XPONENTIAL 2026 will bring together stakeholders across the autonomous systems landscape to explore real-world implementation of uncrewed and robotic technologies.
With a focus on resilience, integration, and scalability, the event will host leaders from government, industry, and academia. Whether developing next-generation air mobility platforms or scaling autonomous solutions in complex environments, participants will engage in high-level discussion, technical exploration, and critical partnership building.
Moments from Last Year
“It’s exciting to meet the designers, the builders, and the doers in the aerial mobility space as we look forward to XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit.”
— Kathryn Snorrason, State of Michigan
When is XPONENTIAL 2026?
XPONENTIAL 2026 will take place May 11–14, 2026.
What’s On?
XPO Hall
The XPO Hall offers attendees a chance to explore autonomy in action. From sensors and components to full platforms, software, and services, the exhibition spans the supply chain and highlights the technologies driving change. Attendees will discover solutions, connect with partners, and address operational challenges with peers from around the globe.
Conference Program
The 2026 conference will focus on resilience and implementation. With over 100 sessions organized into six strategic tracks, participants will examine critical topics including policy, infrastructure security, artificial intelligence, governance, and workforce readiness. Sessions will feature technical briefings, roundtables, and workshops led by experts from across sectors.
Tracks include:
- Policy, Governance & Global Strategy
- Strategic Resilience
- Technology in Motion
- Enterprise Operations & Ecosystem Integration
- Building the Workforce of Autonomy
- Autonomy in Action
The program is designed for professionals deploying, regulating, or developing autonomous systems.
AUVSI Defense + MDEX
XPONENTIAL 2026 will feature over 25,000 square feet of defense-focused programming and exhibits, highlighting how uncrewed systems are advancing mission-readiness and national security.
- MDEX will host over 3,000 attendees focused on defense manufacturing and supply chain readiness.
- AUVSI Defense will deliver theater sessions from leaders advancing autonomous innovation in military applications.
- Defense Technologies Zone will feature exhibits of next-generation uncrewed defense technologies.
Speakers
XPONENTIAL 2026 will include speakers from federal agencies, research organizations, defense innovation units, and private-sector leaders in autonomy. While this year’s speaker list is not yet finalized, past participants have included representatives from the FAA, NASA, U.S. Army DEVCOM, MITRE, DHS, Shield AI, Skydio, and Wisk Aero.
Conference Highlights
Keynotes
Keynote sessions will focus on industrial resilience and vision. Inspired by Detroit’s manufacturing legacy, keynote speakers will explore how bold thinking and policy alignment are shaping the next era of autonomy.
Breakout Sessions
Breakouts will function as active working sessions, emphasizing secure system development, regulatory strategy, deployment, and cross-sector operations. These sessions require a Full Conference Pass or higher for access.
Where is XPONENTIAL 2026?
Huntington Place
1 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan
United States
To learn more about XPONENTIAL 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
