4th SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
Autonomous vehicles – challenges and opportunities for the economy and national defense
Organizers
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Institute of Automotive Engineering
Topics and Scope
unmanned autonomous platforms—vehicles and systems for civilian and military applications; simulation and experimental research on automated and autonomous vehicles; artificial intelligence in the automation of vehicles and their systems; perception and sensor fusion systems in automated vehicles; navigation, control, and communication systems for automated vehicles; legal and socio-ethical aspects of transportation automation
speakers
Prof. Abhinav Valada
Topic: Open World Robot Autonomy: Learning from Perception to Action in the Wild
He is a professor at the University of Freiburg, where he directs the Robot Learning Lab. He is affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and the BrainLinks-BrainTools center, and is one of the founders of the ELLIS unit in Freiburg. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Freiburg and his master’s degree in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University.
His research combines robotics, machine learning, and computer vision. He focuses on fundamental issues related to perception, state estimation, and decision-making, with the goal of enabling robots to operate reliably in complex and diverse real-world environments.
For his scientific achievements, he has received, among others, the IEEE RAS Early Career Award in Robotics and Automation, the IROS Toshio Fukuda Young Professional Award, the NVIDIA Research Award, and the IROS Award for the best research paper in the field of cognitive robotics.
Abhinav Valada is a DFG Emmy Noether AI Fellow, a member of the ELLIS Society, and a senior member of the IEEE. He also serves as co-chair of the IEEE RAS Technical Committee on Robot Learning. He is a senior editor of the journal *IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters* and serves as a Senior Area Chair at numerous academic conferences.
The results of his research were widely covered in the media, including on the Discovery Channel and NBC News, as well as in *Business Times* and *The Economic Times*.
Prof. Christoph Stiller
Topic: Resilient Technologies for Automated and Cooperative Mobility Systems
Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he heads the Institute of Measurement and Control Engineering. He studied electrical engineering at RWTH Aachen University and at the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim. After completing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Communication Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1994.
From 1994 to 1995, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at INRS-Télécommunications in Montreal, Canada. Since 1995, he has worked in the advanced technology development department at Robert Bosch GmbH in Hildesheim, focusing on image processing systems. Since April 2001, he has been a professor at the Institute of Measurement and Control Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
From 2012 to 2013, Christoph Stiller served as president of the IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society. He also served as editor-in-chief and contributing editor of the *IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Magazine*.
The autonomous vehicle AnnieWAY, developed by his team, reached the finals of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. In the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge, it took first place in 2011 and second place in 2016.
Ph.D. Tomasz Michalak
Professor Tomasz Michalak is the head of the AI Strategy Laboratory at the IDEAS Research Institute, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense, and is also a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Mechanics at the University of Warsaw.
During his academic career, he conducted research at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford, the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Southampton, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Liverpool, and the Faculty of Applied Economics at the University of Antwerp.
He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Warsaw. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the Faculty of Applied Economics at the University of Antwerp.
He is a member of the ELLIS Society and the ELLIS Unit Warsaw. His research interests include artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, game theory, social networks, fintech, and computational social science.
Prof. Fabian Flohr
Topic: Escaping the Log – Bridging End-to-End Driving and Closed-Loop Simulation with GenAI
Since 2022, Fabian Flohr has been a full professor of machine learning at the Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM), where he heads the Intelligent Vehicles Lab (IVL) in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
He studied computer science at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he earned a master’s degree (M.Sc.) in 2012, and in 2018 he earned his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Amsterdam. During his academic career, he also conducted research in the Intelligent Vehicles group at the Faculty of Mechanical, Marine, and Materials Engineering (3mE) at Delft University of Technology.
From 2012 to 2022, he worked at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development in Stuttgart, focusing on automated driving technologies. Most recently, he served as Technical Manager for Vulnerable Road Users (VRU), responsible for developing and coordinating the strategic and technical vision for this area within several international teams.
His research focuses on the intersection of computer vision, machine learning, and automated driving. His research addresses fundamental problems related to environmental perception, modeling human behavior, and data-driven simulation, which enable automated vehicles to interact safely with pedestrians and cyclists in complex urban traffic.
He oversees HM’s participation in large, publicly funded research projects, such as nxtAIM and STADT, carried out in collaboration with the German automotive industry.
Prof. Krzysztof Stereńczak
Team Leader for the Digital Twin at the IDEAS Research Institute, a researcher at the Department of Geomatics at the Forestry Research Institute, and a member of the Committee on Forest Sciences and Wood Technology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He has completed research internships at the University of Freiburg and the WSL. His scientific output includes nearly 200 research papers.
