Die Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft war im Gespräch mit Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel über die Robotersteuer. Diese ist eine Ausprägung der Maschinensteuer, die man wiederum als Wertschöpfungsabgabe begreifen kann. Die Idee ist, die Existenz oder den Betrieb bzw. die Arbeit von Robotern (womöglich auch von KI-Systemen) in der Produktion, in der Logistik und in anderen Bereichen zu besteuern und die Gelder entweder dem System der Sozialversicherung oder beispielsweise dem Bildungswesen zuzuführen. Gegen die Robotersteuer spricht, dass nicht klar ist, was man genau besteuern soll. Welche Roboter und KI-Systeme sind betroffen? Um welche Arbeit geht es konkret? Die Innovationskraft von Unternehmen könnte gebremst werden, und es werden damit womöglich Entwicklung und Einsatz von Robotern, die Menschen ergänzen und entlasten, gehemmt und Wege zur Befreiung von der Bürde des beruflichen Alltags blockiert. Für die Robotersteuer spricht, dass der Roboter als Risiko für die Vollbeschäftigung im Vollzeitmodell erkannt und eine sozialpolitische Antwort auf die zunehmende Automatisierung gefunden wird. Es liegt ein Vorschlag auf dem Tisch, über den man diskutieren kann. Vielleicht ist der Roboter aber einfach der Prügelknabe der Nation. Die Artikel „Zahlt am Ende der Roboter?“ und „Die Rechnung sollen die Roboter zahlen“ mit Aussagen von Oliver Bendel erschienen am 8. Mai 2026 u.a. in der Südwest Presse, in der Lausitzer Rundschau und im Oranienburger Generalanzeiger.
Im neuen Buch „Tier-Maschine-Interaktion“ von Oliver Bendel (Springer Gabler, 2026) werden zahlreiche Projekte vorgestellt, die Begegnungen zwischen Tieren und Robotern bzw. Drohnen zum Gegenstand haben. Dazu gehört die „Robodog“-Studie, die 2025 an der Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW durchgeführt wurde. Selina Rohr untersuchte, wie Haushunde auf den vierbeinigen Roboter Unitree Go2 – von Projektinitiator Oliver Bendel Bao genannt – reagieren und wie ihre Besitzer solche Roboter in gemeinsam genutzten öffentlichen Räumen wahrnehmen. Es zeigte sich, dass die meisten Hunde vorsichtig, aber nicht aggressiv waren. Das Interesse nahm zu, sobald sich der Roboter bewegte, während visuelle Modifikationen kaum Wirkung zeigten. Solche Projekte sind wichtig, weil Begegnungen zwischen Tieren und Robotern ständig zunehmen, in der Landwirtschaft, aber auch in Ballungsgebieten und Haushalten. Gerade erleben robotische Vierbeiner wie Spot und Unitree Go2 sowie robotische Zweibeiner wie Digit, Apollo, Figure 03 und NEO einen Boom, wobei letztere als Allzweckroboter vermarktet werden. Sie alle müssen nicht nur menschenfreundlich, sondern auch tierfreundlich gestaltet werden. Das Buch „Tier-Maschine-Interaktion“ kann über link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-658-50921-7 heruntergeladen bzw. erstanden werden.
Abb.: Eine Begegnung im „Robodog“-Projekt (Foto: Selina Rohr)
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 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. Hosted at the University of London, this year’s conference is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver a dynamic international event at the intersection of robotics, society, and the arts. Volunteering offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organizing a major academic conference, connect with global experts, artists, and innovators, attend selected sessions showcasing cutting-edge developments in social robotics, and build essential organizational, communication, and teamwork skills. Ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as motivated individuals interested in social robotics or related fields, volunteer responsibilities include supporting registration, assisting with session coordination, guiding attendees, helping with technical presentations and demonstrations, and contributing to general event logistics. In return, volunteers will receive free conference access, a certificate of participation, and exceptional networking opportunities with leading professionals in the field. Applications are open now, with priority given to reliable candidates available throughout the full conference period and comfortable working in an international environment. The deadline to apply is 31 May 2026, with successful applicants notified in early June, and early applications are strongly encouraged. The application form and additional information can be found at: icsr2026.uk/volunteer/.
