The mood was high as a record number of people and robots gathered for the tenth edition of ROBOTBRAG in Odense
The sun was high in the sky, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the Danish flag waved at the top of an automatic flagpole as DIRA and the Danish Technological Institute opened the gates and tent canvas for the tenth time to a robot celebration in Forskerparken in Odense — this year as part of Week of Robotics in collaboration with Odense Robotics.
As tradition dictates, the celebration of the Danish robotics industry featured the sweet scent of brunsviger, and although the Funen classic was as tasty as ever, it was hardly what attracted no fewer than 3,755 participants.
Instead, it was the technologies of the future that drew attention — and that seems more important than ever. That is the view of Henrik Jacobsen, head of the Danish Technological Institute’s Centre for Robot Technology.
“Geopolitical changes have made supply chains uncertain, and we are looking into a future where the workforce is declining while requirements and production targets are increasing. When that is the case, we need to find new paths. Automation and robotics are obvious solutions. That is why it is a very important task to demonstrate and showcase what the technology can do today and in the future,” says Henrik Jacobsen.
For precisely these reasons, the theme of this year’s ROBOTBRAG was: Become resilient with robots.
Technology was brought to life
The record number of robot enthusiasts streamed through tents and innovation halls filled with enthusiastic voices and the hum of robots.
There were high-flying robots, fast robots, advanced AI systems and emerging startups, all of which inspired the wider Danish industry.
The technologies were not merely on display — they were brought to life in the hands of exhibitors and visitors. But this year was different: the robots also brought the visitors to life.
The humanoid robots stole the show at the opening of the Danish Technological Institute’s brand-new Humanoid Lab.
The human-like robots waved visitors closer, offered guests dance lessons, and everything was set in motion to full music when one of the robots conducted the Band of the 7th Regiment. The music was sweet, but the message resonated even more strongly.
The humanoid robots provided insight into how technology can help companies and support tasks and production in the future.
“Humanoid robots are receiving a great deal of attention in the market. Many companies assume that they could become the solution to the labour shortage we are seeing in a number of areas. That is positive, because Danish companies need to keep up in order to maintain resilience and competitiveness,” says Henrik Jacobsen.
Although most Danish companies can see clear benefits from introducing robots, only one in ten companies has a strategy in this area.
For 10 years, ROBOTBRAG has tried to change that by bringing technology and curious companies together in one place.
Young people must create the future
ROBOTBRAG’s Friday programme addressed another issue. Fewer than one in five lower secondary school pupils choose vocational education. Among other things, this means that industrial companies lack employees who can operate their robots.
“Many of the educational programmes we need in industry are not visible to the general public. As private individuals, we encounter carpenters and auto mechanics in everyday life, but automation technicians and industrial technicians are hidden away inside factories that are not accessible to the public. If we are to get more young people to choose these programmes, it is important that the programmes become visible,” says Michael Boas Pedersen, senior consultant at the Confederation of Danish Industry.
“We lack apprentices and students; we lack ‘manpower’, you could say, and therefore we would like to become more visible and promote the educational programmes that lead to jobs in industry,” says Michael Nielsen, chairman of the board at DIRA.
ROBOTBRAG made a real effort to create that visibility. Six 8th-grade classes were invited to a robot duel. They competed in drone flying, programmed robot arms, played football with LEGO cars and tried out service jobs using VR headsets.
The young people’s energy shone brighter than the sun as they had the chance to try out the technologies, and the energy level peaked when a drumroll ended with the sentence: “The winner is 8.C from Munkebo School.” With a victory roar, they lifted a cheque for DKK 5,000 into the air. The other classes did not go home empty-handed, however. They left with an exciting experience and insight into all the opportunities that come with choosing a vocational education.
ROBOTBRAG was one of the main events during Week of Robotics, which took place from 5–8 May 2026 in Odense. Week of Robotics is organised by the Danish Technological Institute, DIRA and Odense Robotics.
The events brought together Danish and international stakeholders from across the robotics ecosystem — including companies, researchers, decision-makers, technology experts and end users — to strengthen collaboration and position Odense as a leading global hub for robotics.
See how the Danish Technological Institute can help you
While Friday inspired young people about the opportunities of the future, ROBOTBRAG as a whole gave Danish companies inspiration on how they can adapt to developments and become more resilient in the future.
However, there can be a long way from inspiration to implementation.
That is why the Danish Technological Institute is ready to help your company with automation and robotics.
We’re ready to help you move forward
Are you inspired? Do you have an automation challenge, or would you like to learn more about how your company can benefit from the latest robotics technology and AI?
DTI exists to bring the latest technology into use for the benefit of companies and their employees. So, we’re ready to help you take the next step.
https://www.dti.dk/services/here-s-how-we-can-help-you/46682
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