The EPSRC UK Robotics & Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS Network) has announced the inaugural programme for the UK Festival of Robotics – a brand new 7-day celebration set to boost public engagement in robotics and intelligent systems. This week-long programme will run from 19th – 25th June 2021, offering online events, special competitions, and interactive activities for robot enthusiasts of all ages. Full details of all the events and activities on offer throughout the week are available here: https://www.ukras.org/robotics-festival/ Hosted by Dr Claire Asher and featuring Dr Sophie Armanini (TU Munich/Imperial College London), Matthew Ryan Tucker (University of Bristol) and Ben Scott-Robinson (Small Robot Company), Episode 9 will focus on "Robots into the Wild". In this fun, interactive session, participants will take on the role of a robot accident investigator, work together with others and have fun'solving' the case!

On June 27, the US Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a Request For Information on Artificial Intelligence (RFI). The RFI seeks public input on the tools, technologies, and training needed to further research and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Public feedback on these important questions will enable the OSTP to develop guidance on how the law should balance AI's potential benefits with its numerous threats. For example, self-driving cars could improve driving safety and provide mobility for people with disabilities. Likewise, the use of AI in healthcare has the potential to dramatically improve the quality and accuracy of medical care.