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WhereIsIt Project Comes to an End

On August 3, 2026, the final presentation of the WhereIsIt project took place at the FHNW School of Business. The project introduced a voice-based assistant that helps blind and visually impaired people remember and retrieve the locations of everyday objects through simple spoken interaction. Designed with a clear focus on accessibility and ease of use, the prototype works entirely offline, stores all data locally, and avoids cloud services and cameras, ensuring that sensitive personal information remains under the user’s control. The streamlined push-to-talk concept makes the application intuitive and focused on its core task: remembering where things are, while its local architecture demonstrates how AI can support users without compromising privacy. The project was initiated by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel of the FHNW School of Business, and the prototype was developed by Damian Huckele as part of his bachelor’s thesis. The project builds on several years of research into Inclusive AI at the FHNW School of Business. In 2024, Oliver Bendel presented his paper “How Can Generative AI Enhance the Well-being of the Blind?” at the AAAI Spring Symposium “Impact of GenAI on Social and Individual Well-being”. Based on extensive tests of the Be My Eyes app and its MLLM-powered Be My AI feature, the paper demonstrated how multimodal AI can significantly increase independence and environmental awareness for blind and visually impaired people, while also discussing the ethical implications of AI-mediated perception. This research laid an important conceptual foundation for subsequent projects. In 2025, the VISUAL project, initiated by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel and implemented by Doris Jovic, explored how multimodal AI could make wildlife livestreams accessible through detailed spoken scene descriptions generated from public webcam images. WhereIsIt now extends this line of work by shifting the focus from perception to memory support. Together, these activities illustrate how Inclusive AI can address different everyday challenges through practical, privacy-conscious, and user-centered applications that promote greater independence for blind and visually impaired people.

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A Decade Before Article 50: AI Transparency in the European Parliament

Article 50, “Transparency obligations for providers and deployers of certain AI systems,” of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) states: “Providers shall ensure that AI systems intended to interact directly with natural persons are designed and developed in such a way that the natural persons concerned are informed that they are interacting with an AI system, unless this is obvious from the point of view of a natural person who is reasonably well-informed, observant and circumspect, taking into account the circumstances and the context of use.” Ten years earlier, the European Parliament had already sought advice from Oliver Bendel on this very topic. In his presentation, “Moral and Immoral Machines”, delivered at the event “Merging of Man and Machine: Questions of Ethics in Dealing with Emerging Technology” in Brussels on September 8, 2016, Bendel introduced GOODBOT, a chatbot he had initiated in 2013 as part of his research on machine ethics. GOODBOT featured several escalation levels and repeatedly made it clear to users that it was merely a machine. Other speakers in the “Ethics & Society” session included Enno Park, Dana Lewis, Yvonne Hofstetter, and Constanze Kurz. At the “Digital Europe” Working Group conference on robotics on November 8, 2017, Bendel also spoke online about related issues in machine ethics. Referring to a care robot, he raised the question: “Should the robot make clear that it’s just a machine?” The transparency obligations set out in Article 50 entered into force on August 2, 2026 (Photo: Sebastian Raible).

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Euclid and Moira Tell Stories

Humanoid robots are becoming increasingly convincing conversational partners, but can they also become good storytellers? This intriguing question will be explored at New Scientist Live 2026 in London during the Family session “Science Bites: Why are robots bad story tellers?” on October 10 from 12:40 to 1:20 p.m. Computer scientist Dr. Carl Strathearn and lecturer and computer scientist Emilia Sobolewska will present their two AI-powered humanoid robots, Euclid and Moira, and let them engage in a live conversation. While today’s AI systems can generate impressive text, storytelling remains a difficult challenge because compelling narratives require contextual understanding, shared knowledge, creativity, and the ability to connect ideas in meaningful ways. During the demonstration, the two robots will exchange thoughts and ideas, and the audience may even witness them gradually drifting into hallucinations and constructing a shared fantasy world. The researchers hope that these spontaneous interactions could offer new insights into how imagination and creativity might emerge in autonomous AI systems. Euclid has already attracted considerable attention this summer as one of the highlights of the 18th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR + Art 2026) in London, where visitors were able to interact directly with the advanced humanoid robot. Developed by Carl Strathearn and Emilia Sobolewska, Euclid combines automatic speech recognition, computer vision, generative AI, skin sensors, and an innovative robotic mouth that produces highly realistic speech movements through machine learning. Unlike many famous humanoid robots with idealized faces, Euclid deliberately represents an older man with deeply lined features, challenging established design conventions while emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and natural human interaction. The upcoming New Scientist Live session now offers another opportunity to experience Euclid in action, this time in an experiment that explores one of the most fascinating frontiers of artificial intelligence: whether machines can move beyond generating language and begin creating genuinely imaginative stories together