He led or participated in numerous national and international research projects, including those carried out on behalf of DKWOC. He served as the advisor for six completed doctoral dissertations, four of which received honors. Between 2008 and 2026, he received 26 individual and team awards for his scientific and organizational work.
Key Elements of the Conference
thematic plenary sessions; vehicle technology demonstrations; industry and promotional sessions; exhibition area; networking
conference calendar
- July 15, 2026 – Start of participant registration
- through October 9, 2026 – deadline for submitting abstracts
- through October 10, 2026 – the deadline for booking accommodations from the conference room pool at a preferential rate (after this deadline, reservations will be processed at standard hotel rates and subject to room availability)
- through October 23, 2026 – notification of acceptance of the abstract
- through October 31, 2026 – deadline for participant registration
- through November 2, 2026 – deadline for free cancellation of participation
- November 18–19, 2026 – conference
preliminary agenda
| Day 1 - November 18, 2026 | Day 2 - November 19, 2026 |
|---|---|
| 8:00–10:00 a.m. – Registration | 10:00–11:30 – Sessions IV and V |
| 10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. – Conference Opening | 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Coffee break |
| 12:15–12:30 – Coffee break | 12:00–1:30 p.m. – Session VI (Industry and Promotion) |
| 12:30–2:00 p.m. – Session I | 1:30–2:00 p.m. – Official closing ceremony |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. – Lunch | 2:00–3:00 p.m. – Lunch |
| 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. – Autonomous vehicle demonstration | |
| 4:30–4:45 p.m. – Coffee break | |
| 4:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m. – Sessions II and III | |
| 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. – Poster session | |
| 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. – Break | |
| 8:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. – Gala dinner |
See previous editions and the program
Terms and Conditions of Participation
PARTICIPATION COSTS
Personal Package – Cost per Conference Participant:
Business Package – Promotion Costs for Companies (does not include per-person costs):
AND WITH A PAPER 0 PLN*
II WITHOUT A PRESENTATION 1,400 PLN + 23% VAT / 330 EUR + VAT
The price includes:
- participation in the conference;
- full board during the conference;
- evening networking dinner;
- conference materials.
* Applies to papers selected for presentation at the conference.
The review process for submitted papers will be conducted by the scientific committee based on the abstracts sent to: konferencja@pimot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl by October 9, 2026.
Guidelines for preparing an abstract are available on the conference website in the “Downloads” section.
The author will be notified that their paper has been accepted for presentation once the review process is complete. Space is limited.
AND STANDARD 1,500 PLN + 23% VAT / 355 EURO + VAT
The price includes:
- the opportunity to deliver a paper or presentation during the industry and promotional session;
- including the Partner’s logo on conference materials;
- posting an active logo on the conference website that links to the Partner’s website;
- the opportunity to distribute the Partner’s promotional materials during the event;
- displaying the Partner’s roll-up banner in the conference plenary hall;
- the opportunity for a Partner to showcase its offerings in the exhibition area.
As part of the promotional package, each company will receive a workstation equipped with:
- a table measuring 151 × 75.5 cm;
- 2 chairs;
- access to an electrical outlet;
- the option to set up your own roll-up;
- the option to set up a brochure stand.
View the location of the exhibition area
II PREMIUM 2,500 PLN + 23% VAT / 590 EURO + VAT
The price includes:
- scope of the standard package;
- Display of the Partner’s vehicle/equipment outside the building during the event.
ATTENTION! The price does not include accommodations. Please make your lodging reservations directly with the hotel via the link: PIMOT Łukasiewicz or by email: katarzyna.pytlarczyk@holiday.tmspark.pl, phone: +48 22 778 30 28. When booking your stay, use the code “PIMOT” to receive a discount on your reservation.
Please submit your conference registration via the registration form at https://pimot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/konferencja-formularz/ by October 31, 2026.
The number of spots available for conference participants for the conference is limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Submitting the registration form constitutes a legally binding commitment to cover the costs of conference participation and consent to the issuance of an invoice.
Withdrawal from participation after November 2, 2026, requires the participant to cover all costs associated with participation.
Fees
The conference fee must be paid by October 31, 2026.
Bank Transfer Information:
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Automotive Institute
55 Jagiellońska St., 03-301 Warsaw
Account number: 50 1050 1025 1000 0090 8398 5169
Transfer description: 4th Scientific and Technical Conference
Account for EURO:
ING Bank Śląski S.A.
