After four inspiring days, the 18th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR + Art 2026) came to a close in London. Hosted at Senate House, part of the University of London in the heart of the city, the conference found a venue that proved to be far more than just a location. In retrospect, the building itself became one of the defining features of the event – its brain, its heart, and its stomach from beginning to end. Each morning, the distinctive silhouette of Senate House served as the landmark, guiding participants as they arrived. Throughout the day, the benches in the square outside became a place to relax between sessions, continue conversations, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy conference schedule. Inside, every hall contributed its own unique atmosphere. The magnificent Crush Hall, with its grand staircase flanked by the ICSR banners, welcomed attendees and provided the setting for the artistic performances. The spacious Beveridge Hall hosted the main tracks, while the Chancellor’s Hall was home to the special sessions. The McMillan Hall became the social hub during coffee breaks and meals, where scientific discussions blended naturally with informal conversations. Finally, there was the Debate Hall, also known as the Senate Room, whose walls seemed to echo the spirit of past debates, disagreements, and reconciliations. This time, it witnessed encounters not only between people, but also between people and robots. For many visitors, the building was also familiar from popular culture. Senate House has appeared in several major productions, including „Batman Begins“, „The Dark Knight Rises“, „Fast & Furious 6“, „No Time to Die“, and „The Crown“, and is said to have inspired George Orwell’s depiction of the Ministry of Truth in „Nineteen Eighty-Four“. During ICSR + Art 2026, however, it became something different: a living space for science, art, and human interaction – and an unforgettable part of the conference itself.

Fig.: Jana Figge and Oliver Bendel in front of Senate House (Photo: Hooman Samani)