Sustainability Theme Recognition
In alignment with HRI 2026’s commitment to responsible and forward-looking innovation, we are proud to continue the Sustainability Theme Recognition to celebrate papers that follow sustainable research practices or contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts.
This recognition highlights the diverse ways in which Human-Robot Interaction advances sustainability, extending beyond environmental concerns to include social, technological, and economic dimensions.
By acknowledging research that addresses issues such as reducing inequalities, improving healthcare access, supporting quality education, and promoting responsible innovation, we aim to reflect the broad spectrum of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability in HRI is inherently interdisciplinary and global.
We welcome and celebrate contributions that engage with sustainability across multiple domains:
Social sustainability
Emphasising inclusive communities, equitable access to technology, accessibility, assistive robotics, ageing populations, and systems that promote social justice and wellbeing.
Technological sustainability
Encouraging critical reflection on lifecycle impact, energy efficiency, repairability, responsible AI, ethical deployment, and the long-term societal and environmental consequences of robotic systems.
Economic sustainability
Fostering robust innovation ecosystems, responsible commercialisation, fair access to emerging technologies, and systems that create durable societal value.
Recognised papers will be highlighted in the programme as part of the Sustainability Theme Recognition.
Social Media Sustainability Challenge
Join us in making HRI 2026 a more sustainable conference by participating in our Social Media Sustainability Challenge! Before and during the conference, complete sustainability-focused tasks, share your experiences on social media, and compete for a chance to win one of two 50 GBP vouchers to One World Shop, an initiative that sources and sells sustainable and fairly traded goods from around the globe, using an ethical and transparent framework, next to the conference venue.
How to participate
- Complete sustainability tasks from the list below before or during the conference.
- Post about your completed task on social media (Twitter or BlueSky or LinkedIn) using #SustainableHRI and a brief description or signifier of the task.
- Tag other attendees if they are in your post to make it a group activity (all people will receive credit for that post)!
Competition details
- The competition is open from now until March 18. Some tasks can be done before you arrive at the conference while others must be done at the conference.
- You can complete as many tasks as you like – each valid post counts toward your total.
- The two participants with the most valid posts by the end of the program on Wednesday (March 18) will each receive a One World Shop gift card.
- Winners will be announced on March 18 on social media.
Sustainability challenge tasks
Research & Technology
- (T1) Highlight a Research Paper – Share a sustainability-focused research paper or project presented at the conference.
- (T2) Robot Sustainability Rating – Post your own “sustainability rating” of a robot or project you encounter at the conference (e.g., how it contributes to eco-friendly practices or whether it has been designed and built sustainably).
- (T3) Collaboration and inclusivity – share a research paper or project that promoted inclusivity of typically underrepresented groups
- (T4) Longevity – share a research paper or project that was built to last and be used long-term
- (T5) Economic impact – share a research paper or project that showed the potential of robotics to drive equitable economic growth
Transportation
- (T6) Use Public Transit or Carpool – Share a picture of how you traveled sustainably during the conference.
- (T7) Track Your Steps – Post a screenshot of how many steps you walked to avoid car rides during the conference.
Food & Waste Reduction
- (T8) Eat a Plant-Based Meal – Post about choosing a vegetarian or vegan meal during the conference.
- (T9) Avoid Food Waste – Share a picture of your empty plate after eating all your food at a conference meal.
- (T10) Zero-Waste Snack – Share a picture of a snack you brought or bought with no packaging waste.
Awareness & Advocacy
- (T11) Highlight a Green Initiative – Share information about a sustainability-focused initiative from your hometown, university, or company.
- (T12) Capture Green Spaces: Share a picture of any eco-friendly or green space near the conference venue.
- (T13) Promote a Local Sustainable Business – Visit a Melbourne business that supports sustainability (e.g., a green café, eco-friendly shop).
- (T14) Spotlight a Conference Buddy – Partner with another attendee and post about their sustainability efforts, highlighting their creativity or initiative.
- (T15) Pledge for Sustainability – Post about one action you’ll take for sustainability after the conference.
- (T16) Share Your Vision – Post about what sustainability within HRI means to you. Include suggestions for how the field can improve its sustainability efforts.
- (T17) Future Earth Vision – Share a one-sentence vision of how HRI can help make the planet more sustainable by 2050.
Creative & Fun Challenges
- (T18) Sustainability Selfie – Take a selfie with a sustainability-related display or sign at the conference.
- (T19) Create a Sustainability Meme – Post a funny or insightful meme about sustainability and HRI.
- (T20) Inspire with Art – Create and post a sketch, doodle, or digital art piece inspired by sustainability and HRI.
Let’s work together to make HRI 2026 more sustainable. Start posting with #SustainableHRI today and inspire change one small action at a time!
Networking Map
To make the most of your travel, you can visit other HRI labs in the UK. Find more information and contacts on this page.
Conference Venue
HRI 2026 takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, a city internationally recognised for its climate leadership and Scotland’s national target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045.
The conference will be hosted in the EICC, which is committed to operating sustainably as reported on their website.
