Nick Hawes

Nick Hawes – Director of the Oxford Robotics Institute & Tutorial Fellow of Pembroke College Oxford

Nick Hawes is a world-renowned artificial intelligence and robotics expert, celebrated for pioneering intelligent and autonomous robot systems. As Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the University of Oxford, he has helped redefine what robots can achieve in real-world environments. His leadership of the Oxford Robotics Institute has supported groundbreaking developments, from long-term autonomy in service robots to advanced mission-planning technologies used in hazardous settings such as nuclear facilities and underwater environments. Nick’s influential work has earned major recognition, including contributing to the Oxford Robotics Institute’s Queen’s Anniversary Prize. A captivating presenter, he is highly sought after to explain how AI will transform society.

Credentials and Impact

Nick Hawes’ career in artificial intelligence and robotics began in 1999 as a PhD Student with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, where he developed early expertise in intelligent systems. In 2003, he became a Research Fellow at Media Lab Europe, before returning to the University of Birmingham in 2004 as a Research Fellow, marking the start of his long-term contribution to UK robotics research. Nick progressed to Lecturer in Intelligent Robotics in 2009, and by 2011 had earned a prestigious place on the Royal Academy of Engineering scheme supporting emerging engineering leaders. His work continued to gain recognition as he advanced to Senior Lecturer in Intelligent Robotics in 2013, the same year he was selected to deliver the Lord Kelvin Award Lecture at the British Science Festival. In 2015, he was appointed Reader in Autonomous Intelligent Robotics, further cementing his academic influence.

Nick joined the University of Oxford in 2017 as an Associate Professor and became a Tutorial Fellow of Pembroke College the same year. His leadership grew rapidly, culminating in his appointment as Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Robotics and Director of the Oxford Robotics Institute in 2022.

Publications and Media

Nick Hawes has authored numerous high-impact papers on autonomous decision-making, robotic intelligence, and long-term autonomy that are widely cited across the global AI community. His public reach extends through major media, including BBC Horizon, The One Show, and The Now Show. He delivered the Lord Kelvin Award Lecture in 2013, was interviewed by OxfordSparks in 2022 on the HUDSON Project, and featured in the 2024 OxAI Podcast discussing the future of autonomous robotics.

Why Book Nick?

Booking Nick Hawes brings world-leading insight into how artificial intelligence and robotics will redefine our future. With decades of hands-on expertise in deploying autonomous systems in real-world environments—from service robots in public spaces to mission-critical deployments in hazardous industrial sites—Nick translates cutting-edge research into clear, actionable guidance for businesses, governments, and educators. His engaging keynote style blends storytelling with scientific authority, helping audiences understand not just the technology, but the societal, ethical, and economic shifts it will accelerate.

Nick has a strong track record in public engagement, including his celebrated TEDx talk “I, for One, Welcome Our New Robot Overlords”, multiple BBC media appearances, and influential podcast and outreach contributions. Whether exploring AI safety, human-robot collaboration, or future workforce transformation, he inspires informed optimism and practical readiness. For events seeking a credible, visionary voice on the future of intelligent machines, Nick Hawes is the ideal choice.

To book Nick Haws to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry

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