Last night, the eighth edition of the Highlight Festival officially opened in Delft. Under the theme Robo-Futures, the city will host a wide range of installations, performances, and research projects until Saturday, 14 February, exploring the growing influence of robots and artificial intelligence on everyday life.
The festival aims not only to showcase technology, but also to provide context and critical reflection. By bringing together art, science, and industry, Highlight focuses on the social, cultural, and ethical questions surrounding robotics and AI. Accessibility plays a central role, with complex innovations translated into experiences that invite public engagement and discussion.
Triple Opening at the House of Delft
The official opening took place at the House of Delft, where the new Innovation Gallery was also inaugurated. In his speech, Mayor Alexander Pechtold emphasized that three initiatives were launched simultaneously: the Innovation Gallery, the Highlight Festival, and Delft’s 2026 theme year.
Pechtold described the occasion as “a special day” for the city, highlighting the connection between innovation, culture, and collaboration. He referred to Delft’s long history as a center of technological development and stressed that the new exhibition space demonstrates how modern innovations address societal challenges in areas such as health, water management, and technology.
Robots as Part of Daily Life
In his address, the mayor also referred to the broader 2026 theme year, dedicated to robotisation under the slogan The Robots Are Coming. The initiative aims to help residents understand how automation and AI affect work, healthcare, and public space.
With a touch of humor, Pechtold suggested that even a “robot version” of the mayor might one day be possible. The remark underlined his message that technology is becoming deeply embedded in daily life and therefore requires ongoing public reflection.
Collaboration Between Art and Science
The opening highlighted the strong collaboration with research institutions such as Technische Universiteit Delft and various innovation partners. Academic research is presented within Highlight in artistic and publicly accessible formats.
A key objective is active visitor participation. Through interactive installations, demonstrations, and discussions, audiences are encouraged to experiment and engage directly with creators and researchers. In this way, the festival addresses the emerging field of “physical AI,” combining artificial intelligence with embodied robotic systems.
City-Wide Program
The opening evening began at 5:30 p.m. at several locations, including Theater de Veste, Vakwerkhuis, and The Social Hub Delft. These venues serve as central hubs from which visitors explore installations and performances across the city.
Highlights include works such as Homo Signans by Jorrit Paaijmans and The Mad King by Bram Ellens, alongside research-driven projects like the Robo-creaTUres Petting Zoo and Project MARCH, which presents mobility-supporting exoskeletons. Together, they demonstrate how robotics can be both experimental and practically oriented.
Debate on Humans and Machines
Later this week, the Robotic Relations Symposium will form a key intellectual component of the festival. Artists, scientists, and members of the public will discuss the impact of robots on creativity, labor, and social relations, as well as future forms of coexistence between humans and autonomous systems.
The Highlight Festival runs until Saturday, 14 February, and is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. With Robo-Futures, the organizers aim not only to present technological developments, but also to foster a broad and balanced public debate on the role of robotics and AI in society.
