The robots are coming

Don’t miss out: Experience how the future comes to life in Delft!

Robot that pours tea into a human hand

The robots are coming

Delft Innovation Festival 2026

What if, whilst out for a walk in Delft, you suddenly come across a robot?

This year, it could well happen during ‘The robots are coming’. Robots will pop up in unexpected places around the city, challenging you to look at technology in a different light. Not in a laboratory, but right in the heart of the city, in historic streets, at cultural venues and during surprising encounters.

Discover unique experiences, art and activities that introduce you to the world of robotics. Whether you’re coming for a day out, a cultural visit or a weekend break: let yourself be surprised by a side of Delft where history and innovation come together.

Curious to know what to expect? Read on and discover where you’ll come across robots.

Robots in the city

From interactive installations to artworks in public spaces: ‘The robots are coming’ brings together technology, creativity and community. Throughout the city, you can explore, get involved, try things out and strike up a conversation.

You’ll find, amongst other things:

  • Artworks and installations in public spaces and at various locations
  • Interactive experiences where you can discover for yourself what robots are capable of
  • Workshops, talks and demonstrations for curious doers and thinkers
  • Activities at the intersection of culture, education, technology and innovation

Experience how the future is taking shape in the city of innovation.

View the activities
Robotics Minor The first lego league challenge Daniel Simu dancing with his robot

Giant Playbot robot has landed on the Markt

Anyone walking across the ‘ Markt ’ in Delft cannot fail to notice it: a giant Playbot has temporarily taken over the historic square. The Playbot is the biggest eye-catcher and an invitation to discover all that is happening in the field of robotics in Delft.

Highlights

An autumn half-term full of robots in Delft; 6 brilliant days out for curious children.

This autumn half-term, Delft will be all about robotics, technology, art and innovation. During the themed year ‘The robots are coming’, the city will be transformed into a huge discovery centre where children can play, build, explore and be amazed. Perfect for curious primary school children and their parents.

Read the tips from Kidsproof

The robots are coming - In the Delft Innovation Cubes

Robotics in the Innovation Gallery

The Innovation Gallery is temporarily closed. We are currently setting up the next impressive exhibition: Robo Creatures Petting Zoo

👉 More about the Innovation Gallery

Creating History - Stories about innovation, technology, creativity and entrepreneurship that show how Delft continues to make history.

Coming soon!

This is just the beginning. Over the coming weeks, new robots, artworks and installations will appear in unexpected places around Delft. Don’t miss out on ‘The Robots Are Coming’ and follow the developments via this website and our social media channels. Who knows what might turn up tomorrow. 🤖👀

  • Robo Creatures Petting Zoo

    Robots to play with, interact with and experiment with. During the autumn half-term, the Innovation Gallery is set to transform once again. It will become a Robo Creatures Petting Zoo, which will be open to visitors until 2 November.

  • 🤖🍸 ROBOEXOTICA IS COMING TO DELFT

    For the first time in its history, Roboexotica – the festival for cocktail-making robots – is coming to Delft.
    6 & 7 November – make a note of it in your diary!

  • Voices of Future Health

    ‘Voices of Future Health’ showcases how innovations from Delft are already shaping the future of health and care today. Discover, amongst other things, advanced surgical robots, innovative 3D scanning technology and the latest exoskeleton.

    Open from November 2026 to May 2027

Want to plan your visit?

Below you will find everything you need: a handy overview of the programme, a map with locations and practical information about accessibility, times and tickets.

Experience 24 hours of innovation in Delft

Would you like to combine ‘The Robots Are Coming’ with a visit to Delft? Discover how to experience the city’s innovative side in 24 hours, from robotics and technology to unique places to explore and stay overnight

Read the story

Staying in style

The ibis Styles Delft City Centre is situated next to the central station and offers stunning views of the city. The hotel’s interior design and the rooms are inspired by technology.

Discover these and more places to stay

These are the ambassadors

During The robots are coming, three ambassadors give the programme a face. They show how robotics is not only technically clever, but also does something to people and daily life in the city.

One of them, Daniel Simu, recently received international recognition with the Prix Pastorale: an award for an act with humanity and eloquence. Together with Anouk Wipprecht and Teun Verkerk, he makes innovation in Delft visible, personal and surprisingly close. In the city, for everyone.

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For companies & entrepreneurs

As a company or entrepreneur, you can also join The robots are coming. In 2026, Delft will show how robotics and innovation are changing daily life, work and entrepreneurship, and you can be part of it. Think of sharing an innovation, organising an activity, opening your doors to visitors or participating as a partner.

Download the toolkit here!

Everything from The robots are coming on one map - See at a glance where and when it happens

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