Robotic systems increasingly engage in physical, social, and affective touch interactions with humans. How could such touch from robots feel meaningful, safe, and appropriate?

Turing AI Fellowship: Somabotics – Creatively Embodying AI is supporting a workshop ‘ Methodological Innovation in Designing Sensations and Sentiments from Robot Touch’ at HRI  in 2026 (tentative date: 16th March) and we are delighted to announce keynote speakers Prof. Merle Fairhurst, Steve Benford, Ad Spiers and Madeline Balaam who lead expertise in Human-Robot Interaction, robotics, FemTech, artist-led HRI research and healthcare.

The workshop will connect expertise from diverse disciplines, including robotics engineering, AI, social science, neuroscience, healthcare, soma design and arts and will involve hands-on design activities. Submission deadline is 15th January. More details on how to submit your ideas via: https://lnkd.in/e5wHeQW9