This session focuses on optical communication technologies in harsh environments such as automotive systems, in-vehicle networks, robotics, and other industrial applications. In these settings, optical transceivers and transmission media—including optical fibers and free space optics—are subject to strong vibration, extreme temperatures without thermoelectric cooling, dusty conditions, low visibility, and other challenges. While typical optical components are designed for well-controlled environments like data centers and telecommunications facilities, novel technologies are needed to address these harsh conditions for our future autonomous society. This session will explore devices, systems, and services for optical communications under severe environmental conditions.