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ACI 2026: Registration Now Open

The ACI 2026 International Conference will take place from December 2–5, 2026, on the FHNW campus in Brugg-Windisch, Switzerland, marking the first time the event is held in continental Europe. Registration is now open, with Early Bird rates available until September 30, 2026. The conference continues a tradition that has brought the Animal-Computer Interaction community to Glasgow, North Carolina, Newcastle, Bloomington, Milton Keynes, Haifa, and Atlanta, reinforcing its position as a leading venue for research at the intersection of animals and technology. As the field continues to grow, researchers and practitioners explore how technology shapes animals’ lives, welfare, cognition, and social dynamics while developing animal-centered systems and methods that embrace multispecies perspectives. The conference maintains its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, technology, and cultural studies, supporting work that seeks to design ethically grounded, welfare-enhancing, and inclusive technological futures for all animals, humans included. ACI 2026 also features a Special Issue on Animal-Machine Interaction. The proceedings will be published in the ACM library. The conference will be hosted by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel (Photo: Pati Grabowicz).

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ICSR + Health 2027 at University of Potsdam

The 19th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR + Health 2027) will take place in July 2027 in Potsdam, Germany. ICSR is the leading international forum that brings together researchers, academics, and industry professionals from across disciplines to advance the field of social robotics. Hosted by the University of Potsdam, ICSR + Health 2027 will provide an international platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of social robotics and health. The conference welcomes researchers, practitioners, industry partners, and students from around the world working in areas such as social robotics, embodied AI, human–robot interaction, cognitive science, healthcare, psychology, rehabilitation, design, ethics, and related disciplines. Participants will have opportunities to present their research, propose workshops or symposia, take part in the Grand Challenge, volunteer, or support the conference as sponsors. The General Chairs are Katharina Kühne of the University of Potsdam and the Potsdam Embodied Cognition Group (PECoG), Ilona Buchem of Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT), and Oliver Bendel of the FHNW School of Business (also associated researcher at the PECoG). The General Co-Chair is John-John Cabibihan of Qatar University. Further information, including calls for papers, workshops, the Grand Challenge, volunteering opportunities, sponsorship packages, registration details, and the exact conference dates, will be announced on the conference website: icsr2027.org.

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Celebration of the Daimler and Benz Foundation’s 40th Anniversary

The Daimler and Benz Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 24, 2026, with a festive event at the Carl Benz House in Ladenburg. Guests were welcomed at the entrance by Managing Director Dr. Jörg Klein and Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Lutz Gade. Information booths and poster presentations provided insights into the Foundation’s work and research activities. Throughout the event, Patricia Piekenbrock, a physicist and the Foundation’s communications officer, ensured that everything ran smoothly. The event would not have been possible without the dedication of Marion Hartmann and Monika Stulberg, who were responsible for its organization and execution. One of the first highlights of the celebration came when the actress portraying Bertha Benz took her seat in the Benz Patent-Motorwagen No. 3. This was followed by speeches from Prof. Dr. Lutz Gade and Olaf Schick, Member of the Board of Management for Integrity, Governance and Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The chemist, who teaches and conducts research at Heidelberg University and is a member of both the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Academy of Sciences and Literature in Mainz, highlighted the Foundation’s support for research in areas including artificial intelligence, robot and machine ethics, as well as its funding of projects in Africa. Special recognition was given to the scientific members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees: Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel (FHNW School of Business), Prof. Dr. Hartmut Hillmer (University of Kassel), Prof. Dr. Ralf Poscher (Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law), and Prof. Dr. Tereza Tykvová (University of St. Gallen). The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Dominika Wylezalek of Heidelberg University. Against the backdrop of academic freedom, she guided the audience through the millennia-long history of astronomy. Accompanied by a live band, the celebration continued well into the late evening (Photo: Stefanie Hauske).

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Terms and Concepts Introduced by Oliver Bendel