We are working closely with our venue and local partners to implement sustainable practices, including sustainable venue operations aligned with institutional environmental policies
- Vegetarian/vegan catering options
- Reusable cutlery and cups wherever possible
- Minimal printed materials and reduced conference merchandise
- No physical swag for attendees
- Lanyard reuse system in place
- Clearly marked recycling stations throughout the venue
- Efforts to minimise food waste and redistribute surplus food where feasible
Other Initiatives
The design of this year’s HRI volunteer T-shirts were created by Alice Telford, a final-year student in Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, who received a £150 prize towards her Major Project development. The shirts were hand-printed by students from the School’s New Designers Fund Raising Society, supporting fundraising for their London graduate show.
Transportation
We are offering Free Transportation (Bus and Tram) Passes. To apply, please fill out this form. Due March 9th, end of the day (AoE)
We encourage all attendees to make environmentally responsible travel choices where possible.
- Edinburgh is highly walkable, and most key locations are within walking distance.
- We strongly encourage the use of public transport (bus, tram, train).
- Edinburgh Airport is directly connected to the city centre via tram and bus.
- Rail connections across the UK provide lower-carbon alternatives to domestic flights.
- Guidance on sustainable transport options in Edinburgh will be available on our website.
- Contactless and card payments are widely accepted across the UK.
Public Transport in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s buses and trams operate a TapTapCap system. By using the same contactless payment method (bank card, phone, or smartwatch) to tap on for each journey, your fares are automatically capped:
- Daily cap: £5.70
- Weekly cap: £26.50
Once you reach the cap, additional journeys within that period are free.
This cap applies across Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, covering travel throughout the city. No paper tickets are required, simply tap your card or device.
Cycling
There are bike racks, which can accommodate ten bikes, at the main entrance on Morrison Street, and spaces for a further twenty bikes at the racks behind the Atria One office building, next to the EICC.
Travel to Heriot-Watt University (Workshops)
Workshops will take place at Heriot-Watt University, and the National Robotarium. located west of the city centre.
Direct bus connections from central Edinburgh include:
- Bus 25, 35, 34
Travel time is approximately 30-50 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic.
Travelling Across the UK
Rail is a lower-carbon alternative to domestic flights and offers excellent connections from Edinburgh to cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle.
- National Rail Railcards: Travellers aged 16-25, 26-30, and 60+ can purchase a Railcard for £35 per year, providing 1/3 off most rail fares across the UK.
More information: https://www.railcard.co.uk
Where to stay
We have compiled a list of accommodation options that highlight how they align with sustainability goals:
~2–3 min walk
Participates in Leonardo Hotels’ environmental responsibility programme with energy and waste reduction initiatives.
~5 min walk
Part of Accor’s global sustainability framework with monitored energy, water, and plastic reduction policies.
~12 min walk
Part of IHG’s Green Engage programme with energy efficiency tracking and refillable amenities.
~15 min walk
Accor sustainability participant with structured carbon and waste reduction measures.
~18–20 min walk
Operates under Radisson’s “Think Planet” initiative targeting carbon and resource efficiency.
~20 min walk
Part of IHG Green Engage with monitored environmental performance standards.
~20–22 min walk
Green Tourism Gold Award certified luxury hotel with strong environmental policies.
Conference T-Shirts
This designs of this year’s HRI volunteer T-shirts were created by Alice Telford, a final-year student in Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, who received a £150 prize towards her Major Project development. The shirts were hand-printed by students from the School’s New Designers Fund Raising Society, supporting fundraising for their London graduate show.
What to bring
To minimise your environmental impact during HRI 2026, we encourage attendees to bring:
♻️ A reusable water bottle (refill stations will be available)
☕ A reusable coffee cup
🪪 A lanyard from a previous conference (to reduce waste)
🌧️ A light waterproof jacket or umbrella (Edinburgh weather is unpredictable)
🔌 A UK Type G plug adaptor (for international attendees)
📱 Digital access to conference materials (avoid printing)
Small actions collectively reduce the environmental footprint of the event.
Where to eat
Edinburgh has a wide range of restaurants accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-conscious diets. Below are central options within walking distance of EICC.
🌱 Hendersons
Vegetarian and vegan restaurant with locally sourced ingredients.
https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com
🍲MUMS Great Comfort Food
Scottish dishes offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
https://www.monstermashcafe.co.uk
🥙 Maki & Ramen
Offers vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options.
🍛 Mother India’s Café
Indian tapas-style dining with many vegetarian options.
https://www.motherindia.co.uk/restaurant/mother-india-edinburgh/
🥘 Ting Thai Caravan
Thai street food with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
🥑 Holy Cow
Vegan and organic café with gluten-free options.
🍔 Bread Meats Bread
Burgers with vegan and gluten-free alternatives available.
Tips for Minimising Your Direct Environmental Impact
You can help reduce the environmental footprint of HRI 2026 by:
- Bring your own reusable items: Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to avoid single-use plastics outside the conference venue.
- Opt for digital: Access conference schedules, papers, and notes digitally instead of printing.
- Reuse your lanyard: Bring a lanyard from a previous conference to reduce waste and avoid taking a new one.
- Use public transport: Take advantage of Edinburgh’s buses, trams, and rail connections to reduce carbon emissions.
- Share rides: If public transport is not an option, consider carpooling or ride-sharing with other attendees.
- Choose sustainable accommodations: Stay at hotels with strong environmental practices, such as energy conservation and waste reduction programmes.
- Minimise waste: Recycle properly, avoid unnecessary packaging, and use designated recycling stations provided at the conference.