First Keynote Announcement – IEEE SMC 2026

We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the upcoming IEEE SMC 2026 Conference:

Hiroshi Ishiguro: A Global Pioneer Advancing Human-Robot Symbiosis

@The University of Osaka

Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor at Osaka University and Director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, will bring his visionary perspective on humanoid robotics, avatars, and human-robot interaction to the IEEE SMC stage.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneer in the development of highly realistic humanoid robots designed to closely mimic human appearance, behavior, and speech.
  
  
  
• Founder of Android Science, a mutidisciplinary feld that uses lifelike robots to explore and better understand human behavior, cognition,and socialinteraction.
  
  
  

• Creator of advanced humanoid robots, including ERICA, Telenoid, and Ibuki, developed for research in communication, social interaction, and therapeutic applications.
  
  

@Future of Life/EXPO 2025

What to Expect from His Keynote:

In this keynote, Professor Ishiguro will introduce his pioneering work on autonomous robots and avatar technologies, including teleoperated robots and digital characters. He will discuss how avatars can enable people to transcend physical and geographic constraints, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in work, education, healthcare, and social activities regardless of limitations in mobility, location, or time.

By enabling people to remotely control avatars and interact through robotic embodiments, Professor Ishiguro envisions a future society where humans, robots, and digital avatars coexist and collaborate—expanding human capabilities and creating new opportunities for inclusive participation in everyday life.

Join us at IEEE SMC 2026 to hear this visionary perspective on the future of human–robot symbiosis and avatar-enabled societies.

More information: Keynote Speakers - Visit us at the IEEE SMC 2026 in Bellevue from October 4th to 7th.