ICRA 2026 Call for Papers: Important Dates, Submission Guide & Research Tips

The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is recognized globally as the premier conference for robotics and automation research. Scheduled for June 1–5, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, ICRA 2026 is expected to attract leading researchers, engineers, and industry professionals from around the world.

The conference serves as a platform to present innovative research, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations that push the boundaries of robotics.

Attending ICRA allows participants to stay up-to-date with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. For researchers, it is an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure, receive constructive feedback, and establish networks with experts across academia and industry.

With the surge in robotics applications in healthcare, manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and AI integration, ICRA 2026 is poised to become a critical venue for shaping the future of robotics globally.

ICRA 2026 Call for Papers Announcement

The ICRA 2026 Call for Papers invites submissions that present original, high-quality research across a wide spectrum of robotics topics. Researchers are encouraged to submit work in areas including:

• Autonomous Systems and Mobility: Innovations in path planning, navigation, and perception for autonomous robots and vehicles. Research can focus on multi-robot coordination, drone swarms, and unmanned aerial systems.

• Human-Robot Interaction: Enhancing collaboration, communication, and safety between humans and robots. Studies can include ergonomic designs, intuitive interfaces, and cognitive modeling for robots.

• Medical Robotics: Development of surgical robots, rehabilitation devices, and assistive robotic technologies. Research can explore precision surgery, wearable robotics, and teleoperation systems.

• AI and Machine Learning in Robotics: Application of AI for robotic perception, decision-making, and adaptive control. This includes deep learning, reinforcement learning, and intelligent planning.

• Industrial Automation: Advanced solutions for manufacturing, warehouse automation, and collaborative robotics in industrial settings.

• Soft Robotics and Bio-Inspired Designs: Flexible, adaptive robots inspired by biological systems for applications in healthcare, exploration, and human assistance.

ICRA encourages submissions from both seasoned researchers and emerging innovators, providing a platform to showcase novel contributions and interdisciplinary work.

Important Dates to Remember

Deadlines are crucial when preparing for ICRA 2026. Authors must track these dates carefully to ensure timely submission and preparation:

• Paper Submission Opens: July 15, 2025 – Early preparation allows researchers to refine experiments and organize data efficiently.

• Paper Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time) – Late submissions are typically not accepted.

• Notification of Acceptance/Rejection: January 31, 2026 – Authors receive detailed reviewer comments for revisions.

• Camera-Ready Paper Submission: March 6, 2026 – Accepted papers must be finalized with all corrections incorporated.

• Conference Dates: June 1–5, 2026 – The official dates for presentations, workshops, competitions, and networking events.

Maintaining a timeline ensures that authors can produce high-quality work without last-minute stress.

Submission Guidelines for Authors

Submissions to ICRA 2026 require strict adherence to IEEE formatting and submission protocols. Authors should carefully follow these guidelines to avoid desk rejection:

• Paper Length and Format: Maximum of 6 pages with up to 2 additional pages allowed for references. Templates for both LaTeX and Word are provided.

• File Format: Only PDF files generated with IEEE-approved software are accepted.

• Submission Portal: All papers must be submitted via PaperPlaza, the official ICRA submission platform.

• Anonymity: The double-blind review process requires removal of author names, affiliations, and self-references.

Additionally, authors should ensure that figures, tables, and references are clear, high-resolution, and properly formatted. More details on submission are available on the ICRA 2026 official website.

Review Process Explained

The peer-review process at ICRA 2026 is highly rigorous, designed to maintain the conference’s prestige and quality:

• Initial Screening: Papers are checked for plagiarism, adherence to formatting, and page limits.

• Assignment to Reviewers: Each paper is assigned to expert reviewers who are specialists in the relevant field.

• Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers assess originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity of presentation.

• Decision Notification: Authors receive detailed feedback, including suggestions for improvements.

• Final Submission: Accepted papers must incorporate reviewer comments and meet camera-ready submission requirements.

This process ensures that ICRA 2026 features research that is impactful, innovative, and relevant to the global robotics community.

Tips for Writing a Strong ICRA Paper

Writing a strong paper increases the chances of acceptance at ICRA 2026. Key strategies include:

• Clear Problem Definition: Start with a precise problem statement, research motivation, and objectives.

• Logical Structure: Follow a coherent flow with Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD).

