02 Apr 2026
Oxford Robotics Institute to exhibit at the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
Visitors to the Summer Science Exhibition will be able to interact with state-of-the-art robots and learn how the robots of the future will sense, plan and perform actions.
Oxford Robotics Institute’s soft robot hand and Frank – a bimanual robot will be demonstrated at the exhibit.
One of only thirteen flagship exhibitors, the Oxford Robotics Institute has been selected to showcase its world-leading research and innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems at the week-long Royal Society Summer Exhibition taking place from 30 June to 5 July.
The ORI exhibit will focus on the future of robotics assembly and is supported by EPSRC-funded Embodied Intelligence programme. Robots will transform the way we build, recycle and manufacture in future. But even tasks that seem simple for humans require the ability to sense, plan and perform actions in the physical world, presenting major challenges for today’s AI and robotics.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Frank – a bimanual robot – and experience first-hand the challenges of teaching a robot two-handed coordination. The Institute’s soft hand robot will demonstrate the multi-fold challenges in developing flexible, sensor-rich artificial skin to detect pressure, texture, and contact in real time – all of which are central to assembly tasks. These tasks are at the heart of the Embodied Intelligence research programme, which explores how to deliver autonomous systems that amplify human capacity and potential in fields such as manufacturing, logistics and social care.
Ingmar Posner, Professor of Applied AI and Programme Lead for Embodied Intelligence said:
“We're excited about being part of this unique event and looking forward to bringing our research to life for the public, schools, and anyone curious about where robotics is headed!”
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. It aims to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. In line with this ambition, the annual Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition showcases the latest in research and innovation from across the UK through interactive exhibits, as well as a daily-changing programme of inspiring talks, demos and activities.
Dr Sandra Knapp, Royal Society Fellow and Chair of the Society’s Public Engagement Committee, said: “Science tells the untold stories of our universe and the forces that shape our lives, from the formation of distant solar systems to the microscopic worlds inside us all.”
More information on the Oxford Robotics Institute exhibit can be found here. The week of Summer Science will kick off with an exclusive schools-only day on Tuesday 30 June, before the public are invited in at 6pm for a late-night opening for adults only. Public entry for all ages is from 10am Wednesday 1 July. Further information on the event can be found on the Royal Society website.
