A user-centered perspective on human-robot sensorimotor augmentation
IEEE ICRA 2026 Workshop Proposal
June 1st, 2026, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Abstract
Augmenting physical capabilities of humans through supernumerary robotic limbs (SRLs) is a groundbreaking idea in the field of human-robot interaction. SRLs find the most direct application in supporting people with motor disabilities, aiming to restore their lost motor functions. Despite the increasing attention gained over the last decade, their adoption still faces both technological and non-technological challenges. This workshop will be the occasion to have a user-centered and multidisciplinary point of view of the problem. Top researchers, pioneering the novel science of human-robot augmentation, will be asked to share their latest results in the field and discuss together a live demo that will be organized at the beginning of the workshop. In the demo, a post-stroke patient will control a SRL augmenting his manipulation capabilities.
The fundamental questions addressed in this workshop will be: Can humans perceive the SRL as part of their own body? Is such embodiment possible even if the SRL is not wearable? At which stage of SRL development should end-users be involved in the design process? Is it possible to simultaneously control artificial and natural limbs? What are the other applications of supernumerary limbs, beyond assistive and rehabilitative ones?
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
14:00 - 14:05 Welcome and presentation of workshop objectives (E. Bastianelli)
14:05 - 14:30 DEMO SESSION
S. Rossi, M. Pozzi, B. Brogi, A. Bondi
14:30 - 15:15 SESSION I
14:30 - 14:45 D. Prattichizzo "Sensorimotor augmentation through wearable interfaces"
14:45 - 15:00 A. Oliviero "Robotic augmentation for spinal cord injured individuals"
15:00 - 15:15 A. D'Avella "Muscular null space control for robotic augmentation"
15:15 - 15:30 Q&A
15:30 - 16:00 Poster Session and Coffee Break
16:00 - 17:00 SESSION II
16:00 - 16:15 J. Starke "User Agency and Load Sharing in Semi-Autonomous Control of Robotic Hands"
16:15 - 16:30 E. Burdet "A predictive coding framework for safe and versatile control of supernumerary robotic limbs"
16:30 - 16:45 M. Inami "Toward an Era of Exchanging Capabilities"
16:45 - 17:00 H.H. Asada "Superlimbs for space applications"
17:00 - 17:30: Q&A and ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
17:30: Closing remarks of the workshop and end of the workshop
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
Antonio Oliviero
SESCAM, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain
Domenico Prattichizzo
University of Siena and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Genova)
Andrea D’Avella
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma
Etienne Burdet
Imperial College, London
Masahiko Inami
University of Tokyo
H. Harry Asada
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Julia Starke
University of Lübeck
Simone Rossi
University of Siena
Maria Pozzi
University of Siena and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Genova)
Bernardo Brogi
University of Siena
Alessandro Bondi
Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Siena
POSTER/DEMO CONTRIBUTIONS
POSTER/DEMO CONTRIBUTIONS
Researchers interested in presenting their work during the workshop can submit an extended abstract in standard IEEE conference template, 2 pages max. Please note that it is possible to use material that has already been published and that authors who plan to show a demo should describe it in the abstract and possibly attach a video of the demo. We also welcome contributions describing and discussing the results of real-world tests of soft manipulators. Abstracts will be reviewed by the organizers. Authors of accepted abstracts will have to prepare a poster and present it in person during the workshop.
Extended abstracts should be submitted by e-mail to:
inami@star.rcast.u-tokyo.ac.jp
domenico.prattichizzo@unisi.it
Important dates
Important dates
Abstract submission deadline: April 15th, 2026 (AoE)
Notification of acceptance: May 1st, 2026 (AoE)*
Workshop: 1st of June, 2026
* [If authors need a faster reply they are encouraged to please indicate this in the submission phase.]
* [If authors need a faster reply they are encouraged to please indicate this in the submission phase.]
Presentation instructions (tentative)
Presentation instructions (tentative)
Authors of accepted abstracts will have to prepare a 1-slide pitch talk to present their work and a poster in A0 portrait format and present in person during the conference.
ORGANIZERS
ORGANIZERS
Elena Bastianelli
University of Siena
Gionata Salvietti
University of Siena and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Genova)
Simone Rossi
University of Siena
Masahiko Inami
University of Tokyo
Domenico Prattichizzo
University of Siena and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Genova)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the support of the European Union by the Horizon Europe project HARIA - "Human-Robot Sensorimotor Augmentation" (GA No. 101070292)“.
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