Web Summit Opens in Lisbon with Focus on Physical AI and Humanoid Robots

The tenth Portuguese edition of the Web Summit opened in Lisbon on Monday, marked by a shift toward physical artificial intelligence and the introduction of humanoid robots as official speakers. Organisers expect nearly 70,000 attendees and more than 2,000 startups at the four-day technology conference held across the Lisbon International Fair and the MEO Arena.

Chinese companies are driving much of the focus on hardware and robotics at this year's conference, assembling the country's largest delegation in the history of the event. Among the main exhibitors is Galbot, which is demonstrating a wheeled, two-armed autonomous robot designed to perform shifts in retail stores, pharmacies, and manufacturing plants. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Cyberspace Administration of China are also attending the summit officially.

The official conference schedule focuses on autonomous AI agents, tech-driven scientific research, work model restructuring, and digital regulation challenges. Doors opened late Monday afternoon, with Minister Adjunct and of State Reform Gonçalo Matias leading the initial session on the main stage. Humanoid robots are set to make presentations on stage alongside live practical demonstrations throughout the exhibition spaces.

Host nation Portugal is represented by 78 companies, primarily operating within artificial intelligence and health technology. Additionally, around 300 startups from Portuguese-speaking countries are attending, including 100 brought by Brazilian trade agencies Sebrae and ApexBrasil. These Brazilian institutions plan to announce up to 20 startups selected for a Lisbon-based incubation initiative scheduled to launch in March 2027, aimed at connecting South American tech firms with European investors.

The long-term venue of the annual gathering remains undecided past the current agreement. Chief executive and co-founder Paddy Cosgrave confirmed that the 110 million euro contract signed with the Portuguese government and the Lisbon City Council expires after the 2028 edition. Cosgrave stated in an interview with the Portuguese newspaper Expresso that event organisers are currently in discussions with several major European cities regarding future editions, citing capacity constraints at the current venue where 30,000 square metres of temporary structures were required. An announcement on the location after 2028 is planned for the 2027 conference.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com