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. This year’s conference combines cutting-edge research in social robotics with a unique focus on artistic and creative applications of robotics. One of the highlights of the conference will be ARGOS, a performance staged on 3 July 2026 at Senate House in London. Rooted in Homer’s „Odyssey“, ARGOS reimagines the return of Odysseus after twenty years of war, recognized only by his faithful dog, here embodied by a real robot dog. The performance explores trust, intimacy, error, vulnerability, and the ethics of human-robot relationships. Developed as part of the Creative Robotics Theatre research initiative, ARGOS is a collaboration between the University of the Arts London, the University of Leeds, the Cyprus University of Technology, and CYENS. Directed by George Rodosthenous and produced by Hooman Samani, the project demonstrates how robotics and theatre can come together to inspire new reflections on technology and human connection. Further information is available at hoomansamani.com/creative-robotics/creative-robotic-theatre/argos/.

Fig.: The poster for the ARGOS performance