IBAN: PL83 1050 1025 1000 0090 3244 8087
SWIFT/BIC: INGBPLPW
Composition of the Scientific Committee
- Karol Zielonka Łukasiewicz, Ph.D., Eng. – PIMOT – Chairman
- Col. Michał Ceremuga, Ph.D., Eng. – Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology – Vice Chair
- Prof. Marek Gzik, Ph.D., Eng. – Ministry of Science and Higher Education – Honorary Member
- Prof. Jerzy Małachowski, Ph.D., Eng. – National Center for Research and Development – Honorary Member
- Prof. Jan Awrejcewicz, Ph.D., Eng. – Lodz University of Technology
- Anna Borucka, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Prof. Ireneusz Czarnowski, Ph.D., Eng. – Gdynia Maritime University
- Prof. Artur Dubrawski, Ph.D., Eng. – Carnegie Mellon University (USA)
- Mirosław Gidlewski, Ph.D., Eng. – Military University of Technology / Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Marek Guzek, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Warsaw University of Technology – Warsaw University of Technology
- Marek Jaśkiewicz, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Świętokrzyska University of Technology
- Prof. Marianna Jacyna, Ph.D., Eng. – Warsaw University of Technology
- Jerzy Jackowski, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Robert Janczur, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Kraków University of Technology – Kraków University of Technology
- Rafał Jurecki, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Świętokrzyska University of Technology
- Col. Jan Kelner, Ph.D., Eng., Professor at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Prof. Michał Kuciej, Ph.D., Eng. – Białystok University of Technology
- Prof. Zbigniew Lozia, Ph.D., Eng. – Warsaw University of Technology / Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Witold Luty, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Marian Łopatka, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Tomasz Michalak, Ph.D., Prof. at the University of Warsaw – IDEAS Research Institute
- Paweł Michalski, Ph.D., Eng. – Opole University of Technology
- Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk, Ph.D., Eng. – Silesian University of Technology
- Marek Nowakowski, Ph.D., Eng. – Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology
- Krzysztof Parczewski, Ph.D., Eng., Professor at the University of Bielsko-Biała (UBB)
- Grzegorz Pawlak, Ph.D., Eng. – Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology
- Prof. Milos Poliak, Ph.D., Eng. – University of Žilina (Slovakia)
- Paweł Posuniak, Ph.D., Eng. – Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Prof. Leon Prochowski, Ph.D., Eng. – Military University of Technology / Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Prof. Paweł Skruch, Ph.D., Eng. – AGH University of Science and Technology
- Jarosław Selech, Ph.D., Eng., Professor at Poznań University of Technology
- Przemysław Simiński, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology (WITPiS)
- Grzegorz Ślaski, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at Poznań University of Technology
- Prof. Tomasz Lech Stańczyk, Ph.D., Eng. – Świętokrzyska University of Technology
- Lech Starczewski, Ph.D., Eng., Professor at WITPiS – Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology
- Prof. Lucjan Śnieżek, Ph.D., Eng. – Military University of Technology
- Cezary Szczepański – Łukasiewicz, Ph.D., Eng. – ILOT
- Marcin Szelest, Ph.D., Eng. – AGH University of Science and Technology / Aptiv
- Andrzej Typiak, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Brig. Gen. Prof. Przemysław Wachulak, Ph.D., Eng. – Military University of Technology
- Wojciech Wach, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Institute of Forensic Expertise (IES)
- Col. Mariusz Wesołowski, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology (WITPiS)
- Prof. Adam Wiśniewski, Ph.D., Eng. – Military Institute of Armament Technology
- Dariusz Żardecki, Ph.D., Eng., Prof. at the Military University of Technology (WAT)
- Prof. Bogdan Żółtowski, Ph.D., Eng., Dr. h.c. – Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology
Honorary Patrons
Patrons
Media Sponsors
Membership of the Organizing Committee
- Katarzyna Szajna -Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Marzena Zderkiewicz -Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Katarzyna Kijania -Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Martyna Poziomska- Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Patryk Szwajkowski -Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Piotr Wieczorek – Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Marlena Owczuk – Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Joanna Łukasik – Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Patrycja Włodarczyk -Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Beata Borowa- Łukasiewicz – PIMOT
- Edyta Sochoń – WITPiS
- Anna Molka – WITPiS
- Anna Szmigielska – WITPiS
- Zbigniew Baczkowski – WITPiS
- Patryk Płochocki – WITPiS
- Maciej Białecki – WITPiS
Contact
Łukasiewicz – PIMOT:
, tel. 22 777 72 95
, tel. 730 227 578
, e-mail konferencja@pimot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
WITPiS:
, phone: 22 783 19 28
, phone: 665 138 750
, email: sekretariat@witpis.pl
Past editions of the conference
In connection with the upcoming 4th Scientific and Technical Conference “AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES – Challenges and Opportunities for the Economy and National Defense,” in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (Article 13, paragraphs 1 and 2), we are providing the following information.
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