Keynote
In person
LeadersGoldDiscovery

Embodied intelligence for security and well-being

  • Date
    7 July 2026
    Timeframe
    11:30 - 11:45
    Duration
    15 minutes
    • Days
      Hours
      Min
      Sec

    AI has made remarkable progress through large-scale data and simulation, yet most systems remain fundamentally disembodied. They learn to mimic patterns, but not to truly understand the physical world. This limitation becomes especially critical when robots are expected to operate safely alongside humans, where interaction is not optional but essential.

    This keynote makes the case for a shift toward embodied intelligence: AI systems that learn through physical interaction, sensing and adaptation. Touch plays a central role in this transition, providing the feedback needed to build causal models of the world and enabling robots to act reliably in uncertain, dynamic environments.

    Drawing on work in large-area tactile sensing, artificial skin, spatial awareness, soft compliant bodies and sensorimotor control, the keynote will show how robots can be designed for safe, contact-rich behavior. Rather than avoiding interaction, these systems use touch to navigate clutter, manipulate objects and engage safely with people.

    The keynote will also highlight applications such as occupational therapy training, where safe physical interaction is essential. By enabling robots to feel, adapt and respond, this work points toward AI systems that are not only more capable, but also more closely aligned with human security and well-being.

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