MnRI ROBOTICS RESEARCH SHOWCASE
Friday, November 6, 2026
University of Minnesota
EVENT AGENDA
9:00–9:10 AM | University Leadership’s Welcome
Location: ME 1130
Opening remarks and welcome
9:10–9:20 AM | Director’s Welcome
Location: ME 1130
Opening remarks and welcome from Director Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos, including an overview of the day’s activities.
9:20–10:20 AM | Faculty Lightning Talks — Session I
Location: ME 1130
Faculty researchers share brief presentations highlighting their work, research interests, and current initiatives.
10:20–10:30 AM | Break + Light Refreshments
10:30–11:30 AM | Faculty Lightning Talks — Session II
Location: ME 1130
A second series of faculty lightning talks showcasing research and innovation across participating departments.
11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Research & Robotics Demonstrations
Location: Shepherd Laboratories & Surrounding Area
Participants
- Self-divide into 7 groups, starting at different demo stations.
- Watch the demo at your station.
- During the 1-minute transition, move to another station of your choice.
- Repeat until 1:00 PM. You may choose which demos to attend.
1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch
General Attendees: Independent lunch
2:00–3:10 PM | Student Poster Session
Location: Shepherd Lab 164 + Hallways
Explore student research through poster presentations and engage directly with student researchers.
To submit posters by the Oct. 16 deadline, click here.
3:15–4:15 PM | Funding Opportunities Roundtable
Location: ME 1130
Discussion focused on research funding opportunities and related resources.
4:15–4:30 PM | Break with Light Refreshments
4:30–5:30 PM | Industry Roundtable
Location: ME 1130
Additional industry discussion featuring invited representatives from organizations including Honeywell and Mayo Clinic.
5:30–5:35 PM | Transition to Reception
5:35–6:45 PM | Closing Remarks & Reception
Location: Drone Lab — Shepherd Lab 164
Conclude the MnRI Showcase with closing remarks, networking, refreshments, and light appetizers.
EVENT LOCATIONS
Mechanical Engineering (ME) 1130
111 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Shepherd Laboratories
University of Minnesota
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 MnRI Showcase!
General Attendees, Please Register at the link below:
