IEEE UK & Ireland RAS Chapter –   From Code to Companions: the Role of AI in Social Robotics, Prof. Tony Belpaeme

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IEEE UK and Ireland – RAS Chapter 

Prestigious Lecture Series

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From Code to Companions: the Role of AI in Social Robotics   

Speaker:    Prof. Tony Belpaeme, Ghent University

Tony Belpaeme is a Professor at Ghent University (Belgium) and Senior Researcher at imec. At Ghent he leads a team studying cognitive robotics and human-robot interaction. Starting from the premise that intelligence is rooted in social interaction, Belpaeme and his research team try to further the science and technology behind artificial intelligence and social robotics. This results in a spectrum of results, from theoretical insights to practical applications. He coordinated several large-scale European projects studying how robots can support children while learning a second language and how long-term human-robot interaction can be use in paediatric applications.

Abstract:
Robots are increasingly becoming our social companions, tutors, and conversational partners. This talk explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence and social robotics. Drawing on recent research, I will examine how large language models and multimodal AI are pushing the boundaries of human-robot interaction, enabling robots to interpret visual context, adapt their speech, manage turn-taking, and engage in open-ended dialogue. While discussing the practical hurdles that remain, from the nuances of child speech recognition to designing robots that alleviate loneliness in vulnerable populations, the talk reflects on the cognitive, technical, and social dimensions of building interactive social machines.

About the Series:
This lecture is part of the IEEE UK & Ireland RAS Chapter Prestigious Lecture Series

Organisers:
IEEE UK & Ireland RAS Chapter

Registration
IEEE and non-IEEE Members are invited to register and participate.

Date: 21th January 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:00 (London Time)

• 15:00 – 15:05 | Welcome & Introduction – IEEE UK & Ireland RAS Chapter

• 15:05 – 15:45 |  From Code to Companions: the Role of AI in Social Robotics
  Speaker:  Prof. Tony Belpaeme, Ghent University

• 15:45 – 16:00 | Live Q&A Session with the Speaker and Closing Remarks & Upcoming Events