Nick Hawes

Nick Hawes is a leading authority on artificial intelligence and robotics, currently serving as Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the University of Oxford. He is also the Director of the Oxford Robotics Institute, a world-renowned research federation comprising seven specialist robotics groups dedicated to transforming what robots can do for humans. Through pioneering research into intelligent and autonomous robotic systems, Nick has become a respected voice in the field of AI. His ability to translate complex technological developments into clear, accessible insights has made him a highly sought-after keynote speaker, helping organisations understand how artificial intelligence and robotics will shape the future of industry, society and innovation.

Nick’s journey into artificial intelligence began at the University of Birmingham, where he earned a BSc in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science before completing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. During his doctoral studies, he worked as a PhD student with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, gaining valuable experience applying AI research within the industry. After graduating, he began his professional career as a Research Fellow at Media Lab Europe before returning to the University of Birmingham as a Research Fellow in intelligent robotics. Over time, he progressed through a series of academic leadership roles, becoming Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Reader in Intelligent Robotics. His commitment to advancing research and education in the field was further recognised when he was appointed Tutorial Fellow at Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

As Director of the Oxford Robotics Institute, Nick leads cutting-edge research into intelligent robotic systems and autonomous decision-making. He heads the Goal-Oriented Autonomous Long-Lived Systems group, which focuses on sequential decision-making for long-term autonomous systems. Nick played a significant role in the institute, receiving the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in research. He also led the EU-funded STRANDS project, which achieved long-term autonomy for mobile service robots operating in everyday environments. His research has also included deploying an autonomous mission planning system on a quadruped robot at an active nuclear facility and operating an autonomous underwater vehicle that collected data from sensor networks. Alongside his research leadership, he has served as Group Leader for AI and Robotics at the Alan Turing Institute and acts as an Academic Champion for Public Engagement with Research at the University of Oxford.

Nick is widely recognised as an engaging and authoritative AI speaker who brings academic expertise together with real-world technological applications. He regularly speaks at conferences and global events, explaining how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, infrastructure and human capability. His insights have reached wide audiences through appearances on BBC Horizon, The One Show and The Now Show, while his TEDx talk, “I, for One, Welcome Our New Robot Overlords”, explores the opportunities and challenges of living alongside intelligent machines. Combining deep technical expertise with clear storytelling, Nick equips audiences with a practical understanding of AI’s future impact and why autonomous systems will become central to the next era of technological transformation.