Robotic Systems Designed for Underrepresented Communities

• Date: Thursday, June 4

• Time: 10:00-12:00

• Location: Schubert 2 at the VIECON (first floor)

Building on the success of last year’s Africa Robotics Forum at ICRA 2025, this event brings together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to explore how robotic systems can be designed to address real-world challenges faced by underrepresented communities. The workshop will highlight emerging research, practical applications, and collaborative efforts that leverage robotics to improve access, equity, and societal impact across diverse contexts. Through keynote talks, spotlight presentations, and interactive discussions, the event aims to foster knowledge exchange, amplify underrepresented voices, and strengthen a global network focused on inclusive and community-centered robotics innovation.

• Chinwe Ekenna (University at Albany)

• Simeon Adebola (UC Berkely)

• Tamlin Love (University of the Witwatersrand | Institut de Robotica i Informàtica Industrial (IRI))

• Kenechukwu C. Mbanisi (Olin College of Engineering)

• Adam Mukuddem (University of Cape Town)

• Diane Uwacu (Mount Holyoke College)

• Ugochukwu Okoro (University at Albany)