Call for Proposals: Global ROSCon 2026 in Toronto
The premier ROS robotics conference rebrands as 'Global' and offers diversity scholarships with travel stipends.
The Open Robotics organization has officially launched the Call for Proposals for ROSCon Global 2026, marking a significant rebranding of the flagship Robot Operating System (ROS) conference. Previously known simply as ROSCon, the addition of 'Global' reflects the event's expanding international reach amidst a growing network of regional conferences worldwide. The event is scheduled for September 22-24, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. The core of the conference remains community-driven content, with organizers seeking proposals for three main tracks: hands-on workshops due by April 5, 2026; 10-30 minute technical presentations on new tools or applications due by April 26; and self-organized Birds of a Feather meetings for specific interest groups.
A key initiative for the 2026 event is the enhanced Diversity Scholarship Program, designed to lower barriers to attendance. Funded by sponsors, the scholarship provides recipients with complimentary conference registration, four nights of hotel accommodation, and a travel stipend. The application deadline for this financial aid is set for March 22, 2026—strategically well before the main proposal deadlines—to assist recipients with travel planning and visa processing. The organizing committee emphasizes a desire for original content, high-impact ideas, and a focus on open-source availability, encouraging submissions that showcase real-world robots from domains like maritime, space, or industrial automation.
- ROSCon rebrands as 'Global' for its 2026 Toronto event (Sept 22-24), reflecting international community growth.
- Proposals for workshops, talks, and Birds of a Feather sessions are due April 5, April 26, and July 24, 2026, respectively.
- Diversity Scholarship offers full registration, 4-night hotel stay, and travel stipend, with a March 22, 2026, application deadline.
Why It Matters
This conference drives open-source robotics innovation, setting the annual roadmap for ROS development and real-world application.