Where robots exist in the workplace, robot safety is of the utmost importance. Because human lives and limbs depend on it, creating a safety culture within your organization should be a top priority. Attending the International Robot Safety Conference (IRSC) in Detroit from November 3-5, 2026 will empower your team with the knowledge they need to stay safe around robots. While there, you and your team will gain practical strategies, expert guidance, and industry-leading insights to enhance safety practices in your facility. 

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What is the International Robot Safety Conference?

Each year, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) gathers together over 40 safety professionals and regulatory officials to speak on the latest safety techniques and requirements for robot applications. Over three days, attendees will receive in-depth education on safety standards and risk assessment and gain crucial guidance for maintaining a safe facility. There are also numerous opportunities to connect with the leading robotics companies in attendance, view the latest robotics exhibits, and network with industry professionals.

Why Should You Attend IRSC?

A work culture that champions safety takes leadership commitment, employee engagement, regular auditing and training, a deep understanding of risk and safe operations, and beyond. Whether you work hands-on with robots or in upper management, the International Robot Safety Conference is the best place to strengthen your mission of worker safety. 

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“IRSC is really a great opportunity to get together with other people who prioritize safety, specifically safety of workers around industrial robots,” says Carole Franklin, A3 director of Robotics Standards Development. “The whole atmosphere is completely focused on safety. Soaking in that atmosphere for three days is just very encouraging for people to bring that safety mindset back to their workplace.”

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Most valuable of all — attendees have the opportunity to participate in in-depth conversations and lively Q&A sessions with experts in robotics as well as the creators of the various robotic safety standards, like the recently updated ANSI/A3 R15.08. "One big plus of going to IRSC in person is, you can talk with the speakers at mealtimes and break times. You can talk with your fellow attendees. It helps the learning stick,” says Franklin. “Plus, there's the time when we break to visit exhibits. You can see examples first-hand of some of the things the speakers have been saying."

What You Can Expect from This Year’s Event

Each year’s conference brings relevant discussion involving the latest standard updates and emerging technologies from a safety mindset. Stay tuned for this year’s agenda to be announced, but you can expect topics to cover the below themes:

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• Robot safety standards and regulatory updates
• AI and functional safety
• Human-robot collaboration
• Mobile robot and AMR safety
• Safety engineering and risk assessment
• Safety technologies
• Emerging robotics (humanoids, service robots, Physical AI)
• Best practices and real-world implementation case studies

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At this year’s Automate in Chicago, A3’s robot safety team gave a robotics standards update on AMR interoperability, humanoid safety and what's next. You can expect these topics to be of importance as we head into this year’s IRSC as well.

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Learn the Essentials of Robot Safety and Risk Assessment from the Experts

At the core of IRSC is a lineup of comprehensive sessions meant to solidify your understanding of robot safety. With sessions on compliance and risk assessment and tracks covering mobile, service, and collaborative robots, the immersive learning opportunities are unparalleled. And even if you’ve attended before, there’s always relevant updates to learn about. 

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“Going to IRSC keeps you up to date on the latest developments,” says Franklin. “You know, these standards are updated every few years, and not just the robot safety standards themselves, but the reference standards that our standards rely on. Every year there's something new, and safety professionals, safety engineers, need to keep current. IRSC helps you do that."

Register Now

Join us as we bring together industry leaders and experts to explore innovative solutions, share success stories, and inspire action towards a safer, more secure future. Register now to meet us in Detroit from November 3-5, 2026. Together, let's create safer workplaces for all.

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Watch: https://youtu.be/8CZps-YiNFY?si=z6AytlM3mzcqpJtn

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