In alignment with HRI 2026\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This recognition highlights the diverse ways in which Human-Robot Interaction advances sustainability, extending beyond environmental concerns to include social, technological, and economic dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We welcome and celebrate contributions that engage with sustainability across multiple domains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emphasising inclusive communities, equitable access to technology, accessibility, assistive robotics, ageing populations, and systems that promote social justice and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Encouraging critical reflection on lifecycle impact, energy efficiency, repairability, responsible AI, ethical deployment, and the long-term societal and environmental consequences of robotic systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fostering robust innovation ecosystems, responsible commercialisation, fair access to emerging technologies, and systems that create durable societal value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognised papers will be highlighted in the programme as part of the Sustainability Theme Recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join us in making HRI 2026 a more sustainable conference by participating in our Social Media Sustainability Challenge!<\/strong> 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<\/strong> to One World Shop<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research & Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Food & Waste Reduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Awareness & Advocacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Creative & Fun Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s work together to make HRI 2026 more sustainable. Start posting with #SustainableHRI<\/strong> today and inspire change one small action at a time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make the most of your travel, you can visit other HRI labs in the UK. Find more information and contacts on this page<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HRI 2026 takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland<\/strong>, a city internationally recognised for its climate leadership and Scotland\u2019s national target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045.<\/strong> We are working closely with our venue and local partners to implement sustainable practices, including sustainable venue operations aligned with institutional environmental policies<\/p>\n\n\n\n The design of this year’s HRI volunteer T-shirts were created by Alice Telford<\/strong>, a final-year student in Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, who received a \u00a3150 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are offering Free Transportation (Bus and Tram) Passes. To apply, please fill out this form<\/span><\/a>. Due March 9th, end of the day (AoE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n We encourage all attendees to make environmentally responsible travel choices where possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edinburgh\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you reach the cap, additional journeys within that period are free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This cap applies across Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams,<\/em> covering travel throughout the city. No paper tickets are required, simply tap your card or device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workshops will take place at Heriot-Watt University<\/span>,<\/a> and the National Robotarium<\/span><\/a>. located west of the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct bus connections from central Edinburgh include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel time is approximately 30-50 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rail is a lower-carbon alternative to domestic flights and offers excellent connections from Edinburgh to cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More information:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.railcard.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We have compiled a list of accommodation options that highlight how they align with sustainability goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n ~2\u20133 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participates in Leonardo Hotels\u2019 environmental responsibility programme with energy and waste reduction initiatives.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~5 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of Accor\u2019s global sustainability framework with monitored energy, water, and plastic reduction policies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~12 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of IHG\u2019s Green Engage programme with energy efficiency tracking and refillable amenities.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~15 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accor sustainability participant with structured carbon and waste reduction measures.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~18\u201320 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operates under Radisson\u2019s \u201cThink Planet\u201d initiative targeting carbon and resource efficiency.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~20 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of IHG Green Engage with monitored environmental performance standards.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ~20\u201322 min walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Green Tourism Gold Award certified luxury hotel with strong environmental policies<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u00a3150 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To minimise your environmental impact during HRI 2026, we encourage attendees to bring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u267b\ufe0f A reusable water bottle (refill stations will be available)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2615 A reusable coffee cup<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udeaa A lanyard from a previous conference (to reduce waste)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f A light waterproof jacket or umbrella (Edinburgh weather is unpredictable)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd0c A UK Type G plug adaptor (for international attendees)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcf1 Digital access to conference materials (avoid printing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small actions collectively reduce the environmental footprint of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf31 Hendersons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vegetarian and vegan restaurant with locally sourced ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.hendersonsrestaurant.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf72MUMS Great Comfort Food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scottish dishes offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.monstermashcafe.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd59 Maki & Ramen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Offers vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.makiandramen.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf5b Mother India’s Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Indian tapas-style dining with many vegetarian options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.motherindia.co.uk\/restaurant\/mother-india-edinburgh\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd58 Ting Thai Caravan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thai street food with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.tingthai.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd51 Holy Cow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vegan and organic caf\u00e9 with gluten-free options.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to participate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Competition details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sustainability challenge tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Conference Venue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The conference will be hosted in the EICC<\/strong>, which is committed to operating sustainably as reported on their website<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Other Initiatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Transportation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Public Transport in Edinburgh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cycling<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Travel to Heriot-Watt University (Workshops)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Travelling Across the UK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where to stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Conference T-Shirts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to bring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n