Shaping the Future of Human–Robot Collaboration

25 February 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 CET at Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 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 InstituteTadej Slapnik, Director, Vandri RoboticsRobert 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 ParliamentTomislav Nović, Mayor of PakracMario 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 2026Prof. 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 JerbićProf. Stjepan BogdanKrešimir Sever, Office for Social Partnership of the Republic of CroatiaMario ČelanIvana Kolar, Vice President, Multitasking Managers Association – Business ClubProf. 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: Link for registration

Contact: info@vandri.ai

Venue: Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia