December 2025 - Page 2 of 2

The Robophilosophy Conference 2026 will take place August 11–14 at University College Dublin in a hybrid format and centers on the theme “Connected Futures: Nature, Robots, and Society”. As robotics and AI become deeply embedded in human life, the conference invites researchers across disciplines to explore how autonomous systems shape society, ecology, law, labor, and human self-understanding. It raises questions about responsible design, accountability, environmental impact, social justice, cultural perspectives, and the ethics of coexistence with artificial agents. Workshop proposals are due January 16, session papers and posters February 6, with notifications in February and April and proceedings pre-submission on June 15. RP2026 aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue that advances both technological insight and collective wisdom for a future in which humans and autonomous systems share social and ecological worlds. Further information is available at cas.au.dk/en/rpc2026.

The 18th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR + Art 2026) will take place in London, UK, from 1-4 July 2026. ICSR is the leading international forum that brings together researchers, academics, and industry professionals from across disciplines to advance the field of social robotics. As part of this edition, ICSR 2026 will host a series of live debates in the Debate Room (Senate Room), addressing pressing questions about social robots in society and culture. Debate proposals may focus on conceptual, ethical, scientific, artistic, practical, or societal aspects of social robotics and should connect broadly to the conference topics listed at icsr2026.uk/topics/. Submissions are open to contributors from social robotics, HRI, the arts, design, engineering, the humanities, and related areas, with interdisciplinary proposals particularly encouraged. Formats may include two-sided or multi-position debates, panel discussions, performative debates, or audience-engaged formats. In a nod to British debating traditions, participants are encouraged to wear academic gowns. Proposals are submitted via icsr2026.uk/debate-proposal, with a submission deadline of 1 March 2026 and notification of acceptance by 15 April 2026.