Academia as a driving force in innovating autonomous systems
During the National Autonomous Systems Congress, the Science Track will show how research is driving innovation in autonomous technologies.
Published on March 7, 2025
autonomous systems, © RUG
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On April 2, 2025, the first National Autonomous Systems Congress will take place in Drachten. Besides tracks focused on industry and society, there is a special Science Track where professors show how academia can drive innovation in autonomous systems, especially in collaboration with the industry. Paris Avgeriou, full professor of Software Engineering at the University of Groningen (RUG), is responsible for this track. “Scientific research is indispensable in advancing the development of autonomous systems. We must not only build new technologies but also understand how they work and how they can be applied responsibly,” he says.
Autonomous Systems series
This is the second part of a short series leading up to the first National Autonomous Systems Congress to be held in Drachten on April 2. Read the first article here.
A strong collaboration between science and industry
Avgeriou is also the Scientific Director of the Engineering Doctorate Program on Autonomous Systems, a new initiative at the RUG that works strongly with industrial partners. “This program is unique because it serves both academic and business goals. Companies come up with concrete engineering challenges, and we provide the scientific background to address them,” he explains. Eight such projects are currently underway or planned to start, with applications in smart manufacturing environments, autonomous vehicles, and medical technology, among others. “Our projects combine robotics, artificial intelligence, mechanical and software engineering to help companies innovate.”
According to Avgeriou, the collaboration between science and industry is vital for the northern Netherlands. “Many companies in this region struggle to find skilled engineers. By forging strong ties with the university, they not only develop innovative technologies, but they also attract and retain talent in the region.” This helps counter the so-called ‘brain drain’, in which highly skilled specialists leave for other parts of the Netherlands or abroad.
Autonomous systems as a European spearhead
The RUG, in collaboration with industry in the North, plays an important role not only nationally, but also at the European level in the development of autonomous systems. “The EU has awarded the north of the Netherlands as a European Digital Innovation Hub in autonomous systems. That gives us a unique position,” Avgeriou emphasizes. This label provides additional opportunities to engage in international collaborations and to position the Netherlands as a leading country in this field. “There is no comparable initiative at the national level, so this congress is also an opportunity to showcase our expertise.”
Paris Avgeriou, RUG
Science, industry and ethics: an integrated approach
The congress allows science, industry, and society to come together. “One of the program's strengths is that it not only covers scientific or business insights but also links to ethical and legal issues,” Avgeriou said. Participants can move freely between the three tracks: science, industry, and society ('ELSA' - Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects). “We want to encourage cross-pollination. A scientist needs to understand what companies need, and companies need to realize the technical feasibility as well as the ethical implications of their technologies.”
One example is the development of smart medical devices. “One of the partners in the Engineering Doctorate is developing medical devices with advanced sensors. These technologies ease the workload in healthcare but also raise questions about privacy and reliability. Therefore, we should look at the technical side as well as ethical and legal implications.”
What makes the congress a success?
For Avgeriou, the congress is successful if concrete collaborations arise between the various parties. “We want companies and researchers to find each other and to be able to start new projects together. Autonomous systems are complex and need a multidisciplinary approach. It would be great if, after the congress, companies said: We see the expertise of researchers, so let's join forces with academia.”
He also hopes the congress will contribute to wider recognition of the Northern Netherlands as an innovation hub. “We have tremendous expertise here and the ambition to bring autonomous research and technology to the highest level. This congress is an excellent opportunity to show that to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe.”
More information about the congress and registration can be found here
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