Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Interdisciplinary conference examining the convergence of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things technologies
- Hybrid format enabling both in-person attendance at Central Michigan University and remote participation
- Peer-reviewed research presentations with accepted papers considered for IEEE Xplore publication
- Designed for researchers, academics, graduate students, and industry R&D professionals
- Scheduled for September 5–6, 2026
Introduction
The IEEE 4th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Internet of Things (AIBThings 2026) returns as a forum for researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of three technologies that increasingly define modern computing infrastructure. Organised by Central Michigan University and supported by the IEEE Northeast Michigan Section, the conference addresses how AI, blockchain, and IoT are converging to create new technical possibilities and research challenges. As organisations across sectors grapple with implementing these technologies in combination rather than isolation, the need for rigorous academic discourse on their integration has become more pressing.
About This Event
AIBThings 2026 operates as a hybrid conference, accommodating both in-person attendees at Central Michigan University in the United States and participants joining remotely. The two-day programme scheduled for September 5–6, 2026, centres on peer-reviewed paper presentations and technical sessions. Accepted papers will be considered for inclusion in IEEE Xplore, the digital library that serves as a primary repository for electrical engineering and computer science research.
The conference draws institutional support from a network of universities including Istinye University in Türkiye, the University of Mississippi, University of Mount Union, Ohio Northern University, Morgan State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Southern Mississippi, Wright State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Michigan-Flint. MRD Forum provides technical support for the event.
The Convergence of AI, Blockchain, and IoT
While artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things each represent substantial fields of study independently, their intersection creates distinct research questions that single-discipline approaches cannot adequately address. IoT deployments generate vast quantities of sensor data that require AI-driven analytics to extract actionable insights. Blockchain architectures offer potential solutions for securing IoT device communications and establishing trust in decentralised networks where traditional centralised security models prove impractical.
The integration challenges extend beyond technical implementation. Questions of scalability arise when blockchain consensus mechanisms must accommodate the transaction volumes typical of large IoT networks. Energy consumption concerns become acute when computationally intensive AI models run on resource-constrained edge devices. These interdisciplinary problems require collaboration between specialists who might otherwise work in separate research silos.
Bridging Academic Research and Industry Application
AIBThings positions itself as a bridge between theoretical research and practical deployment. The rapid pace of advancement in all three technology domains creates a persistent challenge for practitioners attempting to evaluate which research findings merit implementation investment. Academic conferences with rigorous peer review processes help filter emerging work, providing industry professionals with curated access to validated research.
For researchers, the conference offers exposure to real-world implementation constraints that can inform future investigation directions. The hybrid format reduces barriers to participation, enabling broader geographic representation than purely in-person events typically achieve.
Who Should Attend
The conference serves several distinct professional communities. Academic researchers and graduate students working on AI, blockchain, or IoT will find opportunities to present findings and receive peer feedback. R&D engineers and technology strategists from industry can assess emerging research with potential commercial applications. Faculty members seeking collaboration partners across institutions may benefit from the networking opportunities the event provides.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme makes it particularly relevant for professionals whose work spans multiple technology domains rather than focusing narrowly on a single area.