The future of shipping is setting sail in Düsseldorf: On 24–25 March 2026, the Autonomous Inland & Short Sea Shipping Conference (AISS) will be hosted for the first time at XPONENTIAL Europe. The conference, organized by the Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems (DST) in cooperation with the Institute of Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems (INAM) at the University of Duisburg-Essen and RWTH Aachen University, brings together leading experts from industry, research and government authorities.

Key topics include the latest advancements in autonomous inland and short sea shipping, smart port logistics and remote control & assistance systems. Presentations and panels will cover innovations such as AI-based navigation, LiDAR and radar technologies for collision avoidance and sustainable propulsion systems.

With this strong focus on knowledge exchange and innovation, the AISS Conference provides unique insights into the technologies shaping the maritime future – while connecting international decision-makers at Europe’s leading trade show for autonomous technologies.

The Autonomous Inland & Short Sea Shipping Conference (AISS) will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in autonomous inland and short sea shipping. Expert presentations and discussions will focus on topics such as ship automation, remote operation and assistance systems, digital twins and simulation, smart port logistics and the planning of connected transport chains. Bringing together experts from industry, academia and authorities, the conference offers practical insights into the technologies shaping the future of maritime transport.