11th International Conference on Robot Ethics and Standards

On-site accommodation is very limited please contact cmdcreservations@cranfield.ac.uk for the latest availability and pricing.

Nearby hotels:

The Carrington Arms
2 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.thecarringtonarms.co.uk/

Holiday Inn Milton Keynes East
4.3 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.hi-miltonkeynes-east.co.uk/

Travelodge Bedford Marston Moretaine
4.5 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/11/Bedford-Marston-Moretaine-hotel

Broughton Hotel
4.7 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.greenekinginns.co.uk/hotels/buckinghamshire/broughton-hotel

Harben House Hotel
6 miles from Cranfield University
https://harbenhouse.co.uk/

Hotel La Tour
7.1 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.hotelsone.com/milton-keynes-hotels-gb/hotel-la-tour.html

Doubletree by Hilton (Milton Keynes football stadium)
8 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltndtdi-doubletree-milton-keynes

Leonardo Hotel
8 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/milton-Keynes

Moxy
8 miles from Cranfield University
https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/ltnox-moxy-milton-keynes 

Conference General Chairs
Sarah Fletcher, Cranfield University, UK
M. Osman Tokhi, London South Bank University, UK
Maria Isabel A. Ferreira, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Anne-Marie Oostveen, Cranfield University, UK

International Scientific Committee
Manuel F. Silva, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto & INESC TEC, Portugal
Iveta Eimontaite. Cranfield University, UK
Naveen Sundar Govindarajulu, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, USA

International Advisory Committee
Gurvinder S Virk, CLAWAR Association, UK
Endre E. Kadar, University of Portsmouth, UK

Organising Committee
Iveta Eimontaite, Cranfield University, UK
Philip Lance, CLAWAR Association, UK

Special/Workshop Sessions
Sarah Fletcher, Cranfield University, UK
Praminda Caleb-Solly, University of Nottingham, UK
Khaled M. Goher, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Publication
Anne-Marie Oostveen, Cranfield University, UK
M. Osman Tokhi, London South Bank University, UK

Publicity
Gilbert Tang, Cranfield University, UK
Gabriela Gallegos Garrido, London South Bank University, UK

Web-site
Paulo Ferreira, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal
Louie Webb, London South Bank University, UK

International Scientific Committee
Alan Winfield, Bristol Robotics Lab
Ali Hessami, Vega Systems
Bertram F. Malle, Brown University
Edson Prestes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Endre Kadar, University of Portsmouth
Fabio Bonsignorio, FER, University of Zagreb, Heron Robots
Fiorella Operto, Scuola di Robotica
Gabriela Gallegos Garrido, London South Bank University
Gianmarco Veruggio, CNR
Karolina Zawieska, Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurement – PIAP
Kenji Mase, Nagoya University
Kyoko Yoshinaga, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Matimba Swana, University of Bristol
Matthew Studley, University of the West of England
Minoru Asada, Osaka University
Nikhil Deshpande, University of Nottingham
Philip Lance, PA Consulting
Praminda Caleb-Solly, University of Nottingham
Roeland de Bruin, Utrecht University – Centre for Access to and Acceptance of Autonomous Intelligence
Ronald Arkin, Georgia Institute of Technology
Rosa Lee, Korean Information Society Development Institute
Rui Oliveira, University of Minho
Samer Nashed , UMass Amherst
Selmer Bringsjord, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Shin Kim, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Sule Yildirim-Yayilgan, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Sunyong Byun, Seoul National University of Education
Takayuki Ito, Kyoto University
Tetsunari Inamura, Tamagawa University
Tim Lee, Sangmyung University
Tony Prescott, The University of Sheffield
Yueh Hsuan Weng, Kyushu University

Mark Levene

From prompt engineering to prompt programming for providing automation in LLM-based systems

Abstract:

Large language models (LLM) are a generative AI technology that is promising to deliver automation of a
wide range of programming tasks without the needs for detailed programming. Thus, since prompts can be very high-level, LLMs have the potential of providing semi-autonomous behaviour that could be embedded in AI agents.

