On June 18th, URF is bringing together three of the authors of the 2026 whitepaper "Robots in Public: Building the Governance Framework for Shared Human-Robot Spaces" to engage in a panel discussion exploring a critical inflection point in the evolution of robotics: the transition from controlled environments to shared public spaces. Register by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/thzcDmuYTLG8glCEmrKvJw

Robots are now operating on sidewalks, in hospitals, airports, campuses, and urban streets—interacting daily with people who have not opted in and may not understand their capabilities. Existing regulatory frameworks—designed for products, vehicles, or workplace machines—fail to account for autonomous systems operating among the general public. This creates fragmented oversight, inconsistent rules, and growing risks around safety, privacy, accessibility, and public trust. 

Panelists include: Aaron Prather, ASTM International

Joyce Sidopoulos, MASSRobotics Bern Grush, Urban Robotics Foundation

With special guest Andrew Glass Hastings, Executive Director of the Open Mobility Foundation, our panelists will discuss and debate…