The Robophilosophy 2026 conference took place from August 11–14, 2026, at University College Dublin (UCD) in Dublin, Ireland. Held under the theme „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, the seventh installment of the international conference series brought together researchers from a wide range of disciplines to explore how robotics and artificial intelligence are transforming human societies and the natural world. On the first day of the conference, Katharina Kühne presented the paper „No Red Romance for Robots? Investigating the Red Attraction Effect in Humanlike Robots“, authored by Emma Luisa M. Waller, Diana P. Ebenburger, Oliver Bendel, Martin Fischer, and herself. The study investigates whether the red-attraction effect known from research on human perception also occurs when people evaluate humanlike robots. From the abstract: „The color red has been shown to positively influence ratings of attractiveness and willingness to spend money (e.g., on a date), while having no effect on other perceptions, such as likeability. In an online study, we aimed to conceptually replicate the red-attraction effect using humanoid robots as stimuli. Forty-four heterosexual female participants evaluated 16 images of medium and highly humanlike robots on attractiveness, likeability, trustworthiness, and willingness to spend money to rent the robot. We found no evidence of a red-attraction effect. Female-looking robots received higher ratings overall. These findings have implications for robot design and suggest that basic cues, such as color, may not operate in the same way for robots. Instead, humanoid robots may constitute a distinct category but still be perceived as social agents.“ The proceedings, containing all conference papers, are expected to become available in late 2026.
Other robot conferences have robot or drone shows – at Robophilosophy 2026 in Dublin, you could admire a solar eclipse. This year’s Organizing Committee consists of Prof. Naonori Kodate, Dr. Vivek Nallur, and Dr. Sun Park of University College Dublin. The Series Organizer is Prof. Johanna Seibt of Aarhus University. Together, they have succeeded in putting together a philosophically ambitious program. In antiquity, Thales of Miletus (c. 624–546 BCE) was one of the thinkers who took a particular interest in solar eclipses. To the general public, the philosopher is perhaps best known as a mathematician. He is credited with predicting a solar eclipse, probably the eclipse of May 28, 585 BCE. Other ancient thinkers and astronomers, such as Anaxagoras, also studied solar eclipses and sought to explain them in natural rather than mythological terms. Robophilosophy 2026 opened on August 11 at University College Dublin (UCD) in Dublin, Ireland. Running through August 14 under the theme „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, the conference brings together researchers from across disciplines to explore how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping society and our relationship with the natural world.
Robophilosophy 2026 opened on August 11 at University College Dublin (UCD) in Dublin, Ireland. Running through August 14 under the theme „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, the conference brings together researchers from across disciplines to explore how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping society and our relationship with the natural world. A highlight of the second day was the keynote by Dr. Hideki Kajima of Toyota Motor Europe, introduced with an opening address by H.E. Ambassador Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and former Ambassador of Japan to Denmark. Dr. Kajima presented practical examples of robotics and AI research at Toyota, including applications in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, as well as the use of advanced simulation technologies. At the heart of these efforts is a human-centered approach that goes beyond efficiency, focusing on worker safety, reducing physical and cognitive burdens, and ensuring long-term operational sustainability. His keynote emphasized that robots and AI should not simply be understood as tools, but as integral parts of broader social systems. Against the backdrop of rapidly advancing AI, Dr. Kajima also addressed the responsibilities and opportunities facing industry and the importance of aligning technological innovation with human values and societal well-being. With a background in robot motion control and extensive experience developing Toyota’s Human Support Robot and other robotic systems, Dr. Kajima now leads the planning and promotion of advanced research strategies at Toyota Motor Europe. His keynote was supported by the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy, the UCD Centre for Japanese Studies, the Embassy of Japan to Ireland, and the UCD School of Computer Science.
Fig.: Dr. Hideki Kajima after his talk (on the left)
Robophilosophy 2026 kicked off on August 11, 2026, at University College Dublin (UCD) in Dublin, Ireland. Held under the theme „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, the conference runs from August 11–14 and brings together researchers from a wide range of disciplines to explore how robotics and artificial intelligence are transforming human societies and the natural world. On the first day, Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel from the FHNW School of Business presented his paper „Towards a Discipline of Animal-Machine Interaction: Ethical and Design Challenges of Machines in Animal Habitats“ in the session „Environmental Robotics and Society“. From the abstract: „As autonomous and semi-autonomous machines such as robots and drones increasingly enter animal habitats, new ethical and conceptual challenges emerge. This article proposes animal-machine interaction (AMI) as a distinct discipline concerned with the design and governance of technologies operating in relation to animals. After clarifying core concepts and delineating AMI from related fields, the article highlights the role of machine ethics in developing animal-friendly systems. Selected application examples illustrate how machines can reduce negative impacts on animals and, in some cases, support animal survival through animal-friendly design. The ethical discussion addresses both opportunities and risks of technological intervention in animal habitats. It is becoming clear that AMI is an increasingly important field of research, but one that must remain open to critical reflection and reorientation.“ The proceedings, containing all conference papers, will be available in late 2026. For those who don’t want to wait: Oliver Bendel recently published a short book on animal-machine interaction with Springer.