Here we discuss a novel method, that we call prompt programming, for managing complex tasks to be delivered by LLMs. We propose bounded flowchart logic as a low-complexity, iteration free, programming paradigm for prompt programming, that hides the complexity of the LLM’s implementation in process and decision nodes.
We will then illustrate prompt programing via a case study from the domain of fact-checking, highlighting the benefits that may accrue from using it.

Prompt programming has the potential to transform programming into a higher-level activity. The implications could be wide-spread, however, it requires trust in the ability of the LLM to deliver “high quality” results. Consequently, prompt programming could facilitate the production of safer and more trustworthy AI systems.

Short Bio:

Mark Levene received his PhD in Computer Science from Birkbeck College, University of London,
having previously been awarded a BSc in Computer Science from Auckland University New Zealand.
Following his PhD he was a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at University College London (UCL). Subsequently he returned Birkbeck College as Professor of Computer Science, where he is a member of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence research group. His main research interests are: data science; applied machine learning; computational social science; and trustworthy and safe AI. He has published extensively in these areas, and has published books on data science and machine learning, search engine technologies and relational data bases.

 

Alan Winfield

What could possibly go wrong? A case study in responsible robotics

ABSTRACT:

Robot accidents are inevitable. In this talk I will outline a framework for social robot accident investigation; a framework that proposes both the technology and processes that would allow social robot accidents to be investigated and lessons learned. I shall describe a series of simulated robot accidents and investigations, enacted with volunteers and real robots. And to conclude I will position accident investigation within the practice of responsible robotics and argue that social robotics without accident investigation would be no less irresponsible than aviation without air accident investigation.

Short Bio:

Alan Winfield is Professor of Robot Ethics at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, Visiting Professor at the University of York, and Associate Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Alan co-founded the Bristol Robotics Laboratory where his research is focussed on the science, engineering and ethics of cognitive robotics. Alan is an advocate for robot ethics; he chairs the advisory board of the Responsible Technology Institute at the University of Oxford and has co-drafted new standards on ethical risk assessment and transparency.

Samia Nefti-Meziani

Building an ethical future: How robotics and AI are transforming work, health, and sustainability

ABSTRACT:

Key ethical concerns associated with Robotics and AI typically include issues of privacy and surveillance, safety and system reliability, as well as potential impacts on employment and the economy.

However, our project experience shows that these risks are not inherent or unavoidable. In many applications, robotics and AI can enhance ethical outcomes, for instance, by taking people out of dangerous environments, reducing workplace injuries, and enabling more accountable, transparent, and responsible operational practices.

Short Bio:

Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE is Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute and Chair in Robotics and AI at the University of Birmingham. With more than 25 years of pioneering research, she is internationally recognised as a leading authority in robotics, intelligent automation, and AI. She received the OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours for services to robotics and was named among Robohub Silicon Valley’s Top 30 Women in Robotics Worldwide.
She has led major UK and EU-funded research programmes supported by EPSRC, Innovate UK and UKRI, advancing robotic technologies across nuclear, aerospace, transport, food manufacturing and healthcare. She is Academic Co-Chair of the UK Cross-Sector Robotics and Autonomous Systems Task Force.
Professor Nefti-Meziani combines technical leadership with a strong focus on the conditions required for the successful deployment and commercialisation of robotics and AI. She has long championed collaboration between engineers, industry leaders and policymakers to accelerate national adoption and secure economic and societal benefit.
One of her most significant contributions is the establishment of the National Committee on Robotics Regulations and Standards, created to bring coherence to the UK’s regulatory landscape. The Committee unites 16 regulators, standards bodies and major infrastructure organisations.
Her collaborative ethos also shapes her leadership of major national initiatives such as the £34.6M RESCu-M² programme, which supports the UK’s transition to a circular manufacturing ecosystem. She has extensive experience directing large-scale and multidisciplinary research efforts, including co-directing the EPSRC National Hub FAIR-SPACE, and has driven major investment in the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre by translating laboratory innovation into practical, industry-ready solutions.

