On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2026) held in Vienna, Austria, Research Director Inamura delivered a keynote titled "Engineering Human Agency and Self-Efficacy: The Next Frontier of Human-Robot Symbiosis".
ICRA is the largest international conference in robotics. Inamura spoke in the plenary hall (Hall A1) as one of the speakers of the keynote session on Human-Robot Interaction, together with Prof. Julie A. Adams, Prof. Marcia O'Malley, and Prof. Berk Calli.
Abstract of the Keynote
As assistive robotics transitions from laboratories to daily life, a critical paradox emerges: excessive robotic intervention often diminishes "Human Agency" - the fundamental sense of being the initiator of one's own actions. To achieve true symbiosis, robots must do more than compensate for physical deficits; they must be engineered to foster and maintain the user's self-efficacy.
In this talk, I trace a research trajectory from physical assistance to meta-cognitive empowerment. Drawing on results from the JST Moonshot Goal 3 project, I demonstrate how integrating assistive robots with VR-induced sensory illusions can intentionally manipulate a user's self-efficacy. By decoupling perceived effort from actual performance, we show that robots can prime the human mind for greater autonomy.
However, true empowerment requires human growth rather than temporary sensory manipulation. Under our JST CREST initiative, I propose the "Self-Mirroring Twins" (SeMT) framework. SeMT is not merely a tool for correcting cognitive errors; it functions as a "meta-cognitive mirror" designed to cultivate the user's ability for objective self-observation. Through interaction with SeMT, users are prompted to reflect on their own actions and initiate intentional behavior changes to achieve ideal performance. This process enables the acquisition of robust self-efficacy rooted in actual skill improvement.
The ultimate goal of this "Engineering of Agency" is to redefine robots as partners that help humans recognize and expand their own boundaries. We aim for a future where robotic evolution ensures that humans become more empowered and capable, rather than more dependent.
Event Overview
- Conference: 2026 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2026)
- Date and time: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 16:45-18:15
- Venue: Hall A1 (Plenary), Vienna, Austria
- Session: Keynote Session "Human-Robot Interaction"
- Speakers: Julie A. Adams / Marcia O'Malley / Tetsunari Inamura / Berk Calli
For details of the talk, please see theICRA 2026 Keynote Sessions page.