Attending

Attending ICSR 2026

Conference at a Glance

ICSR + Art 2026 will be held 1–4 July 2026 at Senate House, University of London, London, UK. The event brings together an international community exploring human–robot interaction, creative robotics, design, AI, and societal impacts of robotic technologies.

Programme:

The conference programme is available on ICSR website and would be updated frequently.

ICSR 2026 features a unique and diverse programme, including Keynotes by scholars from Cambridge, CMU and Google DeepMind; an Industry Day with a panel debate on social robots in the home, and a workshop by UKRI. ICSR 2026 also includes Robot Fringe Festival, Debates, Grand Challenge, Special Sessions, Workshops, Rising Stars in Social Robotics event, Quantwin premier performance by Silke Grabinger, Robot Theatre night including ARGOS and 1001 Nights with Robots shows, exhibition, paper presentations, opening and closing ceremonies, robot fashion show, and various social and networking events.

Who Should Attend

This interdisciplinary conference is ideal for:

  • Academics & Researchers exploring foundational and applied social robotics.
  • Industry Professionals & Technologists developing next-generation robotic systems and applications.
  • Artists & Designers interested in the intersection of robotics and creative practice.
  • Students & Early-Career Innovators looking to expand their network and be inspired by leading thinkers.
  • Policy Makers & Educators engaged with the societal and ethical dimensions of robotics.

Why Attend

  • Cutting-Edge Research: Hear about emerging research, innovative prototypes, and multidisciplinary approaches spanning social interaction, AI, ethics, assistive robotics, and creative technologies.
  • Networking & Collaboration: Connect with global experts across academia, industry, and the arts to build collaborations, explore partnerships, and exchange ideas in formal sessions, coffee breaks, and social events.
  • Unique Theme: ICSR + Art: This year’s special focus on arts and creative robotics invites attendees to broaden how robots are imagined and used, from performances and artistic collaboration to human-robot co-creation.

Travel & Accommodation

We recognise that ICSR attendees have a wide range of travel and accommodation budgets. For this reason, ICSR + Art 2026 is hosted at Senate House, University of London, a highly central location with excellent transport connections across London and beyond.

Thanks to the extensive public transport network, attendees can choose to stay in a wide variety of neighbourhoods and accommodation types, from budget-friendly options to premium hotels, and still reach the conference venue easily and efficiently.

Attendees are responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging. We strongly recommend booking accommodation early, as July is a busy period in London and early reservations typically offer better availability and rates.

Getting to London

London is well connected internationally via major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport. Direct rail and underground connections make it easy to reach central London.

International travellers may also arrive by Eurostar, which provides high-speed rail services from several European cities, including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, directly to London St Pancras International. St Pancras is within walking distance or a short underground journey from the conference venue.

In addition, the UK has extensive national and international rail connections, as well as long-distance coach services, making London easily accessible from across the UK and Europe.

Getting to the Venue

The conference venue, Senate House, is located in Bloomsbury and is easily accessible via:

  • London Underground: Russell Square, Goodge Street, Holborn, and Tottenham Court Road
  • National Rail: King’s Cross St Pancras, Euston, and Charing Cross
  • Bus routes serving central London.

Transport for London (TFL): https://tfl.gov.uk/

Walking and cycling are also excellent options within central London.

Registration:

Registration is mandatory to attend the conference.

Visa Information

International participants may require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. Most attendees will be able to travel under the Standard Visitor (business) category, which permits attendance at conferences and academic events.

Please check the official UK Government guidance for up-to-date information:

If required, apply well in advance. An official invitation letter can be provided after registration to support visa applications.

If you require an invitation letter, please email icsr2026@gmail.com with the subject line “ICSR2026 Invitation Letter Request.”
In your email, include the following information:

  • Your full name (as it appears on your passport)
  • Your work or contribution to ICSR (e.g., paper, workshop, or Grand Challenge), including the title and ID,
  • A copy of your registration receipt

Once we receive your request, we will send you an official invitation letter.

Safety:

ICSR 2026 will be held in London at Senate House, University of London, located in the Bloomsbury area in central London. The area is well-connected and generally safe, but as with any major city, attendees are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in crowded places and when travelling at night. Keep personal belongings secure and follow local travel guidance.

The venue operates under the University of London’s safety and safeguarding policies, and conference staff will be available to assist participants throughout the event. For more information on safeguarding, please visit: https://www.london.ac.uk/about/policies/core-policies/safeguarding

Emergency Number: 999 is the primary emergency telephone number in the United Kingdom, used to contact the police, ambulance service, fire brigade, or coastguard. It is free to call and should only be used in serious, life-threatening, or ongoing emergency situations. The service operates 24/7, with 112 as an alternative number.