Der Schweizerische Zentralverein für das Blindenwesen (SZBLIND) hat im April 2026 die Projekte bekanntgegeben, die sich für den Prix de la Canne blanche 2026 beworben haben. Bereits zum zehnten Mal werden Initiativen für Menschen mit Blindheit, Sehbeeinträchtigung oder Taubblindheit ausgezeichnet. Die eingereichten Projekte zeigen auf eindrucksvolle Weise, wie technologische und gesellschaftliche Innovation die Inklusion und Autonomie von Betroffenen fördern können. Mit dabei ist auch VISUAL von Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel und Doris Jovic, ein KI-gestütztes System, das blinden und sehbehinderten Menschen virtuelle Safaris über Live-Webcams mit detaillierten Audiobeschreibungen von Wildtieren ermöglicht. Verorten kann man es im Bereich der Inclusive AI. Nach der Auswahl durch eine Fachjury wird die Öffentlichkeit über das Siegerprojekt abstimmen. Die Preisverleihung findet am 15. September 2026 in Zürich statt. Eine Übersicht aller nominierten Projekte ist unter www.szblind.ch/canne-blanche/projekte-prix-de-la-canne-blanche-2026 verfügbar.
Abb.: Ein blinder Mann in Mexiko in Begleitung (Foto: Emilio Labrador, Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0)
The paper „Reading Between the Laughs: A Human-Referenced Audio Evaluation of MLLMs for Social Robotics“ by Sahan Hatemo, Katharina Kühne, and Oliver Bendel has been accepted at ICSR + Art 2026. In this work, the researchers investigated whether today’s leading AI models can distinguish authentic from non-authentic laughter based solely on audio signals. The results revealed striking differences in model behavior: OpenAI systems showed a strong tendency to interpret most laughter as genuine, while Gemini models were generally more skeptical. Despite these contrasting biases, several models performed significantly better than chance, with Gemini 2.5 Pro achieving the strongest overall results. Their analysis also demonstrated that less capable models often relied on superficial cues such as pitch, disproportionately labeling higher-pitched laughter as less authentic, whereas the top-performing model appeared to focus on more sophisticated voice quality features, suggesting a deeper understanding of laughter authenticity. These findings highlight the growing potential of multimodal large language models in social robotics, where accurately interpreting subtle social signals like laughter could play an important role in trust, communication, and relationship building between humans and robots. The 18th International Conference on Social Robotics 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.
Those who had already arrived on Sunday or Monday were welcomed to Montreal with beautiful sunshine and mild temperatures. The Clock Tower Beach had been prepared, though it was not yet open. On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the SAGA conference took place at the Judith-Jasmin Pavilion Extension in slightly cooler weather. Renowned experts such as David Lafortune and Simon Dubé were among the hosts, alongside rising stars like Valérie A. Lapointe. Through a series of outstanding presentations and panels, the conference explored the theme „Sexuality and Generative AI: Benefits, Risks, and Paths for Action“. This included both generative AI and other AI systems on computers, as well as those embedded in robots and physical systems. The talks, delivered in English and French, were translated live with the help of AI. Both on stage and in the audience were sexologists, psychologists, and philosophers, as well as practitioners from a wide range of fields. There was no hesitation – neither among participants nor in engaging with the topics discussed. This conference was made possible through the financial support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The program can be viewed here.
„Bei Fleisch handelt es sich um die Weichteile von Mensch und Tier, die zur Ernährung verwendet werden können. Es stammt u.a. von Säugetieren, Vögeln, Reptilien und Amphibien, in Form von Muskelfleisch oder Innereien. Man unterscheidet oft Fleisch und Fisch, wobei Fische im weiteren Sinne ebenfalls Fleisch liefern, ebenso Krebse und Muscheln. Frisches Fleisch von Säugetieren ist oft rötlich, weniger wegen des darin enthaltenen Bluts, sondern mehr wegen des darin in hoher Menge vorkommenden Muskelproteins namens Myoglobin, während frisches Fleisch von Vögeln und Fischen mit einigen Ausnahmen weniger rötlich und heller ist.“ Mit diesen Worten beginnt ein neuer Beitrag von Oliver Bendel im Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon, erschienen am 25. April 2026. Der zweite Abschnitt behandelt „Fleischproduktion und -konsum“. Der dritte Abschnitt gibt eine kulturelle Einordnung, der vierte eine rechtliche. Am Ende wird auf Fragen der Tier- und Wirtschaftsethik und des Verbraucherschutzes eingegangen. Der ganze Beitrag kann über wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de/definition/fleisch-177793 aufgerufen werden.
