Dr. Kate Darling: Robotics Expert

  • RESEARCH SCIENTIST AT THE MIT MEDIA LAB.
  • FORMER FELLOW OF THE HARVARD BERKMAN KLEIN CENTER FOR INTERNET & SOCIETY.
  • AFFILIATE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ETHICS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.
  • AUTHOR OF THE NEW BREED.
  • Leading robotics expert known for her groundbreaking research in the field of robotics ethics.
  • Shares incredible insights on human-robot interaction, robot ethics, and the ways robots will impact society in the near-term future.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

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 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 […]

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.

Dr. Kate Darling | AI Robotics Expert

Expertise and Background:

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 influence extends beyond academia, as she has assumed pivotal roles as an intellectual property expert at both academic and private institutions. Notably, she served as the intellectual property policy advisor to the director of the MIT Media Lab, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s approach to emerging technological challenges. Additionally, Kate played an instrumental part in establishing the MIT-BU Technology Law Clinic, further solidifying her commitment to bridging the gap between law and technology.

At events worldwide, Kate Darling captivates audiences with her insightful presentations, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of human-robot interaction. Armed with a wealth of research and real-world experiences, she navigates the ethical complexities of this burgeoning field with clarity and conviction. Through her engaging speaking engagements, Kate sparks critical conversations about the societal implications of advancing robotics technology, inspiring attendees to contemplate the ethical considerations that accompany technological innovation.

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 is a former Fellow at the Harvard Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and the Yale Information Society Project, and is also an affiliate at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. She’s a senior co-chair for We Robot, the leading conference on legal and policy questions relating to robots.

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.

Why Book Dr. Kate Darling:

Event planners seeking to provoke thought and inspire dialogue on the ethical dimensions of technology would be remiss to overlook Dr. Kate Darling. With her unparalleled expertise in Robot Ethics and human-robot interaction, she offers a dynamic and engaging perspective that resonates with audiences across diverse industries. From corporate summits to academic conferences, Kate’s presentations stimulate critical thinking and challenge conventional wisdom, making her an invaluable addition to any event lineup.

Furthermore, Kate’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry ensures that her insights are not only thought-provoking but also actionable. As technology continues to permeate every facet of society, her expertise serves as a guiding light for policymakers, technologists, and thought leaders alike. By booking Dr. Kate Darling, event planners can offer attendees a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of emerging technologies, empowering them to navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected world.

Why Choose Speakers Inc:

Event planners entrusted with curating memorable and impactful experiences for their attendees can benefit immensely from partnering with Speakers Inc. With a roster of world-renowned experts like Dr. Kate Darling, Speakers Inc. ensures access to thought leaders at the forefront of their respective fields. By leveraging their extensive network and industry expertise, Speakers Inc. simplifies the process of securing top-tier speakers, offering unparalleled value and peace of mind to event planners.

Moreover, Speakers Inc. goes beyond mere matchmaking, providing comprehensive support and resources to ensure the success of every event. From logistical coordination to tailored content development, their team of professionals is committed to exceeding client expectations at every turn. By entrusting their speaker selection process to Speakers Inc., event planners can focus on delivering exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impact on attendees.

Summary and Conclusion:

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. Event planners seeking to enrich their programs with thought-provoking insights and actionable takeaways can rely on Dr. Kate Darling to deliver a compelling and memorable experience.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

For Meeting Planners

This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.

Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.

We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.

Features:

  • video links,
  • short concise bio
  • Book images and
  • topic list.

View further speakers

  • (13)
  • Featured
Olympia LePoint

Olympia LePoint is an award-winning rocket scientist, bestselling author, and dynamic professional speaker whose mission is to inspire, educate, and empower audiences worldwide. Renowned for her pivotal role in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, where she contributed to the success of 28 space missions, Olympia has transformed her groundbreaking expertise into a platform that merges science, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • AI Technology Speakers
  • (+13)
  • (179)
  • Featured
Kanya Sesser

Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (+15)
  • (95)
  • Featured
Lily Brasch

Lily Brasch is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born with a rare congenital condition and told she would never walk, Lily has turned impossibilities into achievements that inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey is a beacon of hope, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (+10)
  • (43)
  • Featured
  • (6)
Tammy Barlette

Retired Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette, and seasoned military pilot, brings a fresh perspective to overcoming challenges with high-stakes mental performance strategies. Drawing on her 20 years of experience in the cockpit of some of the Air Force’s most demanding aircraft, Tammy inspires audiences to rethink their approach to handling adversity and reaching peak performance. Her […]

  • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
  • Military Speakers
  • (+8)
  • (49)
  • Featured
Tom Jones

Tom Jones, the visionary founder of Quitproof, is an acclaimed motivational keynote speaker whose life journey is a testament to the unyielding power of persistence and resilience. From overcoming significant personal struggles to becoming an endurance athlete and high-performance coach, Tom has mastered the art of turning challenges into steppingstones. His compelling message resonates with […]

  • Travels from: Huntington Beach, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (+3)
  • (65)
  • Featured
Sarah Dandashy

Sarah Dandashy has earned her reputation as one of the world’s leading concierges, having worked in some of the most prestigious hotels globally. With over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Sarah has been consistently recognized for her ability to deliver unparalleled service and create memorable guest experiences. Her transition into event […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (+3)
  • (163)
  • Featured
  • (5)
Kurdt Greenwood

Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist whose passion for wildlife knows no bounds. With a deep connection to nature and a unique ability to communicate its wonders, Kurdt has dedicated his life to preserving the natural world and educating others on its importance. His journey as a […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Wildlife Speakers
  • (+2)
  • (33)
  • Featured
Angelica Malin Emcee - Angelica Malin Speaker

Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
  • (+5)
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel