Open Source & Robot Framework

Open Source & Robot Framework

Join us for an exciting event focused on open-source and Robot Framework!

Note the event details may be a subject to a change.

Venue:

VALA Group Office
Erottajankatu 11 B 9, 00130 Helsinki ​

Description:

Are you a QA lead, team lead, or manager using Robot Framework—or thinking about it? Curious about open source but unsure what it really means in practice? Wondering why some developers contribute in their free time and what companies actually get out of supporting it?

Join us for an evening that dives deep into open source, the Robot Framework ecosystem, and why these matter more than ever in today’s testing landscape. Whether you're new to open source, returning to it, or simply looking to understand how your team could contribute—or benefit—this event is for you.

Target Audience:

QA Managers, Test Leads, Engineering Managers, Automation Architects, and anyone in a leadership role curious about open source, Robot Framework, and real-world benefits.

Agenda & Speakers

🕔 17:00 – Doors open
Grab a drink, find your seat, and get ready for a knowledge-packed evening.

🕠 17:30 – Talk 1: Miikka Solmela
“Foundation Model & How We Support Open Source”
What is the Foundation Model? What’s unique about it? What do we do and how? Get answers to all this and more in this session from Miikka, Executive Director of the Robot Framework Foundation.

🕕 17:50 – Q&A with Miikka (5-10 min)

🕖 18:00 – Talk 2: Tatu Aalto
“Why Contribute to Open Source? Pros, Cons & Real Stories”
Open source can be mysterious place for people who do not participate in it or is a place at all? Some people seem to do open source, but what it means and why sometimes open source has bad reputation?

In open source projects where I participate are usually small, and by small I mean that projects are not backed up by funding (Like Python or selenium), but are usually run by single person or small group of persons on their free time (mostly).

In those projects, I usually participate in two different ways. Either I contribute my time (code, create an issue, fix docs or something takes time) as a one time thing. One time thing can happen in multiple parts, like raisin an issue, discussing how to fix it and perhaps verifying that the fix works as expected. Or I may commit for a longer time, like a maintainer for a project.

Being a maintainer can mean various type of things, like write code/test/documentation, decide what goes in and what is left out from the project, following the ecosystem around the project, engaging with the users and the community and many other things.

🕠 18:20 – Q&A with Tatu (5-10 min)

🕢 18:30 – Talk 3: Pekka Klärck
(Topic TBA – Focused on Robot Framework and Open Source Themes)
Pekka is the lead developer of Robot Framework. Expect deep insights, experience-based perspectives, and some bold thoughts on the direction of testing and open source collaboration.

🕘 18:50 – Q&A with Pekka (5-10 min)

🕘 19:00 – Open Discussion & Networking
Grab a drink, talk to the speakers, and chat with peers. Whether you're here to learn or contribute, you're in good company.

Speakers

Miikka Solmela

Executive Director, Robot Framework Foundation. Leads strategic and collaborative efforts to grow and support the Robot Framework ecosystem globally.

Tatu Aalto

Lead developer of the Browser library and long-time open source maintainer. 20+ years in testing and automation. Currently building test automation platforms at Osuuspankki.

Pekka Klärck

Lead developer of Robot Framework. Independent consultant via Eliga Oy, specializing in agile testing, open source development, and test automation solutions.

Sponsor:

This event is proudly sponsored by VALA Group.​

Additional Information:

Drinks and snacks will be provided.