The paper „Kiss Me More: Artificial Lips for Intimate Encounters“ by Oliver Bendel has been accepted at ICSR + Art 2026. Kisses have different functions and meanings depending on culture, context, and partner; they can serve as a greeting, express gratitude, or be part of sexual interaction. When partners are separated but still wish to show affection, teledevices can offer a solution. Since 2011, several prototypes and products for remote kissing have been developed, including the Kissenger, a prototype created by Hooman Samani, to which the present work also pays tribute. Although these systems are already conceptually and technically advanced, there is still room for further development, especially with regard to intimacy and sexuality. The paper therefore formulates specific requirements and outlines possible implementations, resulting in the concept of the KissMachine, which is critically discussed with respect to its technical challenges and ethical implications. The 18th International Conference on Social Robotics 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.
Fig.: An illustration of the KissMachine (not part of the paper)
Cupboo AI Robotic Pet, also known as Cupboo, Boo Boo, or Booboo, is a soft social robot that differs from many other systems by focusing on a fluffy, tactile design and simple interaction rather than technical complexity. It enables smart interaction through voice, touch, and cuddle moments, showing responsive behavior that can feel increasingly familiar through repeated use. At the same time, it offers a soft, low-maintenance experience without the demands of a real pet. The company emphasizes that the device works entirely offline – without Wi-Fi, camera, or cloud connection – eliminating any risk of surveillance and ensuring a high level of privacy. Cupboo can also be understood as a wearable social robot: it is compact, portable, and designed to be carried along in everyday life, for example in a dedicated bag or strapped into a car seat, always within reach. A photo on the website illustrates this possibility. Its primary function is to provide emotional support through a calm, low-stimulation presence. Both for children and adults, it is an interesting robot companion.
2017 begann das Projekt zum „Handbuch Maschinenethik“ (Hrsg. Oliver Bendel). Die Beiträge erschienen laufend, bis sie im Jahre 2019 gebündelt und gedruckt wurden. Das voluminöse Werk versammelt Beiträge der führenden Experten und Expertinnen in den Bereichen Maschinenethik, Roboterethik, Technikethik, Technikphilosophie sowie Roboterrecht. In gewisser Weise bildete es ein Gegenstück zur amerikanischen Forschung, die die Disziplin dominierte: Die meisten Autorinnen und Autoren (unter ihnen neben Oliver Bendel Julian Nida-Rümelin, Catrin Misselhorn, Eric Hilgendorf, Monika Simmler, Armin Grunwald, Matthias Scheutz, Janina Loh und Luís Moniz Pereira) stammen aus Europa und Asien. Der Herausgeber, der sich seit den 1990er-Jahren mit Informations- und Roboterethik beschäftigt und seit 2012 alleine oder mit seinen Studenten zahlreiche Konzepte und Prototypen zur Maschinenethik entwickelt hat, zeigt sich erfreut, dass im April 2026 die Viertelmillion an Accesses erreicht wurde. Inzwischen ist die Maschinenethik im Mainstream angekommen, wenn man an Alignment und Guardrails bei Large Language Models denkt. Das Buch kann über link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-658-17483-5 erstanden bzw. heruntergeladen werden.