Maria Axente

Beyond principles: Building AI governance that actually works

ABSTRACT:

Short Bio:

Maria is a globally recognised expert in responsible AI, known for bridging the worlds of business, ethics, and policy to help organisations adopt AI wisely and well. Over the past 2 decades she has launched and grown ventures in Eastern Europe and the UK, led AI projects at PwC UK, and guided corporate boards, startups, and governments through complex decisions at the intersection of technology and trust.

Maria serves as an advisor to NATO, UNICEF, the UK Parliament, OECD.AI, and several global standards bodies including IEEE and ISO. She is also a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge (Jesus College), where she explores the societal implications of AI and its governance. She is a passionate public speaker and advocate for AI for Children.

Her insights have been featured by the BBC, Forbes, The Guardian, Business Insider, and the World Economic Forum, where she has authored widely cited frameworks on ethical AI. She is the co-editor of Human-Centered AI: A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Policy-Makers, Auditors, and Users book and the architect behind PwC’s award-winning Responsible AI Toolkit — used across industries to operationalise AI governance at scale.

Maria has been honoured as a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI, a CogX Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Ethical AI, Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. She founded Responsible Intelligence to bring this expertise directly to the leaders shaping tomorrow’s AI systems.

Cranfield is a small village in Bedfordshire with a historic feel and countryside charm. It is close to both Milton Keynes and Bedford, so many visitors use it as a base for exploring the wider region, especially if they are interested in walking, cycling or rural life. Cranfield is perhaps best known for its university and its airport, formerly a Second World War RAF base and now used for small aircraft and research flights.

The village itself has a few local pubs and cafés and makes a peaceful stop on country walks or bike rides through the surrounding fields and woodlands. If you love outdoor activities, you can plan walks or cycle rides in the nearby countryside. For family visitors there are nearby attractions a short drive away such as Woburn Abbey and Woburn Safari Park.

Because Cranfield is small there are not many major tourist sites right in the village, so most visitors plan day trips out to larger nearby towns or sit down for a relaxed meal after exploring the farmland and local paths.

Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is a modern, planned city in Buckinghamshire. It is known for its green spaces, central shopping areas and range of culture and entertainment options. The city sits about ten minutes by road from Cranfield and makes an easy day trip.

Highlights in and around the city include:

· Bletchley Park https://www.bletchleypark.org.uk for history and the story of codebreaking in the Second World War. It is one of the most visited attractions in the area.

· Willen Lake https://www.willenlake.org.uk, a large park and lake perfect for walking, water sports, and family days out.

· Milton Keynes Museum https://miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk, which tells the story of local life and industry, including railways and rural heritage.

· Campbell Park https://www.theparkstrust.com/find-a-park and Milton Keynes Rose https://miltonkeynesrose.org.uk, large open spaces for picnics, views and relaxation close to the city centre.

· The Tree Cathedral https://www.theparkstrust.com/find-a-park/tree-cathedral and Ouzel Valley Park [https://www.theparkstrust.com/find-a-park/ouzel-valley-park] for nature walks and peaceful green space.

· Bancroft Roman Villa https://www.theparkstrust.com/our-work/heritage/bancroft-roman-villa if you enjoy archaeological sites and local history.

· Public art and quirky landmarks such as Concrete Cows [https://www.theparkstrust.com/our-work/public-art/concrete-cows], a symbol of the city’s planned heritage and a good photo stop.

Computing history, robotics, AI, or general engineering

Recommendations for visitors with an interest in robotics, computing and technological heritage when based around Cranfield and Milton Keynes, England.

Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park is one of the most significant sites in the history of computing and codebreaking. During the Second World War this estate was the principal centre for Allied cryptanalysis, where teams worked on machines such as the Enigma and Lorenz ciphers and where key figures including Alan Turing made foundational contributions to computer science. The current visitor attraction combines restored historic buildings, interpretive exhibits and interactive displays about wartime codebreaking and early computing. The official website includes practical visitor information, opening hours and ticketing.
Visit: https://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/

The National Museum of Computing
Located on the Bletchley Park estate but run as a separate institution, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. It presents the evolution of computing technology from early machines through to modern systems. Highlights include rebuilt versions of the Colossus computer and other pioneering machines that shaped computing and, by extension, the foundations of robotics and artificial intelligence. The museum often offers educational programmes, demonstrations and events that explore computation, logic and coding in depth.
Visit: http://www.tnmoc.org/

Both of these sites are reachable from Milton Keynes by public transport or taxi and form a combined full-day outing for anyone interested in the history of computing and the roots of modern intelligent systems.

Waddesdon Manor (Buckinghamshire)
Waddesdon Manor is a Rothschild country house managed by the National Trust and makes an excellent visit for anyone interested in the longer history of “robotic” ingenuity. Alongside its art collections and architecture, it is associated with a famous musical mechanical elephant automaton (1774), a striking example of early mechanised craftsmanship designed to create lifelike movement through intricate engineering. For visitors who enjoy robotics, automation, and the evolution of intelligent machines, it offers an unusual but genuinely relevant complement to more modern computing sites such as Bletchley Park.

More information (including visiting details) is available via the National Trust website: https://waddesdon.org.uk

Silverstone Museum
While not strictly focused on robotics, the Silverstone Museum at the Silverstone Circuit (about 45–50 minutes’ drive from Cranfield) explores engineering innovation and technological evolution in motorsport. Many visitors with an interest in mechanical systems, automation and advanced design find the technical exhibits engaging. The museum covers motorsport heritage and engineering excellence across decades of racing history. This can complement visits to computing and robotics landmarks with mechanical and systems engineering context.

Other suggestions for robot or engineering enthusiasts include the Shuttleworth Collection near Biggleswade (about 40 minutes from Cranfield). Although this is primarily an aviation and historic machinery attraction rather than a dedicated robotics venue, it offers a strong sense of engineering history and innovation that may appeal to those who appreciate machine design. (See https://www.shuttleworth.org/ for details.)

For any visits to these sites it is advisable to check opening times and ticketing in advance, as many places have seasonal schedules or require pre-booking for special exhibits or tours.

Shopping and culture

Milton Keynes has large contemporary shopping centres with hundreds of stores. The Centre https://www.centremk.com and nearby retail parks provide fashion, dining and occasional special attractions. The city also offers theatre, cinema and live events throughout the year.

Transport and practicalities

Milton Keynes is well connected by train from London, Birmingham and other UK cities. From Cranfield you can reach Milton Keynes by car or bus in about 15 to 30 minutes. The area around both towns is easy to explore by cycling, with dedicated paths in Milton Keynes and pleasant country lanes around Cranfield.

Visa/ETA Information

To visit the UK, you may need a Standard Visitor visa (£127) if you are a visa national, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (£16) if you are a non-visa national (e.g. EU, USA). Both generally allow for tourism for up to 6 months. Apply online in advance via GOV.UK. 

Key Details

· Duration: Most visitor visas and ETAs allow stays of up to 6 months.

· Requirement Check: Use the official GOV.UK Check if you need a UK visa tool to confirm your specific requirements based on nationality.

· ETA (New Requirement): As of 2025/2026, many visitors (including those previously visa-exempt) require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter, which is applied for via the UK ETA app (iOS) or UK ETA app (Android).

· Standard Visitor Visa: Required for nationals from countries not in the exempt list, requiring biometric info at a visa application centre.

· Validity: You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your trip.

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.