Opening Event: Helsinki Robotics Week 2026

AI is moving fast. Many AI researchers are worried about where it’s heading. However, the constant flood of news makes it hard to keep up with the latest events. Join us to make sense of the biggest recent AI developments, what they mean for our society, and how each of us can help make AI safer. What to expect We’ll discuss how quickly the technology is advancing, what real-world incidents tell us about its capabilities, and what could go wrong as AI systems become more powerful. From there, we’ll turn to what people are doing to make AI safer and how each of us can contribute, from shaping AI policy to doing research in the field. You’ll leave with practical ways to learn more, get involved, and connect with others who want to help steer AI in a safer direction. Agenda 17:30 – 18:00 Doors open 18:00 – 18:30 What just happened in AI, and how you can get involved 18:30 – 19:30 Lightning talks on the technical and policy sides 19:45 – 20:15 Small-group discussions with the local AI safety community 20:15 – 21:00 Food 🍕 and Networking Schedule is subject to change Who should come Students, researchers, engineers and anyone curious about where AI is going. No background in AI safety required. Free, in English, with food and drinks. Meet your hosts Sergei Smirnov (LinkedIn | X) is a PhD researcher at the University of Helsinki working on AI safety and LLM evaluations, and an alumnus of the MARS and SPAR research fellowships. Dmitrii Gusev is the Safety Lead at AaltoAI and the Academic Program Coordinator at Tutke. He studies Computer Science at Aalto University. This event is supported by BlueDot Impact. BlueDot is the leading talent accelerator for beneficial AI and societal resilience. The organisation runs online courses, funds talented people, and brings ambitious teams together through intensive in-person programmes.

A day in the robotics research labs of Otaniemi. We visit labs at Aalto University working on everything from satellites to digital twins, meet the researchers and see what they're building right now. A good chance to find a thesis topic, an exchange destination or a future collaborator. Labs: Satellite Laboratory DigiTwin Lab Autonomy & Mobility Lab Factory of the Future LUMI AI Factory Open to everyone. Interested? Register and join us. Hosted by Aalto Robotics Club. Each event has its own registration, so sign up for every part of the week you want to join. All events: https://luma.com/hrw2026 About the week: helsinkiroboticsweek.com

Three days of programme, one place to cool down. After heating up first. Heat Sink is a relaxed community evening at Rantasauna on the Otaniemi shore: Finnish sauna, hot tub and plenty of time with everyone you've met this week, before Junction starts the next day. Come and go as you like. Bring a towel and swimwear. Open to everyone. Interested? Register and join us. Hosted by Aalto Robotics Club. Each event has its own registration, so sign up for every part of the week you want to join. All events: https://luma.com/hrw2026 About the week: helsinkiroboticsweek.com

Are you bored of pie charts, bar charts, and plotted graphs? Would you like to try weaving data yourself, touching it, and turning it into patterns in your own way instead? In this workshop, we’ll explore alternative ways of experiencing and communicating data through weaving. What if we could weave the climate or weather around us into something we can touch and feel. Come join us for an open discussion, hands-on exploration, and some light snacks on Thursday 12th Nov. at Space21, Greenhouse room. No prior experience in weaving or technology is needed. Tools will be provided, just bring your curiosity and come as you are. :) The event will be hosted by Sine, a master's student in New Media and information design.