Since 2012, Oliver Bendel has introduced or significantly shaped a number of terms and concepts in academic discourse, particularly in the fields of machine ethics, social robotics, and the philosophy of technology. The Munchausen machine (Münchhausen-Maschine) refers to an immoral machine that systematically generates or disseminates falsehoods. The LIEBOT (LÜGENBOT) is a specific implementation of this concept. It is a chatbot conceived by Bendel and realized as a prototype that systematically tells lies. The project was used to explore the capabilities, risks, and ethical implications of deceptive dialogue systems. The reversed cyborg, also referred to as the inverted cyborg, describes the counterpart of the classical cyborg: instead of integrating technical structures into biological ones, it incorporates biological structures into technical ones. Robot enhancement refers to the deliberate extension and improvement of robots by adding sensory, motor, cognitive, or communicative capabilities and constitutes the counterpart to human enhancement. A wearable social robot is a social robot that is worn on the body or attached to clothing and accompanies its user through communication, assistance, or social interaction in everyday life. With “mythomorphic design”, Bendel describes an approach to robot design in which the models are drawn not from humans or animals but from figures found in mythology, fantasy, or science fiction. Animal-Machine Interaction (AMI) is a field of research and application that Bendel has significantly shaped, though he did not coin the term itself. It systematically examines interactions between animals and machines while addressing both technical and ethical issues. Its primary focus is the design and development of machines for interaction with animals rather than the study of animals themselves, extending to the creation of animal-friendly machines. Machine ethics also plays an important role in this field. The proxy machine with proxy morality is a concept in machine ethics according to which a machine acts as a moral proxy by executing moral rules defined by humans, without itself possessing consciousness or responsibility. Other important approaches in this field include annotated decision trees and morality menus (Photo: Jork Weismann).

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More Than Emotional Design

Most design is evaluated by how well it solves a problem. But some of the most memorable objects are not designed to maximize efficiency – they are designed to invite a relationship. Oliver Bendel believes this deserves its own name: Relational Object Design. Unlike Emotional Design, which focuses on how a product makes us feel, Relational Object Design focuses on the object itself as a potential relationship partner. Takashi Murakami’s Rumble-kun in a Jar is a beautiful example. The small axolotl-like creature sits quietly inside a transparent jar. It has no function, no movement, and no intelligence, yet it immediately feels alive. Its gentle expression and childlike proportions encourage us to care about it rather than simply look at it. The same philosophy can be found in the work of Yukai Engineering. Products such as Qoobo, Mirumi, and Nekojita FuFu are not primarily tools; they are companions with distinct personalities. Their value lies less in what they accomplish than in the emotional bond they encourage. This perspective also offers an interesting lens on social robotics. Robots such as AIBO, Eiliko, or Paro are often discussed in terms of artificial intelligence and social interaction, but perhaps the deeper question is simpler: what is the minimum amount of design required for a person to perceive an object as a companion? Murakami’s sculpture suggests that the answer may be surprisingly little. Sometimes a peaceful smile is enough.

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Mirumi Opens Pop-Up Store at Harrods

Mirumi, the wearable social robot from Japan, is coming to Harrods in London with an exclusive pop-up store running from July 20 through August 16, 2026. The furry robotic bag charm first gained international attention at CES 2025 and later became a Kickstarter success before selling out during its initial launch in Japan. Designed by Yukai Engineering, Mirumi responds to sounds, movement, touch, and nearby people by turning its head and displaying expressive, lifelike reactions, creating the feeling of carrying a curious little companion on your bag. While Harrods has not announced specific details about the pop-up, visitors can expect the opportunity to experience and purchase Mirumi in person. Exclusive editions have not been confirmed, but Harrods is well known for limited-time collaborations and exclusive retail experiences, making the pop-up especially appealing for collectors and tech enthusiasts. Following its successful debut in Japan and appearances at international events like ICSR + Art 2026, Mirumi is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about wearable social robots of 2026 and is already being compared to the next big collectible trend. An article by Oliver Bendel on wearable social robots is available via Wiley Industry News or directly here as a PDF.

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Little Blowing Bear

As Publicity Chair of ICSR + Art 2026, Oliver Bendel had the opportunity on the third evening to choose between two gifts, one larger and one smaller. Since he had traveled to London with only carry-on luggage, he opted for the smaller one. When he unpacked the cardboard box back home in Zurich, out popped a little bear. Pressing its stubby tail causes it to blow air through its mouth. In this way, it can cool down hot drinks and hot soups. The philosopher of technology tried it out on his terrace. The little bear blew what seemed like a hole right into his coffee. Its name is, by the way, Nekojita FuFu, and it is – like Qoobo and Mirumi – from Yukai Engineering.T he Berlin Bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin and has adorned the city’s coat of arms for centuries. Just outside Germany’s capital lies Potsdam. The city is best known for its magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens, and its important role in German and European history. It is home to the University of Potsdam as well as several renowned research institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. About 6 kilometers outhwest of Potsdam, in the village of Caputh (part of the municipality of Schwielowsee), stands the Einstein House. The famous physicist had this modest wooden house built in 1929 based on plans by the architect Konrad Wachsmann. Einstein and his family spent their summers there, and he worked there until the end of 1932. The University of Potsdam will host ICSR + Health 2027, where Dr. Katharina Kühne and the Potsdam Embodied Cognition Group (PECoG) will welcome the community with open arms. Incidentally, Potsdam’s coat of arms features a red eagle on a silver field (Photo: Yukai Engineering).