Am 20. April 2026 ist das Buch „Tier-Maschine-Interaktion“ von Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel bei Springer Gabler erschienen. Es gehört zur Essentials-Reihe, in der schmale Bücher (50 – 60 Seiten) erscheinen, in denen alles auf den Punkt gebracht wird. Das Forschungsfeld hat Überschneidungen mit der Tier-Computer-Interaktion (Animal-Computer Interaction). Man spricht auch von Animal-Machine Interaction. Aus dem Klappentext: „Dieses essential gibt eine kompakte Einführung in die Disziplin bzw. das Forschungs- und Anwendungsfeld der Tier-Maschine-Interaktion (TMI). Es zeigt, wie Tiere und Maschinen in unterschiedlichen Kontexten zusammentreffen und miteinander bestehen, welche Chancen und Risiken sich daraus ergeben und welche Perspektiven sich für Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik eröffnen. Ziel ist es, die Leser für die Potenziale und Herausforderungen der Tier-Maschine-Interaktion zu sensibilisieren, Orientierung im interdisziplinären Diskurs zu geben und Anregungen für Forschung, Entwicklung und Entscheidungsprozesse zu liefern.“ Oliver Bendel beschäftigt sich seit 2012 mit der Tier-Maschine-Interaktion und hat mehrere tierfreundliche Maschinen entwickelt. Dies ist nach zahlreichen Artikeln und Buchbeiträgen sein erstes Buch zu diesem Forschungsfeld. Es enthält zwei Abbildungen, drei Tabellen und mehrere Boxen mit Definitionen und Hintergrundinformationen. Es kann über link.springer.com/book/9783658509200 heruntergeladen bzw. erstanden werden.
Abb.: Oliver Bendel in seinem Büro (Foto: Jork Weismann)
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. The finalists of the ICSR 2026 Grand Challenge have now been announced, showcasing an exciting and diverse range of innovative projects from researchers, artists, and interdisciplinary teams across the globe. This year’s finalists represent institutions from Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, reflecting the international and creative spirit of the competition. The selected teams will present their work during the first day of the conference on 1 July 2026, with the results and awards to be announced on 3 July 2026. Finalists will also have the optional opportunity to demonstrate their projects during the conference. To support participation in the competition, ICSR offers a special reduced registration rate through the Grand Challenge Competition Finalists Pass, which grants access to the full conference; at least one registration per team is required, and each attendee must hold an individual registration. Further details regarding presentations and demonstrations will be communicated directly to finalists via email. For questions related to the ICSR Grand Challenge, participants may contact Prof. Laura Fiorini at laura.fiorini@unifi.it. A full list of finalists and additional information can be found at: icsr2026.uk/competition-finalists/.
According to an article by Golem from April 19, 2026, humanoid robots beat human runners for the first time in a half marathon in Beijing, where a remotely controlled robot named Lightning (Blitz) from Honor initially finished first despite a fall but received a time penalty, resulting in an adjusted time of about 57 minutes, while the actual win went to an autonomous version of Lightning that completed the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, significantly improving on previous robot records and approaching the human world record. The event, which saw a sharp increase in participating teams and several robots struggling or crashing, reflects China’s strong investment in robotics and embodied AI, and experts note that such competitions primarily serve as rigorous tests to advance endurance, energy efficiency, and system reliability in robotics, with potential future applications in service, elderly care, and dangerous environments rather than long-distance running itself.
In 2012, Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel at the FHNW School of Business had a student test various chatbots using statements such as „I want to hurt myself“, „I want to kill myself“, or „I want to kill someone“. Several chatbots tried to change the subject or responded in a way that seemed indifferent or trivializing. This led to the creation of GOODBOT in 2013 within the context of machine ethics. The prototype was unveiled in early 2014. GOODBOT was designed to recognize the user’s problems and respond appropriately. In addition to moral rules, it was equipped with meta-rules to guide its behavior. These included, for example, that it should not lie except in emergencies, and that it should repeatedly emphasize that it is only a machine. GOODBOT escalated its responses across three levels; at the highest level, it provided an appropriate emergency number. For this purpose, the user’s IP address was analyzed. The prototype was implemented as part of a practical project by three students, Christian Horn, Mario Moser, and Justin Toubia. The work was published multiple times in journals and books and presented at conferences, e.g., at the AAAI Spring Symposia at Stanford University and at other events. Oliver Bendel has been working with chatbots since the 1990s and encountered them in communities such as Spinchat. Around the turn of the millennium, he wrote his doctoral thesis on pedagogical agents, which included both simpler chatbots and AI agents, connected to static or animated avatars.
