Call for posters and participation, GRC Robotics, Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026.

Dear computational neuroscientists,

We are happy to announce the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Robotics that will take place in Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026. We have a great list of speakers and discussion leaders (see below and the website). The call for participation and for posters in now open, see https://www.grc.org/robotics-conference/2026/

This year’s conference will focus on adaptive behavior and learning in animals and robots. We will explore how biological inspiration drives advancements in robotics, from simple reactive behaviors to complex planning and learning systems. Insights from biomechanics, neuroscience, and animal studies are increasingly shaping the design and control of robots, making them more robust and adaptable. A key focus will be on embodied intelligence, enabling robots to excel in locomotion, manipulation, and interactions with other agents.

Conversely, robotics research is also contributing to biology. Studies of perception and action in robotic systems are leading to new mathematical models that help integrative biologists understand locomotion, manipulation, and collective behavior in animals. By bringing together experts from robotics, biomechanics, and neuroscience, this conference aims to foster cross-disciplinary insights that will push the boundaries of both fields. Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas at the intersection of robotics and biology, where engineering meets evolution.

The Robotics GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

Best regards,

Auke Ijspeert and Vijay Kumar, organizers.

Invited speakers:

Alin Albu-Schaeffer
Nora Ayanian
Spring Berman
Oliver Brock
Rod Brooks
Bingni Brunton
Henrik Christensen
Kenji Doya
Nadia Figeroa
Josie Hughes
Marco Hutter
Dan Koditschek
Cecilia Laschi
Tony Prescott
Amanda Prorok
Daniela Rus
Michael Rubenstein
Dorsa Sadigh
Giulio Sandini
Stefan Schaal
Claire Tomlin
Kotaro Yasui

Invited discussion leaders:

Josie Hughes
Dan Koditschek
Cecila Laschi
Chen Li
Barbara Mazzolai
Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin
Stefan Schaal
Giulio Sandini
Barry Trimmer

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Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert (he/him)
Biorobotics Laboratory
EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9
EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Office: ME D1 1226   Tel: +41 21 693 2658    Fax: +41 21 693 3705
www: http://biorob.epfl.ch           Email: Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch
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