• Evidence-Based Results: Include detailed experiments, simulations, or case studies to support claims.

• High-Quality Figures and Tables: Use clear visualizations to simplify complex data and highlight contributions.

• Attention to Detail: Ensure proper citations, accurate references, and adherence to IEEE formatting.

• Proofreading: Avoid grammatical errors, typos, and ambiguous statements to improve readability.

Applying these tips can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your research.

Recommended Research Areas for ICRA 2026

Some of the most promising areas for submissions include:

• Autonomous Systems and Mobility: Self-driving cars, drones, and multi-robot systems.

• Human-Robot Collaboration: Safe and efficient interaction techniques, including wearable sensors and cognitive modeling.

• Medical Robotics: Precision surgery, rehabilitation robotics, and assistive devices for the elderly and disabled.

• AI Integration in Robotics: Perception, decision-making, and adaptive control algorithms.

• Industrial and Service Robotics: Robotics solutions for manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and smart homes.

• Soft and Bio-Inspired Robotics: Flexible robots mimicking biological organisms for exploration or human assistance.

Focusing on these areas increases relevance and the likelihood of acceptance.

Workshops, Competitions, and Special Sessions

ICRA 2026 offers multiple platforms for knowledge exchange beyond paper presentations:

• Workshops: Held before and after the main conference, workshops provide deep technical insights on specific topics.

• Competitions: Hands-on challenges allow participants to demonstrate innovative solutions and robotics prototypes.

• Special Sessions: Focused tracks on emerging or interdisciplinary topics enable authors to highlight niche contributions.

Participating in these events provides visibility, networking, and opportunities to collaborate with top researchers and industry professionals.

Travel and Participation Information

Vienna, Austria, offers world-class venues, cultural experiences, and modern facilities for ICRA 2026 attendees. Participants can expect:

• In-Person Attendance: Access live presentations, networking events, and workshops.

• Hybrid Options: Virtual participation for remote researchers.

• Accommodation Guidance: Conference organizers provide information about hotels and visa requirements.

• Cultural Networking: Attend tours, social events, and industry exhibitions to expand professional networks.

Early planning ensures smooth logistics and a rewarding conference experience.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Before submitting to ICRA 2026, verify:

• Adherence to IEEE formatting and page limits.
• Anonymity compliance for double-blind review.
• Accuracy and clarity of figures, tables, and results.
• Proper citations and reference formatting.
• Submission before the deadline.

A careful review ensures the paper meets technical and academic standards, minimizing rejection risk.

Preparing high-quality research, adhering to submission guidelines, and engaging actively in the conference ensures your contribution to ICRA 2026 leaves a lasting impact.

FAQs

1. What is ICRA 2026?

ICRA 2026 is the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, scheduled for June 1–5, 2026, in Vienna, Austria. It brings together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to present innovative robotics research and explore future technologies.

2. Who can submit papers to ICRA 2026?

Researchers, academicians, students, and industry professionals working on robotics and automation topics can submit original, high-quality research papers.

3. What are the key topics for ICRA 2026?

ICRA 2026 accepts papers on autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, medical robotics, AI and machine learning in robotics, industrial automation, soft robotics, and bio-inspired robotics designs.

4. When does paper submission open and close for ICRA 2026?

Paper submission opens on July 15, 2025, and closes on September 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

5. How do I submit a paper to ICRA 2026?

You can submit your paper through the official PaperPlaza portal, following IEEE templates and double-blind review guidelines.

6. What are the formatting requirements for ICRA 2026 papers?

Authors must follow the IEEE templates (LaTeX or Word), submit papers in PDF format, limit content to 6 pages (with 2 additional pages for references), and remove all author-identifying information.

7. When will I know if my paper is accepted?

ICRA 2026 will notify authors of acceptance, minor/major revisions, or rejection on January 31, 2026.

8. What additional opportunities does ICRA 2026 offer besides paper presentations?

ICRA 2026 hosts workshops, tutorials, special sessions, and robotics competitions, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience, network, and showcase their innovations.

9. Can I participate in ICRA 2026 virtually?

Yes, ICRA 2026 provides hybrid participation options, enabling remote attendees to access presentations, workshops, and discussions online.

10. Why should I submit to ICRA 2026?

Submitting to ICRA 2026 gives you global recognition, networking opportunities, career growth, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge robotics research.