Shaping the Future of Human–Robot Collaboration
25 February 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 CET
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Organizers:
Ruđer Bošković Institute – Center for Informatics and Computing (within the EuroCC2 and MULTISTEM projects)
and Vandri Robotics in cooperation with the Multitasking Managers Association – Business Club and partners
THE HUMANOID ROBOTICS REVOLUTION
Humanoid robotics is on the verge of a major global breakthrough. Thanks to rapid progress in artificial intelligence, materials science, and sensor technologies, humanoid robots are evolving from laboratory prototypes into practical collaborators in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and public services.
Industry forecasts suggest that by 2035 the global humanoid robotics market will exceed €30 billion, driven by aging populations, labor shortages, and growing demand for human-centered automation solutions.
The European Union has positioned itself as a global leader in trustworthy, human-centric AI and robotics through initiatives such as the EU AI Act, the European Robotics Strategy, and the Horizon Europe funding program. These regulatory and financial frameworks emphasize safety, transparency, and social benefit — values fully aligned with humanoid robotics, whose goal is to extend human capabilities, not replace them.
For Croatia and the wider Adriatic–Central European region, humanoid robotics represents a major development opportunity. A strong tradition in engineering, computer science, and applied AI research, combined with growing technology clusters and innovation ecosystems, creates a solid foundation for research excellence and commercial application.
Tourism-oriented economies like Croatia’s can particularly benefit from intelligent service robots that enhance customer experience while helping address seasonal and structural labor challenges.
CROATIAN–SLOVENIAN PARTNERSHIP
In January 2026, Vandri Robotics (Slovenia) and Croatian institutions established a strategic collaboration in humanoid robotics research and development.
This partnership combines Vandri Robotics’ expertise in AI for humanoid systems with scientific research excellence in Croatia.
The central initiative of this collaboration is the HARIS (Humanoid Adaptive Reasoning and Interaction System) project.
HARIS addresses a key challenge in service robotics: intuitive and transparent interaction between robots and humans in dynamic, multi-user environments. In busy, multilingual spaces such as hotel receptions, users must clearly understand whether the robot is listening to them, who it is addressing, what its intentions are, and how they should respond.
HARIS develops an intelligent communication core that integrates spatially adaptive sound, visual state indicators, and context-aware reasoning.
The system has been validated in real operational conditions through a pilot implementation in Liburnia Riviera Hotels in Croatia, confirming its practical application in the service industry.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCUSSION
With the aim of opening dialogue, encouraging collaboration, and fostering research and business partnerships between public and private organizations in Croatia and beyond, we are organizing this inaugural conference.
Participants will explore:
The transformative potential of humanoid robotics for industry, services, and society
State-of-the-art solutions and emerging technologies
Ongoing activities and future plans in Croatia, the EU, and globally
Live demonstrations with Tonka, the first humanoid robot in Croatia, and the Vandri Robotics HRaaS platform
PROGRAMME
25 February 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 CET
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb
09:00 – 09:15
Opening Remarks
Dr. Karolj Skala, Senior Scientist, Ruđer Bošković Institute
Tadej Slapnik, Director, Vandri Robotics
Robert Kuščar, President, Multitasking Managers Association – Business Club
09:15 – 09:45
Panel I – Humanoid Robots and Multimodal Intelligence
Academician Bojan Jerbić, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts
09:45 – 10:15
Panel II – Autonomous Robotic Systems: Just a Few Years Away?
Prof. Stjepan Bogdan, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
10:15 – 10:30
Panel III – Humanoid Robots and AI: Robot Networks as Infrastructure or a New Entity?
Academician Karolj Skala, Ruđer Bošković Institute
10:30 – 10:40
Coffee Break
10:40 – 10:55
Presentation I – The First Humanoid Robotics Center in Europe
Anamarija Blažević, Member of Parliament
Tomislav Nović, Mayor of Pakrac
Mario Čelan, Educatorium
10:55 – 11:10
Presentation II – The Economic Perspective of Humanoid Robotics
Tadej Slapnik, Director, Vandri Robotics
11:10 – 11:20
Presentation III – 5th Conference on Robot Technologies and Applications
Drone Demo Convoy, Zadar, 10–13 September 2026
Prof. Marko Valčić, University of Zadar
11:20 – 12:00
Round Table: Humanoid Robotics – Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward
Interactive discussion on research priorities, industrial applications, regulatory frameworks, and collaboration opportunities, with audience participation.
Panelists include:
Academician Bojan Jerbić
Prof. Stjepan Bogdan
Krešimir Sever, Office for Social Partnership of the Republic of Croatia
Mario Čelan
Ivana Kolar, Vice President, Multitasking Managers Association – Business Club
Prof. Marko Valčić
Moderators: Tadej Slapnik and Prof. Zorislav Šojat
12:05 – 12:45
Hands-On Workshop: Humanoid Robots in Action
Live demonstration and practical experience with Tonka, Croatia’s pioneering humanoid robot.
Led by the Vandri Robotics expert team:
Luka Slapnik, Amadej Pozelnik, Dejan Iličić, Miha Golčer
Workshop includes:
Live demonstration of Tonka’s capabilities
Behind-the-scenes look at the Vandri Robotics HRaaS platform
Q&A session with the engineering team
12:45 – 13:00
Networking & Closing
Informal networking with light refreshments. Opportunity to connect with researchers, industry experts, and potential collaboration partners.
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
Participation is free. Prior registration is required. Register here
Contact: info@vandri.ai
Venue: Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
