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Khalifa University · Abu Dhabi

Parallel 2026

The 5th International Conference on Theory, Applications and Future Trends for Parallel Robotic Manipulators — Online

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Date
18–20 November 2026
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City
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Venue
Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
Submit paper Call for papers
About the conference

Parallel kinematic mechanisms, from theory to practice

World Parallel, also known as Parallel, is the flagship technical meeting dedicated to parallel kinematic mechanisms (PKMs) and related closed‑chain and hybrid architectures. The conference brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world working on the theory, design, modelling, control, manufacturing, and applications of parallel mechanisms in areas such as machining, medical and surgical robotics, haptics, aerospace, construction, and beyond.

Following the tradition of the 2002 Québec, 2008 Montpellier, 2014 Tianjin, and 2020 Belfast editions, held at six‑year intervals, the 2026 meeting will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in an online format. The program will feature peer‑reviewed papers, invited keynotes, tutorials, workshops, industrial demonstrations, a student forum, and special sessions on emerging topics such as reconfigurable and multi‑mode mechanisms and cable‑driven parallel robots.

Abu Dhabi — a hub for innovation and culture. Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of robotics and artificial intelligence, supported by a $4B national AI strategy aiming to become the world's first fully AI‑native government by 2027. Institutions such as Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the Advanced Technology Research Council, and NYU Abu Dhabi are advancing cutting‑edge work in robotics, autonomous systems, and AI‑driven applications. Beyond technology, Abu Dhabi offers a rich cultural experience through Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi Art, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and NYU Abu Dhabi's arts programs, making the city a vibrant meeting point of science, innovation, and heritage.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Call for papers

Topics & important dates

Peer‑reviewed contributions across the full breadth of parallel robotics theory and application.

Topics of interest

  • Core theory: architecture & type synthesis, kinematics, dynamics, stiffness/accuracy
  • Methods: control & optimization, AI/data‑driven modeling, digital twins
  • Mechanism classes: reconfigurable/metamorphic, CDPRs, hybrid serial–parallel, soft/continuum, over/under‑constrained mechanisms
  • Sensing & calibration: vision/servoing, sensor fusion, embedded metrology
  • Applications: machining, medical/surgical (RCM), micro/meso systems, haptics, construction, space/underwater, agriculture, inspection/maintenance
  • Practice & impact: HRI & safety, standards/benchmarks, open datasets, education & reproducibility

Important dates

Full paper submission
31 August 2026
Notification of acceptance
30 September 2026
Registration Start
10 October 2026
Camera‑ready deadline
10 October 2026
Conference dates
18–20 November 2026

Special tracks

Reconfigurable & multi‑mode mechanisms Cable‑driven parallel robots (CDPR) Medical & surgical PKMs (incl. RCM) Machine‑tool PKMs & industrial applications Micro/meso‑scale PKMs & precision systems Soft/compliant/continuum PKMs Education, benchmarks and open‑source tools
Khalifa University main campus at night Louvre Abu Dhabi

Submission & publication

  • Single blind peer review by at least two experts.
  • Paper categories: Full (6+ pages) and Short/Industry/Position (4 pages).
  • Proceedings: All accepted and presented full papers will be published in the Springer Mechanism and Machine Science series, indexed by Scopus and Ei Compendex.
  • At least one author must register and present in person unless explicitly approved for remote presentation.
  • Word templates are provided on the EasyChair system.
Registration

Conference fees

Registration deadline: 17 November 2026.

Category Standard until 17 Nov
Full academic / industry attendee$250
Student attendee$100

Full conference registration fees include access to conference sessions and electronic proceedings.

Speakers

Keynote speakers

Prof. Sunil K. Agrawal
Prof. Sunil K. Agrawal
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering & Dept. of Rehabilitative and Regenerative Medicine, Director ROAR Laboratory
Columbia University, New York, USA
Prof. Dan Zhang
Prof. Dan Zhang
PhD, PEng, FCAE, FEIC, FASME, FCSME — Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
Prof. Stéphane Caro
Prof. Stéphane Caro
Head of RoMaS team, Laboratory of Numerical Sciences in Nantes — Research Director, CNRS
Nantes, France
People

Organizing committee

Jian S. Dai
Honorary Chair
Jian S. Dai
Clément M. Gosselin
Honorary Chair
Clément M. Gosselin
Bashar El-Khasawneh
General Chair
Bashar El‑Khasawneh
Khalifa University, UAE
Marco Carricato
General Co‑Chair
Marco Carricato
Univ. of Bologna, Italy
Dongming Gan
General Co‑Chair
Dongming Gan
Purdue Univ., USA
Khalifa Harib
General Co‑Chair
Khalifa Harib
UAEU, UAE
Xianwen Kong
General Co‑Chair
Xianwen Kong
Heriot‑Watt Univ., UK
Irfan Hussain
Workshops & Tutorials Chair
Irfan Hussain
Mohammad Jaradat
Workshops & Tutorials Chair
Mohammad Jaradat
Tarek Taha
Industry & Applications Chair
Tarek Taha
Bader Aljabri
Industry & Applications Chair
Bader Aljabri
Fahed Almaskari
Sponsorship Chair
Fahed Almaskari
Iyad Zurba
Event Realization Chair
Iyad Zurba
Dongming Gan
Publication Chair
Dongming Gan
Abdur Rosyid
Publication Chair
Abdur Rosyid
Marco Ceccarelli
Awards Chair
Marco Ceccarelli
Yahya Zweiri
Awards Chair
Yahya Zweiri
Hisham Alawar
Finance Chair
Hisham Alawar

International steering & advisors

Sunil Agrawal
Sunil Agrawal
Columbia University
Darwin Caldwell
Darwin Caldwell
IIT, Italy
Jian S. Dai
Jian S. Dai
King's College London, UK
Jorge Dias
Jorge Dias
Khalifa University, UAE
Placid Ferreira
Placid Ferreira
UIUC, USA
Clément M. Gosselin
Clément M. Gosselin
Université Laval, Canada
Tian Huang
Tian Huang
Tianjin University, China
Yan Jin
Yan Jin
Queen's University, UK
François Pierrot
François Pierrot
LIRMM, Univ. of Montpellier, France
Tobias Bruckmann
Tobias Bruckmann
U. of Duisburg‑Essen, Germany
Marco Ceccarelli
Marco Ceccarelli
U. of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
Rongjie Kang
Rongjie Kang
Tianjin University, China
Venkat Krovi
Venkat Krovi
Clemson University, USA
Guowu Wei
Guowu Wei
University of Salford, UK
Fugui Xie
Fugui Xie
Tsinghua University, China
Ketao Zhang
Ketao Zhang
Queen Mary University, UK
Jingshan Zhao
Jingshan Zhao
Tsinghua University, China
Hosted & sponsored by

Khalifa University

Khalifa University proudly hosts Parallel 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

Khalifa University main campus at night
Stay in touch

Contact & past editions

Download the CFP and check this website for templates and program updates as the conference approaches.

Contact

General inquiries:

bashar.khasawneh@ku.ac.ae

Submission site:

EasyChair — Parallel2026

Past editions

2002 — Québec, Canada 2008 — Montpellier, France 2014 — Tianjin, China 2020 — Belfast, UK (virtual/hybrid)