IROS 2025 Workshop
Robotic Theatres and Cultural-Entertainment Innovation:
Bridging Technology, Design, and Heritage
IROS 2025 @Hangzhou, China
19-25 October, 2025
📅 Half-Day Workshop | ⏰ 09:00 – 12:30
ABOUT
Recent advancements in robotics and cultural computing have opened unprecedented opportunities to reimagine heritage preservation, education, and entertainment through human-robot collaboration. By integrating robotic systems with cultural narratives, aesthetics, and localized design principles, researchers are pioneering immersive experiences that bridge technology with tradition—transforming robots from functional tools into storytellers, educators, and cultural custodians.
This workshop will explore the intersection of robotics, cultural heritage, and interaction design, focusing on applications such as robotic theatres, heritage-inspired interactive exhibits, and collaborative learning tools. Participants will delve into how cultural contexts—including traditions, social norms, and aesthetic values—shape robotic design, human-robot interaction, and scenario-specific deployment in settings like museums, festivals, and educational environments.
Key topics include:
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Design-driven robotics: Balancing technical feasibility with cultural authenticity and emotional engagement
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Case studies: Robots in traditional ceremonies (e.g., tea rituals), folklore-based storytelling, and cross-generational heritage education
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Challenges: Innovating while preserving cultural integrity, adapting robotic systems to diverse audiences, and measuring impact in educational-entertainment contexts
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Best practices: Frameworks for integrating heritage narratives into motion design, AI interaction, and aesthetic robotics
The workshop will feature keynote talks, lighting talks, panel discussions, and a guided tour to a live demonstration of a Chinese-style robotic band. Participants will co-create a roadmap for culturally adaptive robotics and contribute to a repository of case studies, fostering global interdisciplinary collaboration.
Who should attend?
Researchers, designers, and cultural practitioners working in robotics, HCI, heritage preservation, or entertainment technology. No prior robotics expertise is required, but an interest in cultural narratives and human-centered design will enhance engagement.
Join us to redefine robotics as a medium for cultural expression and immersive learning.
Call for Participants
We invite young scholars—particularly Ph.D. candidates and early-career researchers—to submit short papers
and share their work at this interdisciplinary workshop. Submissions should explore themes at the intersection of robotics, cultural heritage, interaction design, or related fields, with a focus on human-robot collaboration, culturally adaptive systems, or scenario-specific applications (e.g., education, entertainment, heritage preservation).
Submission Guidelines
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Short papers: 2 pages (excluding references) in standard conference format. Submissions may include preliminary results, conceptual frameworks, or case studies.
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Poster: Accepted contributors will present an A2-sized poster at the workshop.
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Lightning talks: Selected participants will deliver a 3-minute oral pitch to introduce their ideas and spark discussions.
Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, relevance to the workshop themes, and potential to foster dialogue. Accepted papers will be shared on the workshop website (non-archival).
Why Participate?
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Receive feedback from pioneers in robotics, cultural computing, and interaction design
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Network with peers and explore interdisciplinary collaborations
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Contribute to a collective roadmap for culturally adaptive robotics
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Best poster/pitch awards will recognize outstanding contributions
Key Dates
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Submission deadline: [TBD]
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Notification of acceptance: [TBD]
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Workshop date: [TBD]
Submit via: [TBD]
Who Should Submit?
Researchers in robotics, HCI, cultural computing, heritage studies, or entertainment technology—especially those exploring:
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Robotics as a medium for cultural storytelling or education
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Human-robot interaction in culturally rich environments
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Design methodologies for heritage-inspired robotic systems
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Ethical frameworks for culturally sensitive robotics
Work-in-progress and provocative ideas are welcome!
Invited Speakers
Tentative Schedule
Organizers
Corresponding Organizer
Haipeng Mi
Professor
Tsinghua University