Tribo-Energy&sensing 2026

Call for papers

Abstract submission deadline: 2025-10-31

Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are an emerging energy-harvesting technology that converts mechanical energy — typically from contact, friction, or motion at interfaces, e.g.,  vibrations, rotation, human activity, or natural environmental forces — into electricity by exploiting triboelectrification (charge transfer between surfaces) and electrostatic induction. Their scientific significance lies in extending classical electrodynamics by introducing the concept of motion-induced displacement current, which advances the understanding of contact electrification and mechano-electrical energy conversion at micro- and nanoscales. TENGs also provide a versatile research platform for exploring interfacial charge transfer, frictional phenomena, and coupling between mechanical deformation and electronic processes, inspiring new fields such as tribotronics and contact-electro-catalysis.

Tribology

Tribology is the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion — covering friction, wear, lubrication, contact mechanics, and surface engineering. It addresses how surfaces degrade, how lubricants and coatings modify interfacial processes, and how to design for durability and low energy loss.

Conjuncting TENGs and Tribology

Triboelectric phenomena originate at contacting surfaces, so tribological properties (surface chemistry, roughness, running‑in, wear, and lubrication) critically influence TENG charge generation, stability, and lifetime. Conversely, TENGs provide new sensors and energy sources for monitoring tribological systems (e.g., self-powered friction, wear, or condition sensors). TE&S 2026 emphasizes this bidirectional relationship: using tribology to improve TENG performance and using TENGs to enable novel tribological measurements and autonomous systems.

Scope of the Conference

To further expand the science and technology associated with TENG and its interaction with Tribology, we propose to start a new conference series entitled of Tribo-Energy&Sensing (TE&S). We invite original, high-quality contributions describing novel research, demonstrations, and reviews. Submissions that combine fundamental tribology with TENG device innovation, real-world testing, and system-level demonstrations are especially welcome. The conference will bring together scientists and engineers from both academia and industry.

The conference topics include, but are not limited to:

TENG:

1.     Theory and fundamental science of TENG

2.     The physics of contact electrification in matter

3.     Contact-electro-catalysis: Using contact electrification to drive catalytic reactions

4.     The tribovoltaic effect: Contact-electrification phenomenon at semiconductor interfaces

5.     Tribotronics: Using triboelectric polarization to control electronic devices

6.     Design, materials, and fabrication for TENG

7.     Surface engineering, coatings, and lubricants for TENG performance and durability

8.     Tribology‑driven optimization of TENGs (wear, friction, lifetime, reliability)

Science and technology in tribology:

9.     Friction mechanisms and friction reduction strategies

10.  Wear mechanisms, wear testing, and quantification

11.  Lubrication science: boundary, mixed, and elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL)

12.  Contact mechanics and surface topography (roughness, texture, multi-scale contact)

13.  Tribo‑chemistry and tribo‑corrosion

14.  Design and formulation of lubricants, greases, and additives (including bio-based lubricants)

15.  Surface coatings, tribological thin films, and wear-resistant materials

16.  Tribological modelling, multiscale simulations, and digital twins

Submission types

(1)  Abstracts (1-2 pages) — For late-breaking results, demos, or early-stage work. Accepted extended abstracts will be included in the conference booklet and designated sessions.

(2)  Workshops / Tutorials / Special sessions — Proposals (1–2 pages) describing topic, format, target audience, expected number of participants, AV needs, and proposed instructors/organizers.

(3)  Industry application notes & case studies — 2–4 page practical reports focused on deployments, field testing, or industrial adoption.

Presentations

Keynote speakers and invited talks will be announced on the conference website. The program will include plenary keynotes, invited presentations, oral sessions, poster sessions, demonstrations, and networking events. There will also be a dedicated industry track for applied developments and case studies.

Venue & logistics

The conference will be hosted at the IVA (Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences) headquarters in central Stockholm. A conference dinner and networking reception are planned.

Participation fees (proposed / placeholder)

·       Early‑bird (before 2025-12-01, academic / industry): Academic 4,000 SEK; Industry 6,000 SEK

·       Regular (academic / industry): Academic 5,000 SEK; Industry 7,000 SEK

·       Student rate (with a valid student ID): 2,500 SEK

·       Conference dinner (optional ticket): 750 SEK

Fees include access to all technical sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, the conference booklet, and electronic proceedings (where applicable). VAT may apply — final pricing will include information on VAT and invoicing.

Registration & payment

·       Registration will be via the conference website. Payment methods: credit card, invoice (for institutions), and bank transfer. Invoiced registrations will require an invoicing address and a purchase order number.

·       Cancellation policy (suggested): Full refund minus a small administration fee if cancelled before a specified date (e.g., 30 days before); 50% refund up to 14 days before; no refund within 14 days of the conference. Organizers may allow substitutions.

Plenary speakers

Introducing the dedicated professionals behind Tribo-Energy&Sensing 2026.

Conference Scientific Committee

Conference Chair 

Conference Organizing Committee

Event Agenda

Program overview (TBD)

Join us for two days packed with sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on TE&S advancements.

Accommodation

·       The IVA Conference Centre is located near Stureplan and Östermalm (Grev Turegatan 16). Several convenient hotels within walking distance have been identified; the organizers recommend that attendees book early. Suggested hotels (various price tiers) have been added below with brief notes on proximity to the venue and typical amenities.

o   Mornington Hotel Stockholm (Nybrogatan) — boutique, mid-range, short walk to IVA.

o   Scandic Anglais (Humlegårdsgatan) — well‑known business hotel, near Humlegården and a short walk to IVA.

o   Nobis Hotel (Norrmalmstorg) — design/luxury hotel in the city centre, close to Stureplan.

o   Hotel Riddargatan (Riddargatan) — charming boutique hotel very near the venue.

o   Hotel Diplomat (Strandvägen) — upscale waterfront hotel (a longer scenic walk or short taxi ride).

o   Berns Hotel (Näckströmsgatan) — historic hotel with central location near Stureplan.

Travel & local transport

·       Nearest airports: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) — approx. 40–50 minutes to central Stockholm by Arlanda Express (fast train), airport buses, or taxi. Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) is closer for some domestic flights.

·       By train: Stockholm Central Station is within short taxi/public transport distance of IVA; local buses and the metro (Tunnelbana) serve the city centre.

·       Public transport: Single‑journey and multi-day SL tickets are valid on buses, metro, and commuter trains. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available.

Visa & invitation letters

·       If you require an official invitation letter for a visa or institutional travel approvals, please contact the organizers at the conference email. Allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Accessibility & special needs

·       IVA facilities are accessible; please indicate any accessibility requirements (dietary, mobility, interpretation) during registration so the organizers can provide assistance.

·       Food allergies & dietary restrictions: The conference catering team will offer clearly labelled meal options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free). During registration, attendees must indicate any food allergies or special dietary needs (e.g., nut allergy, shellfish, sesame, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan). The organizers will communicate all declared allergies to the caterer and request strict handling to minimise cross-contamination.

Local information

·       Organizers will publish up-to-date travel advisories, local safety information and any public‑health guidance on the conference website. Attendees are responsible for following national entry requirements and recommended health guidance at the time of travel.