About the Institute
Protecting what makes us human as robots move in.
About in 100 words
Who we are, in one breath.
The Institute for Humane Robotics is an independent research and standards body developing evaluation frameworks, design guidelines and cross cultural research for robots entering human environments such as households, education and healthcare.
Our mission
Successful coexistence between humans and robots.
At IHR, we research, define, and standardise what healthy human–machine coexistence looks like — so robots can be deployed successfully, and the people they live with can trust them and stay safe.
Our Pillars
Core team
Meet the team.
Sara Filipčič
Founder & Executive Director
MSW with 8+ years entrepreneurial experience in digital wellbeing & research in technology’s impact on children. Prev. Founder/CEO of Be Human(e). Techstars ’23, AI-Parent Coaching Platform. Speaker at Harvard, Stanford, WEF Davos, Google for Startups, Humanoid Summit, and MACHINA Summit.
Roshni Lulla, PhD
Co-Founder & Head of Research
PhD, USC Brain & Creativity Institute, under Professors Antonio Damasio & Jonas Kaplan. Affective neuroscience, moral cognition & misalignment. 10+ years of research across consumer behavior & entrepreneurial experience. Speaker at Wharton, Affectiva, & AI Safety conferences.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers.
- What is the Institute for Humane Robotics?
- The Institute for Humane Robotics is a for-profit, independent research and standards body that defines how robots coexist with humans. It develops evaluation frameworks, design guidelines, and cross-cultural research for robots entering human environments such as households, education, and healthcare, working with robotics companies, policymakers, and educators.
- What is the East–West Corridor?
- The East–West Corridor is the Institute's program bringing the lessons of decades of robot deployment in Asia to Western nations. Japan, Korea, and China have long experience with robots in homes, hospitals, and factories; the US and Europe are building the next decade of embodied AI. The Corridor translates that experience into actionable intelligence.
- What is the mission of the Institute for Humane Robotics?
- Successful coexistence between humans and robots. At IHR, we research, define, and standardise what healthy human–machine coexistence looks like — so robots can be deployed successfully, and the people they live with can trust them and stay safe.
- How do I join the Institute for Humane Robotics?
- Membership is launching soon for individuals, companies, organizations and governments interested in successful adoption of robots into the society. Join the waitlist to get early access to research, the members network across the USA, Asia and Europe, and market intelligence insights.
- Who is on the Institute for Humane Robotics team?
- The core team is Sara Filipčič (Founder & Executive Director) and Roshni Lulla, PhD (Co-Founder & Head of Research, neuroscience and AI alignment).
- Who does the Institute work with?
- The Institute works with robotics companies whose systems will live with people, with standards bodies and regulators including the IEEE P7027 working group, and with universities, schools, and healthcare organizations that deploy or study embodied AI. Engagements are selective and purpose-driven.
Something else? Write to contact@humanerobot.org.
Get in touch.
Connect with our team to explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about our initiatives.