Die Robophilosophy ist neben der ICSR die vielleicht wichtigste Konferenz, wenn es um philosophische und soziale Aspekte in der Sozialen Robotik geht. Der Begriff der Roboterphilosophie wird unterschiedlich verstanden. Während die Organisatoren ihn auf die Soziale Robotik beziehen, hat ihn Oliver Bendel – Technikphilosoph und Betreiber der Plattform robophilosophy.com – gegenüber der Robotik insgesamt geöffnet, bezieht also z.B. auch ontologische, ästhetische und ethische Aspekte der Industrierobotik und der Servicerobotik mit ein. Die Robophilosophy ist eine Biennale, die zuletzt in Aarhus und Helsinki stattfand. Dieses Mal trifft man sich vom 11. bis 14. August 2026 in Dublin. Am Nachmittag des ersten Tags wird Session 2 zu „Environmental Robotics and Society“ durchgeführt, mit Oliver Bendel als Chair. Janko Munjić referiert zum Thema „Posthuman Victims in the Anthropocene: Environmental Social Robots, Layered Harm, and the Edges of Criminal Law“. Oliver Bendel selbst hält den Vortrag „Towards a Discipline of Animal-Machine Interaction: Ethical and Design Challenges of Machines in Animal Habitats“. Es folgen Catherine F. Botha mit „Ecobots and Ecological Capabilities: Ethical Reflections on Robots as Functional Ecological Agents“ und Ghulam E. Mustafa Abro and Johanna Seibt mit „Aerial Robotics in Society: Energy, Ethics, and Accountability for Sustainable Monitoring“. Parallel findet Session 1 zu „Responsible Technology Development“ statt, mit Sun Park als Chair. Zu den Vortragenden gehört Katharina Kühne, die das Paper „No Red Romance for Robots? Investigating the Red Attraction Effect in Humanlike Robots“ von E. L. M. Waller, Diana P. Edenburger, Oliver Bendel, Martin H. Fischer und Katharina Kühne vorstellt.
Oliver Bendel’s paper „Towards a Discipline of Animal-Machine Interaction“ has been accepted for presentation at Robophilosophy 2026. The renowned conference on the philosophical aspects of social robotics has been held since 2014 and will take place in Dublin this year. Autonomous and semi-autonomous machines such as robots and drones are increasingly moving into natural and urban environments, leading to a growing number of interactions between animals and machines and raising corresponding new ethical and conceptual challenges. This article proposes animal-machine interaction (AMI) as a distinct discipline concerned with the design and governance of machines that encounter animals. After clarifying core concepts and delineating AMI from related fields, the article highlights the role of machine ethics in developing animal-friendly systems. Selected application examples illustrate how machines can support animal survival and well-being, while the ethical discussion addresses both opportunities and risks of technological intervention in animal habitats. It is becoming clear that AMI is an increasingly important field of research, but one that must be constantly reoriented and questioned. Oliver Bendel has participated in the biennial conference series since 2018. That year, he delivered a keynote speech in Vienna alongside Hiroshi Ishiguro, Guy Standing, and Joanna Bryson. His book „Tier-Maschine-Interaktion“ („Animal-Machine Interaction“) was recently published by Springer Gabler.
The Robophilosophy Conference 2026 (RP2026), titled „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, will take place August 11-14, 2026, at University College Dublin (UCD) in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to examine how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping human societies and the natural world. As robotic systems become increasingly embedded in everyday life, the conference aims to foster dialogue between fields ranging from social robotics, computer science, and human-robot interaction to the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and environmental research. Central questions include how robotic technologies can uphold human dignity and social justice, how legal systems must adapt to autonomous decision-making, and whether robots can contribute to sustainability rather than accelerate ecological decline. The event marks the seventh installment in the Robophilosophy conference series and features plenary speakers such as Lynne Baillie, Ryan Calo, Hideki Kajima, Arno Klein, Bertram Malle, and Shannon Vallor. Importantly, the submission deadline for research papers, posters, and artistic contributions has been extended to March 15, 2026, offering additional time for scholars and practitioners to contribute to this interdisciplinary conversation. Registration is now open, and further details are available at www.rp2026.org.
Fig.: The conference will take place at UCD in Dublin
The Robophilosophy Conference 2026 (RP2026), titled „Connected Futures – Nature, Robots, and Society“, will take place August 11-14, 2026, in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to examine how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping human societies and the natural world. As robotic systems become increasingly embedded in everyday life, the conference aims to foster dialogue between fields ranging from social robotics, computer science, and human-robot interaction to the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and environmental research. Central questions include how robotic technologies can uphold human dignity and social justice, how legal systems must adapt to autonomous decision-making, and whether robots can contribute to sustainability rather than accelerate ecological decline. The event marks the seventh installment in the Robophilosophy conference series and features plenary speakers such as Lynne Baillie, Ryan Calo, Hideki Kajima, Arno Klein, Bertram Malle, and Shannon Vallor. Importantly, the submission deadline for research papers, posters, and artistic contributions has been extended to March 15, 2026, offering additional time for scholars and practitioners to contribute to this interdisciplinary conversation. Registration will open soon, and further details are available here and at www.rp2026.org.
Fig.: The poster of the conference (Image: Robophilosophy)
