“Deformation in Robotics”
summer school

Jérémie Dequidt, coordinator of the AS4 project, and Christian Duriez, co-director of the PEPR O2R and member of the AS4 project, invite you to participe to their summer school end of June in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (Greater Lille) on deformation in robotics.

The use of deformations in robotics is one of the most active fields of application and research. To train the next generation of researchers and engineers, Inria, CNRS, Centrale Lille and the University of Lille are joining forces to organize this summer schools. During one week, participants will attend lectures and practical sessions on the fundamental concepts (modelling, simulation and control) necessary for the use of deformable materials in soft robotics, continuum robotics, hybrid rigid/deformable robotics as well as in rigid robotics interacting with a deformable environment.

Furthermore, with the PEPR O2R participation, the intersections between robotics and social sciences, humanities and the arts will be explored.

A poster session and social events are also planned!
The abstract/poster should summarize or present an ongoing research topic and reflect the link to the topic of the summer school. If there are more registrations than available places, the abstracts will be used for selecting participants.

The registration is free for up to 40 participants. This covers lunches, welcome reception, and banquet. IEEE RAS Student Members Travel Grands will be provided to RAS Student Member travelling from distant regions to assist with flight and other travel expenses. Contact the organisers for more information at this email address: defrobotics2026[AT]sciencesconf.org 

Important dates:

Before registering, a 2-page abstract must be submitted, after creating an account on the dedicated website. An overview of the applicants research’s project, even at an early stage, is an appropriate submission. It is not mandatory to show new or previously unpublished results. For further information, please click here.

• Deadline for submitting the abstract: 31st April 2026

• Notification of acceptance: 15th May 2026

• Opening of the registration: 15th May 2026

Main topics:

• Introduction to deformation in robotics
• Modeling
• Design and manufacturing
• Control and perception
• Bio-inspiration
• Command
• Practical sessions
• Applications