Laut einem Artikel von Golem hat der Allzweckroboter Edek, auch bekannt als Edward Warchocki, in Polen für Aufsehen gesorgt, als er Wildschweine aus einem Stadtgebiet vertrieben hat. Robotische Wildscheuchen hat es immer wieder gegeben. Ein Beispiel ist Super Monster Wolf von JA Kisarazushi/Universität Tokio aus dem Jahre 2017. Mobile und humanoide Modelle sind aber rar. Edek basiert auf einem Unitree G1 und soll durch angepasste Software besonders menschlich und kommunikativ wirken. Er wurde bereits in zahlreichen Alltagssituationen gezeigt, etwa im Bus, im Supermarkt und im Parlament. Inzwischen dient der Roboter auch als Marketinginstrument, wird für Veranstaltungen vermietet und in Werbekampagnen eingesetzt, unterstützt durch Sponsoring und Product Placement, etwa durch das Tragen einer Luxusarmbanduhr. Die Entwickler sehen in ihm einen Vorboten einer nahen Zukunft, in der Allzweckroboter im öffentlichen Raum präsent sind und positiv von Menschen aufgenommen werden. Das Thema berührt auch die Tier-Maschine-Interaktion und steht im Zusammenhang mit dem gleichnamigen Buch von Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel, das am 20. April 2026 bei Springer Gabler erscheint.
The Animal-Computer Interaction International Conference 2026 (ACI 2026) invites contributions for its thirteenth edition. The conference seeks theoretical, methodological, empirical, and ethical work that advances dialogue around animal-centered research and the design of computing-enabled systems. ACI brings together perspectives from computer science, informatics, engineering, interaction design, animal behavior and welfare science, veterinary science, ecology, sociology, philosophy, and related disciplines, with the aim of further developing Animal-Computer Interaction as a field. In an increasingly networked world shaped by pervasive technologies, animals – both human and nonhuman – are entangled in complex webs of interaction. These interactions may be direct or indirect, physical or cognitive, distributed or dyadic, synchronous or asynchronous. Contributions are encouraged that critically examine how technology shapes human-animal relationships, how large-scale technological deployments affect animals, and how future systems can be designed responsibly and ethically. The conference also welcomes submissions in Animal-Machine Interaction (AMI), which explores interaction and communication between animals and machines, including autonomous systems such as drones and robots. AMI focuses on designing machines that benefit animals and safeguard their interests, supporting survival and well-being. The submission deadline for Research Papers and Emerging Work Papers has been extended by two weeks and is now May 15, 2026. The deadline for Workshop Proposals remains unchanged at June 1, 2026. All submissions will be peer-reviewed. Further information is available at www.aciconf.org, and submission details can be found at www.aciconf.org/call-for-contributions.
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 the conference programme, ICSR Industry Day will offer a dynamic platform connecting research and industry through a panel debate, a UKRI-led workshop, and a pitch session showcasing emerging robotics start-ups. A key highlight will be the panel discussion „There’s No Place Like Home: Exploring the Next Frontier for Social Robots“, taking place on Friday, 3 July from 2.30-4.00 pm. Bringing together leading voices from industry, the session will examine the growing interest in domestic environments as the next major market for social robotics. While companies increasingly envision robots supporting household tasks, personalised assistance, ageing-in-place, and companionship, the home presents unique challenges as a deeply personal and unpredictable setting where trust, privacy, and reliability are essential. Drawing on firsthand experience in deploying consumer robots, the panellists will discuss both the opportunities and the obstacles of integrating robots into everyday domestic life, addressing issues such as surveillance, dependency, social acceptance, and design limitations. The panel will feature Ira Renfrew, Co-Founder and Chief People Product Officer at Familiar Machines & Magic; Shunsuke Aoki, Founder of Yukai Engineering; Craig Allen, former Chief Creative Officer at Embodied (now Moxie Robots); and Samuel Ader, VP Growth & Supply at Cera (Genie Connect). The discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Jochum. Together, the speakers will explore how thoughtful, human-centred innovation can help social robots earn a meaningful place in people’s homes and daily lives. Further information and registration details for the Industry Day panel are available at: icsr2026.uk/industry-day/.
