robotics (agricultural, mining, industrial, marine, aerial)
• Soft robotics
• Robot design and mechatronics
• Vision for robotics
• Service robotics
• Control systems
• Healthcare robots
• Smart materials
• Robotics perception
• Autonomous vehicles and mobile robots
• Ethics, safety, and trust in robotics

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be original, unpublished work containing new and interesting results that demonstrate current research in areas relevant to Robotics and Automation. All full papers submitted to ACRA 2026 will undergo a single-blind peer-review process. Each manuscript will be reviewed by at least two reviewers who will give detailed comments. If the submission is accepted, the authors will be required to submit a revised (“camera-ready”) version that incorporates this feedback.

• Length: 6–10 pages (including figures, references, and acknowledgements).
• Format: template can be downloaded from here. Papers that do not follow these guidelines may be rejected without review.
• Accepted full papers will be published in the ACRA 2026 Proceedings.

Important Dates

• Paper submission deadline: 20 September 2026, 04 October, 2026
• Notification of paper acceptance/rejection: 15 October 2026, 20 October, 2026
• Camera-ready submission: 10 November 2026
• Conference dates: 30 November to 2 December 2026

Paper Format

ACRA papers must be 6-10 pages in length (including text, references, figures and acknowledgements). Papers that do not follow these guidelines may be rejected without review.

Paper Templates:

Please use this link to download the following files:

L^aT_eX: style file: acra.sty, template: acra.tex, bibtex: named.bst
Microsoft Word | Star/OpenOffice: template: acra.rtf or acra.odt.

Submission portal:

To make your submission, please use this portal.

Registration Costs

Each accepted paper must be registered. One general or Student registration covers up to two accepted papers, provided they are co-authored by the same individual.

Early Bird – Register by 7th November 2026 (5PM AEST)

General Admission $700

Student Admission $500

Regular – Register by 21st November 2026 (5PM AEST)

General Admission $750

Student Admission $550

Additional AGM + Gala Dinner Tickets (Invited Only)

$350

Welcome to Canberra, officially recognised as the world’s best city for quality of life in 2026.

“Canberra is officially the world’s best city for quality of life in 2026”

Discover Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s national capital and a city where science, technology, culture and nature come together. Set around Lake Burley Griffin and surrounded by native bushland, the city is home to many of Australia’s leading national institutions, including Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the National Library of Australia and Questacon.

Beyond its national institutions, Canberra offers lakeside walking and cycling routes, mountain lookouts, the National Arboretum, award-winning restaurants and a thriving cool-climate wine region. More than 40 wineries are located within approximately 35 minutes of the city.

Delegates with a few hours to explore may wish to:

• walk the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge circuit around Lake Burley Griffin;
• visit Australian Parliament House and the nearby national galleries and museums;
• enjoy panoramic views from the National Arboretum or Mount Ainslie;
• explore the restaurants and cafés of Braddon, NewActon or Kingston Foreshore; or
• extend their stay to visit the Canberra District wine region.

Further visitor information is available from VisitCanberra.

Social Events

Delegates arriving early or extending their stay can enjoy a range of cultural, sporting and entertainment events taking place around the conference dates.

• 28–29 November: Canberra Christmas Market at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
• 2 December: Australia vs England Men’s T20 International at Manuka Oval.
• 3 December: Adam Kay – Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas at Canberra Theatre Centre.
• 4 December: Christmas Comedy at the Bowlo and A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas.
• 5 December: Canberra Carols by Candlelight at Commonwealth Park.

Several exhibitions will also be open throughout the conference, including Rosalie Gascoigne at the National Gallery of Australia, 125 Years of Federation at Australian Parliament House, and Funny Peculiar, Not Funny ‘Ha Ha’ at Canberra Glassworks.

These activities are not part of the official ACRA 2026 program. Dates, availability and ticket prices are controlled by the respective organisers and may change. Please consult What’s On Canberra before making plans.

Co-hosted events (and include CBRIN First Wednesday Connect – TBC) 

Getting to Canberra

Canberra is less than two hours by air from some eastern Australian capital cities, with direct domestic services from major Australian destinations. Delegates travelling through Sydney can connect to Canberra by domestic flight, coach, train or car. The road journey from Sydney generally takes approximately three hours.

Canberra Airport is connected to the city by the Rapid 3 bus service, taxis and rideshare services. Visit Getting to Canberra for current travel information.

Getting to the Conference Venue

ACRA 2026 will be held at:

Ann Harding Conference Centre, Building 24
University of Canberra
24 University Drive South
Bruce ACT 2617, Australia

The University of Canberra is well served by Transport Canberra buses stopping at the College Street stations. Delegates can plan their journey and check current fares using the Transport Canberra Journey Planner.

Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available. Delegates staying in Belconnen may be able to walk or take a short bus or rideshare trip to the campus.

On-Campus Accommodation – UniLodge @ UC

Delegates may choose to stay at UniLodge @ UC, located within walking distance of the conference venue.

Please note for both submitters and reviewers, we will follow the IEEE Generative AI guidelines to provide consistency in best practice.