University at Buffalo Hosts Symposium on Physical AI and Data Science

The University at Buffalo is set to host the 2026 AI and Data Science Symposium, a two-day event that will bring together experts in artificial intelligence (AI) research and domain-specific fields. The symposium, scheduled for September 24-25, 2026, aims to explore how embodied, responsible AI can be used for beneficial purposes.

The focus of this year’s symposium is on developing AI systems that can interact with the physical world in meaningful ways. This includes applications such as healthcare, infrastructure management, and environmental monitoring. The event will feature five tracks: Health Care and Medicine; Geography, Archaeology, and Remote Sensing; Physical Networks and Critical Infrastructure; Bridging the Gap Between AI Experts and Domain Experts; and Education and Training.

One of the keynote speakers at the symposium is Peter Stone, Chief Scientist of Sony AI. He emphasizes the importance of embodiment in intelligent systems, stating that it’s ‘essential’ for building effective AI agents. The talks will cover a range of topics related to physical AI, including its potential applications and challenges.

The agenda for the symposium includes two days of presentations and discussions. Thursday, September 24, will feature sessions on Health Care and Medicine, Geography, Archaeology, and Remote Sensing, as well as Physical Networks and Critical Infrastructure. Friday, September 25, will focus on Bridging the Gap Between AI Experts and Domain Experts and Education and Training.

The University at Buffalo’s symposium marks a significant effort to advance research in physical AI and data science. By bringing together experts from various fields, it aims to foster collaboration and innovation in this critical area of study.