Alignment through Purpose in Autonomous Robots Workshop
2025 IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL), September 16th, 2025
Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague
Workshop Overview
One of the central challenges in cognitive robotics concerns how autonomous systems can independently acquire knowledge and skills through both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.
Common approaches to this problem include lifelong learning, continual learning, and curriculum learning frameworks. However, a critical aspect of advancing autonomy in robotic systems lies in understanding the role of human influence. Specifically, how humans can guide, or even dictate, what knowledge robots should acquire and how they should acquire it. In essence, this involves examining how humans provide purpose to robots and how robots, in turn, align their learning and behavior to meet human expectations and demands.
“Alignment through Purpose in Autonomous Robots” seeks to address this issue by exploring how to define a clear purpose in autonomous systems, while ensuring that robotic learning and behavior are aligned with human values, societal norms, and safety considerations.
This workshop will bring together researchers from robotics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, neuroscience, ethics, and psychology to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to alignment. By integrating perspectives from these diverse fields, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how purpose-driven development can contribute to the safe and beneficial deployment of autonomous robots.
Topics of Interest
As autonomous systems become more capable and ubiquitous, aligning their objectives with human intent has never been more critical. Our workshop addresses this challenge head-on, exploring technical and philosophical approaches to robot purpose alignment. We will explore topics including, but not limited to:
Engineering Approaches to Alignment
How can technical solutions such as reinforcement learning, human-in the-loop training, or constraint-based methods improve robot alignment?
Ethical and Societal Considerations
What are the ethical implications of purpose-driven alignment in autonomous robots? How can we ensure robots serve human values?
Developmental and Cognitive Perspectives
Insights from psychology and neuroscience on how humans develop alignment and purpose. What can we learn for AI and robotics?
Interdisciplinary Frameworks
How can different disciplines collaborate to create a more robust understanding of alignment in autonomous systems?
Practical Applications
Case studies of alignment in real-world robotics.
Organizers
Alejandro Romero
PostDoctoral Researcher | University of A Coruña (Spain)
Martín Naya Varela
PostDoctoral Researcher | University of A Coruña (Spain)
Invited Speakers
Richard J. Duro
Full Professor | University of A Coruña (Spain)
Talk title: TBA
Talk abstract: TBA
Vieri Giuliano Santucci
Researcher | ISTC-CNR (Italy)
Talk title: TBA
Talk abstract: TBA
Niki Efthymiou
PostDoctoral Researcher | National Technical University of Athens (Greece)
Talk title: TBA
Talk abstract: TBA
Gianluca Baldassarre
Research Director | ISTC-CNR (Italy)
Talk title: TBA
Talk abstract: TBA
Call for Posters
Topics
  • Novel alignment techniques
  • Purposeful robot design
  • Ethical decision-making frameworks
  • Human-robot value alignment
  • Safety guarantees
Key Dates
  • Submission deadline: July 10th, 2025
  • Notification: July 15th, 2025
Submission Guidelines
Prepare Abstract
Create a 2-page extended abstract in IEEE conference format, including figures and references. Clearly articulate your approach to robot purpose alignment and key contributions. Please refer to the available LaTeX or Word templates.
Submit Online
Upload your PDF submission through our site.
Design Poster
Upon acceptance, prepare an A0 (portrait) poster highlighting your methodology, results, and implications for alignment in autonomous robots.
Workshop Program
Workshop Schedule
  • Date: September 16th, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 - 13:00
Venue
  • Faculty of Electrical Engineering CVUT in Prague
  • Technicka 1902/2, Prague 6 - Dejvice, Prague, Czech Republic
Program
Join the Community
This Workshop is sponsored by PILLAR-Robots.
Submit
Share your research through poster submissions
Discuss
Engage in critical conversations about alignment challenges
Connect
Build relationships with other researchers
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