AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS IN DEFENSE

Technology for Protection, Strategic Autonomy and Responsible Innovation

A NEW EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE ON SECURITY AND DEFENSE

XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 spotlights military applications of autonomous systems within a forward-looking, responsible technology dialogue. It serves as a platform for discussing modern defense technologies, critical-infrastructure protection and strategic sovereignty.

As the premier event for autonomous systems and robotics, XPONENTIAL Europe gathers experts from industry, academia, the military and government agencies. Together, they explore the potential of security-critical and dual-use technologies—from cyber defense and systems interoperability to the development of common standards across Europe.

XPONENTIAL focuses on seven key domains of modern defense: Air, Ground, Maritime, Space, Human–Machine Interaction, Cooperative Autonomy and Hybrid Platforms—each exemplifying technological advances aimed at efficiency, safety and ethical responsibility.

The event offers a compact overview of future system architectures—including modular carrier systems and AI-driven command systems—emphasizing innovation and cooperation as pillars of a secure, connected future.

AUTONOMOUS AERIAL SYSTEMS

INTELLIGENCE, PROTECTION & LOGISTICS

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) perform intelligence, logistics and protective missions—precisely, flexibly and in real time. XPONENTIAL Europe demonstrates how uncrewed aerial vehicles of various ranges are securely and interoperably integrated into modern security architectures.

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GROUND ROBOTICS

SAFETY & EFFICIENCY WITH UGV

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) support personnel in high-risk zones: disarming explosives, transporting supplies, or exploring hazardous terrain. XPONENTIAL Europe demonstrates how ground robotics is embedded in today’s mission architectures.

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AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS AT SEA

SECURITY ABOVE & BELOW THE SURFACE

Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles monitor maritime domains, secure infrastructure and perform mine clearance operations. XPONENTIAL Europe brings together manufacturers, end-users and regulators in maritime robotics.

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SPACE & SECURITY

ORBITAL SYSTEMS FOR DEFENSE

Satellites in LEO, MEO and GEO ensure secure communications, navigation and early warning capabilities. XPONENTIAL Europe highlights how orbital technologies are integrated with UAS and UGV systems for security missions.

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HUMAN–MACHINE INTERACTION

HMI & SOLDIER SYSTEMS

Wearables, exoskeletons and AR interfaces connect operators and systems in entirely new ways. XPONENTIAL Europe presents how HMI solutions enhance force protection and accelerate decision-making in the field.

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HYBRID PLATFORMS

MULTI-DOMAIN SYSTEMS FOR ALL ENVIRONMENTS

Hybrid platforms seamlessly combine air, ground, maritime and space domains—flexible, scalable and interoperable. XPONENTIAL Europe introduces modular systems setting new standards for multidimensional mission scenarios.

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COOPERATIVE AUTONOMY

NETWORKED SYSTEMS IN SYNCHRONY

Swarming strategies and multi-agent systems coordinate autonomous platforms without central control. XPONENTIAL Europe explores the potential of networked ISR operations—from reconnaissance to humanitarian response.

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CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Defense becomes part of the conversation

European defense technologies will be an integral part of the XPONENTIAL Europe conference program. In doing so, the event addresses the growing need for exchange among stakeholders from government, research and industry – including security policy actors from the NATO context and European alliance systems. Key topics will include dual-use innovation, strategic autonomy, cyber resilience, regulatory frameworks and industrial collaboration.