Autonomous (unmanned) systems are changing the way we work, live, build our businesses and conduct research. They also bring societal challenges, such as digital security, ethics and human interaction with systems.
This spring, on April 2, 2025, the first edition of the National Autonomous Systems Congress will start in Drachten, bringing together professionals from industry, science and the social field to explore the opportunities and challenges of autonomous technology in its broadest sense. This congress is the springboard to autonomous systems and is probably the first event of this magnitude in the EU. A great time, then, to reflect on what autonomous systems actually are, what "autonomous technology" means to us.
What are autonomous systems?
Autonomous systems are technologies (software in conjunction with hardware) that can function independently without constant human intervention. The best-known example is the self-driving car, but today there are significant advances being made on all fronts. From drones that inspect infrastructure and detect damage before we can, from robots that assemble products to assistants that support healthcare workers. These are the core technologies of the future. What makes it so interesting is how these systems will reshape our work and interactions with technology.
The depth of autonomy
Therefore, it is important to understand the depth of autonomy. There is not just one kind of autonomy. We are dealing with a spectrum. The degree of autonomy can vary depending on the technology and the purpose of the system. From systems that simply assist in tasks (such as automated customer service) to systems that can operate and learn completely independently (such as a fully self-regulating warehouse where the lights could be turned off). Autonomous systems are often classified on a scale ranging from level 0 (fully manual operation) to level 5 (fully autonomous systems, with no human intervention). So the shift to a more autonomous world is not black and white, but a constantly evolving process.
Over the years, technology has improved significantly, and although most autonomous systems do not currently operate fully independently, the direction is clear: The world is moving toward full autonomy in various sectors. In a world where the pursuit of efficiency, safety and sustainability is becoming increasingly important, autonomous systems are here to stay.
The building blocks of autonomy
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Machine Learning (ML): The backbone of autonomous systems. AI enables these systems to recognize patterns, make decisions and learn from their environment.
- Sensor fusion: LiDAR, radar and advanced cameras make it possible to create a detailed and dynamic map of the environment.
- Edge Computing: Data is processed directly at the source instead of waiting for a central server, which is essential for real-time decision-making.
- Autonomous software architectures: Secure, robust and self-adaptable software enables autonomous systems to operate without human intervention.
The economic impact: efficiency, innovation and employment
If you look at the history of technology, you see a pattern: automation has always evoked a mix of fear and optimism. When steam engines transformed factories, people thought jobs would disappear. When computers invaded offices, we feared mass unemployment.
But what happened again and again was economic restructuring. Efficiency increased, new sectors emerged, and human labor shifted from repetitive to creative and strategic work. Autonomous systems are going to repeat that pattern, but on a much larger scale.
Think logistics: autonomous trucks and warehouse robots shorten delivery times and reduce costs. Think healthcare: AI-driven diagnostic systems help doctors work faster and more precisely. Think agriculture: autonomous tractors and drones optimize crops and minimize waste.
The point is: this is not just about cutting costs or increasing productivity. This is about a fundamentally new way of working and producing, in which speed, precision and adaptability become the core of economic activity.
Northern Netherlands as an incubator for autonomous technology
In recent years, the Northern Netherlands has focused heavily on autonomous systems, as the region has a strong industrial and technological base on the one hand and a proactive approach to digital innovation and sustainability on the other. Both industry leaders and policymakers support this focus, as autonomous technologies not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute to societal challenges such as aging and labor shortages.
The Northern Netherlands has an increasingly robust ecosystem with organizations and initiatives such as:
- Innovation Cluster Drachten (ICD): brings together high-tech companies to develop new autonomous applications.
- EDIH NN (European Digital Innovation Hub North Netherlands): supports companies in implementing autonomous systems.
- University of Groningen and High Schools: working on cutting-edge research in AI, software and systems engineering and robotics.
- Fieldlabs: provide testing environments where companies and researchers can validate new technologies in realistic scenarios.
There are also major initiatives under development, such as Infinitech, a knowledge center focused on the autonomous manufacturing industry, AI Factory and Project Beethoven.
The Northern Netherlands is not waiting. It is actively building a future where autonomous technologies are not only possible, but are becoming the norm.
Boston Dynamics: The Face of Autonomous Engineering and Robotics
You've probably come across a video online of a humanoid robot that can defy obstacles and even somersault. That's Atlas from Boston Dynamics. When it comes to autonomous robots, Boston Dynamics is a name known around the world. The American company, which has Google X, Softbank and Hyundai as owners, is taking the world by storm with their groundbreaking mobile robotics development...:
- Spot: A robot dog that can navigate complex environments and is widely used for inspection and automation.
- Stretch: An advanced logistics robot designed specifically for loading and unloading packages, making warehouse processes more efficient.
- Atlas: A humanoid robot with impressive agility and freedom of movement, able to perform increasingly sophisticated tasks independently.
At the National Autonomous Systems Congress, Aaron Saunders, Chief Technology Officer of Boston Dynamics, will share his vision for the future of autonomous systems. He will address how these technologies will radically change the way we work, produce and interact with machines.
A glimpse of Atlas:
What does the National Congress on Autonomous Systems have to offer you?
On April 2 in Drachten, users, technology suppliers, companies, scientists and policy makers will come together to discover the potential of autonomous systems and how we can deploy them responsibly and effectively.
Autonomous systems are changing the way we live and work. They will increase productivity, automate tasks and create new industries. But they will also raise fundamental questions about work, ethics and human interaction with technology.
The question is not whether this change will happen. The question is how we deal with it. How do we ensure that autonomy not only creates efficiency, but also a fair and inclusive future? How do we harness the power of these systems without losing control of them? These are the questions discussed at the National Congress on Autonomous Systems.
- Keynotes from a world leader in autonomous technology, Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics.
- Three thematic tracks: industry, science and society.
- Live demonstrations of the latest autonomous systems in action.
- Networking opportunities with leaders, investors and policy makers who are shaping the future.
How can you participate in the conference?
Do you want to be on the front lines of the autonomy revolution? Tickets for the National Autonomous Systems Congress are available through.