Scheveningen, one of the eight districts of The Hague, in the Netherlands, will be the stage for the European Robotics League (ERL) next year. The upcoming edition of what is described as “a leading European robotics event” will be organized by the Municipality of The Hague in collaboration with euRobotics.
The ERL brings together international teams, researchers, and technology companies to demonstrate and test the latest applications of robotics in realistic, urban environments.
In addition, the event features workshops, demonstrations, and discussion panels about the future of robotics. The event will take place in May 2026 from the 12th till the 15th and is free to attend.
Smart robots in action
The ERL 2026 will focus on various practical applications of robotics in everyday life. Think of robots that autonomously navigate in the city, collaborate with people in public spaces, and carry out tasks such as inspection, logistics, assistance, and monitoring.
Examples include autonomous maintenance robots inspecting the Scheveningen Pier, drones delivering defibrillators to the beach, and smart delivery and cleaning robots. The competition challenges teams to develop innovative solutions that contribute to a smart, safe, and liveable city.
Living Lab Scheveningen as testing ground
The competitions and demonstrations will take place in the Living Lab Scheveningen, a unique testing environment where technology and innovation come together.
With its boulevard, beach, sea and urban dynamics, Scheveningen offers the ideal setting for testing robotics in public spaces. Teams from all over Europe who are interested in joining the ERL can express their interest via eu-robotics.net.
Saskia Bruines, alderman (a local political position) for economic development of The Hague, says: “With the arrival of the European Robotics League, The Hague shows that we don’t just think about the future, but shape it here.
“By testing innovative robotics in our own public spaces, we connect technology with societal challenges and strengthen The Hague as a city where knowledge, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration meet.”
For the public and professionals
The ERL is free to attend and offers a diverse program with live demonstrations, educational workshops for youth and students, and networking opportunities for businesses and researchers.
Discussions will focus not only on the opportunities, but also on the desirability of robotics in public spaces. In this way, science, industry, and the public are brought together in an accessible way around technological innovation.
The European Robotics League is an initiative of euRobotics, an international non-profit organization that brings together more than 250 companies, universities, and research institutions in robotics. Through a varied programme of activities including ERL, euRobotics promotes research, innovation and collaboration in Europe.
The Province of South Holland and the Municipality of Rotterdam are also partners in organizing the ERL. The Hague is proud to contribute as the host city and to strengthen its position as a hub for technology and innovation.
