Search....
CTRL+K
Search....
CTRL+K
The robots are coming and they’re getting smarter, evolving from singletask devices (think Roomba) into machines that can make their own decisions and autonomously navigate public spaces. From transportation systems, hospitals, and the military, to the robotization of our workplaces and households, robots will be everywhere and will increasingly interact with people.
Whether you find it exhilarating or terrifying (or both), progress in robotics and related fields like AI raises new ethical quandaries and challenges legal codes created for a world in which a sharp line separates man from machine.
Drawing from her recent work exploring humans’ emotional responses to robots, Dr. Kate Darling answers questions like:
What happens when robots move from behind factory walls into shared spaces and begin interacting with humans?
What opportunities and challenges should we anticipate in the future of human-robot interaction?
Where does the true potential of AI and robotics lie, and will robots supplement human ability, or replace it?
Why do people treat robots like living things, and why does that matter?
What can and can’t robots and AI do? What societal challenges will we face in a future with robots (ethical, legal, and social)?
Dr. Darling examines why people fear some robots and empathize with others, while also prompting—and answering—questions about what society’s relationship with these robots could look like in the future.
What follows is in part an examination of the technology itself, but ultimately, offers a window into how it’s poised to change the way we relate to each other and our own humanity—and why it matters.
Dr. Kate Darling is a leading expert in robot ethics and human-robot interaction, recognized for her groundbreaking research on the social, emotional, and legal impacts of robotics. As a research scientist at the MIT Media Lab, she studies how people emotionally engage with robots and how these relationships influence society, law, and policy.
Darling’s work pushes beyond technical innovation, focusing on the human side of robotics. She has advised policymakers, industry leaders, and global audiences on the challenges and opportunities created by emerging intelligent systems. Her research and talks explore questions such as: how should society treat robots, and how will their presence change our behavior, workplaces, and ethics?
With clarity and accessibility, Darling inspires audiences to think critically about the future of technology while also empowering organizations to make ethical and strategic decisions. She is a frequent media contributor and has been featured in outlets like The New Yorker, The Guardian, and PBS.
Her engaging presentations combine academic rigor with relatable stories, sparking thought-provoking discussions on the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
Dr. Kate Darling stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of Robot Ethics, wielding her expertise as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. With a keen focus on human-robot interaction, she delves into the intricate dynamics of social robotics, unraveling the complexities of our emotional connection with life-like machines. As a thought leader, Kate endeavors to shape technology design and policy, probing the ethical considerations that underpin the burgeoning relationship between humans and robots.
Kate Darling’s journey as a trailblazer in Robot Ethics is underscored by her multidisciplinary background. Armed with a foundation in law, economics, and intellectual property, she brings a unique perspective to her research endeavors. Prior to her tenure at MIT, Kate delved into the intricacies of economic incentives within copyright and patent systems, laying the groundwork for her nuanced understanding of the intersection between technology and society.
Her passion for technology and robots has led her to interdisciplinary fields. After co-teaching a robot ethics course at Harvard Law School with Professor Lawrence Lessig, she began to work at the intersection of law and robotics, with a focus on legal and social issues.
Dr. Kate Darling work has been featured in Vogue, The New Yorker, The Guardian, BBC, NPR, PBS, The Boston Globe, Forbes, CBC, WIRED, Boston Magazine, The Atlantic, Slate, Die Zeit, The Japan Times, and more. She writes a monthly column for BBC’s Science Focus magazine and has been a contributing writer to Robohub and IEEE Spectrum. She currently speaks and holds workshops covering some of the more interesting developments in the world of robotics, and where we might find ourselves in the future.
Kate graduated from law school with honors and holds a doctorate of sciences from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and an honorary doctorate of sciences from Middlebury College. In 2017, the American Bar Association honored her legal work with the Mark T. Banner award in Intellectual Property. Dr. Kate Darling is the caretaker for several domestic robots, including her Pleos Yochai, Peter, and Mr. Spaghetti. She tweets as @grok_ about eating cheerios for dinner.
In summary, Dr. Kate Darling emerges as a preeminent authority in Robot Ethics, leveraging her multidisciplinary background to navigate the ethical complexities of human-robot interaction. Through her groundbreaking research and engaging speaking engagements, she illuminates the societal implications of advancing robotics technology, inspiring critical dialogue and shaping policy direction.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
A: Blend of research and practical takeaways tailored to audience sophistication.
A: Yes — excels in moderated discussions and policy forums.
A: 8–12 weeks recommended.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Ben Hammersley stands as one of the world’s most renowned futurists, celebrated for his unparalleled ability to navigate the complexities of tomorrow. As the founder and principal of Hammersley Futures, an international strategic forecasting consultancy, he has redefined the art of guiding corporations and governmental organizations toward clarity amidst the uncertainties of the future. Known […]
Sophia the Robot is a marvel of artificial intelligence and robotics, captivating audiences worldwide with her human-like appearance and advanced conversational abilities. As the world’s first robot citizen and the inaugural robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia embodies the intersection of technology and humanity. Her presence challenges our perceptions of AI […]
With a pivotal role in launching IBM’s Watson in 2011, a groundbreaking application of Artificial Intelligence on a global scale, Sol Rashidi has consistently been a trailblazer in the ideation, conceptualization, design, and development of Data & AI applications. Boasting over three dozen large-scale implementations and a remarkable record, Sol holds eight granted patents, with […]
Stafford Masie talks around Digital Innovation and Disruption, and are applicable to any audience because technology is a transversal matter, irrespective of industry or theme. Stafford has been in the ICT industry for more than 25 years. His career foundations started in mid 90’s working for Telkom, Dimension Data and then Novell as a software engineer. […]
Omar Johnson is a marketing visionary and brand strategist whose innovative approach transformed Beats by Dre from a niche audio brand into a global cultural phenomenon. As the former Chief Marketing Officer of Beats by Dre, he played a pivotal role in growing the company’s revenue from $20 million to over $2 billion, ultimately leading […]
Linda Bernardi is a trailblazer in the world of innovation, renowned for her unique vision and unwavering commitment to disrupting the status quo. As an “innovation provocateur,” Linda helps organizations break free from their comfort zones, challenge conventional wisdom, and shatter outdated paradigms. Her mission is to drive the creation of market-changing products, services, and […]
Dr. Vivienne Ming stands at the intersection of science, technology, and human potential. As a theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and demented author, she has dedicated her career to exploring how cutting-edge advancements can unlock and maximize human capacity. With a reputation for being one of the most innovative and thought-provoking speakers of our time, Dr. […]
Crystal Washington is a dynamic professional speaker renowned for her expertise in leveraging technology to drive profitability and enhance productivity for organizations worldwide. With a passion for empowering businesses to harness the full potential of emerging digital tools, Crystal has carved a niche for herself as a leading authority on the intersection of technology and […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