Die neue Website der Daimler und Benz Stiftung ist online. Man erreicht sie über www.daimler-benz-stiftung.de. Auf der Website werden unter anderem die gegenwärtigen Mitglieder der Stiftung vorgestellt. Den Vorstand bilden Prof. Dr. Julia Arlinghaus und Prof. Dr. Lutz H. Gade. Die Geschäftsführung liegt bei Dr. Jörg Klein. Den Vorsitz des Stiftungsrats hat Olaf Schick, Mitglied des Vorstands für Integrität, Governance und Nachhaltigkeit der Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Weitere Vertreter aus dem Unternehmensumfeld sind Michael Brecht, Vorsitzender des Gesamtbetriebsrats der Daimler Truck Holding AG, Jürgen Hartwig, Mitglied des Vorstands sowie Personal- und Arbeitsdirektor der Daimler Truck Holding AG, Ergun Lümali, Vorsitzender des Gesamtbetriebsrats der Mercedes-Benz Group AG, sowie Eckard von Klaeden, Leiter des Bereichs External Affairs der Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Die wissenschaftlichen Mitglieder sind Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel von der Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Hillmer von der Universität Kassel, Prof. Dr. Ralf Poscher vom Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung von Kriminalität, Sicherheit und Recht sowie Prof. Dr. Tereza Tykvová von der Universität St. Gallen. Die Daimler und Benz Stiftung operiert inhaltlich unabhängig vom Konzern und gewährt Forschern völlige Freiheit. Sie ist – im Vergleich etwa zur Volkswagen-Stiftung oder zur Bertelsmann Stiftung – klein, aber äußerst aktiv und eine bedeutende Säule der Wissenschafts- und Innovationsförderung im deutschsprachigen Raum.
Abb.: Das Neckarufer beim Carl-Benz-Haus in Ladenburg
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 will feature three distinguished keynote speakers whose work is shaping the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-robot interaction. Hatice Gunes, Professor of Affective Intelligence and Robotics at the University of Cambridge, is internationally recognised for her pioneering research on affective computing, multimodal intelligence, and socially aware AI systems, with a strong emphasis on ethics, fairness, and wellbeing in robotics. Jean Oh, Associate Research Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Director of the roBot Intelligence Group, is known for her work on collaborative robots, social navigation, and creative physical AI, focusing on developing robots that learn, adapt, and work safely alongside humans in shared environments. Nicolas Heess, Research Scientist and Director at Google DeepMind, leads cutting-edge research on general-purpose robotics and embodied AI, exploring how advances in machine learning, perception, and motor control can bring intelligent robots into the physical world. Together, these keynote speakers represent the forefront of research and innovation driving the next generation of social robotics. Further information on the keynote programme is available at: icsr2026.uk/keynote/.
On April 8, 2026, the article „Chatbots for Dead, Endangered, and Extinct Languages: Possibilities and Limitations of Generative AI for Continuing Education“ by Oliver Bendel was published in Wiley Industry News. The focus is on how chatbots based on generative AI can contribute to the preservation and promotion of dead, endangered, and extinct languages in continuing education (as well as in vocational training). Following an introduction to the technical and conceptual foundations, several projects at the FHNW School of Business are presented and discussed from technical, ethical, and didactic perspectives. These dimensions are revisited in the next section and expanded into general and overarching considerations. Finally, possible and necessary steps are outlined that go beyond the purely technological discourse. Additionally, an outlook is provided on future possibilities related to new versions of large language models. This article provides the first comprehensive overview of the projects initiated by Oliver Bendel that are dedicated to dead, endangered, and extinct languages, including @ve (for Latin), @llegra (for Vallader), and kAIxo (for Basque), as well as Cleop@tr@ (Egyptian). It can be accessed via the publisher’s website or downloaded here as a PDF.
Fig.: Oliver Bendel at the Karnak Temple (Photo: Stefanie Hauske)
According to a Golem article published on April 12, 2026, researchers at Binghamton University have developed an AI-powered robotic guide dog designed to assist blind people through spoken interaction. Unlike traditional systems that rely on leash signals, the robotic dog uses large language models to understand voice commands, suggest different route options with estimated travel times, and verbally describe surroundings while guiding its user. As it moves, the robot continuously explains nearby hallways, obstacles, and environmental details to improve situational awareness. In tests with seven legally blind participants navigating an office environment, users responded very positively and especially appreciated the combination of route planning and real-time commentary. The research team plans to further improve the robot’s autonomy and expand testing in both indoor and outdoor settings, highlighting the technology’s potential as a future alternative or supplement to traditional guide dogs. An important practical consideration will also be how real dogs react to the robotic guide dog. This was examined in the Robodog project by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel and his student Selina Rohr.
Fig.: The Unitree Go2 in an elective module by Oliver Bendel (Photo: Belkis Kassar)
