Empathic robot Abel to join 9th IPCE Conference in Pisa

Now in its ninth edition, the Intercontinental Personal Care Excellence (IPCE) Conference, organised by Italian Society SICC, has become an established international cosmetic science event, providing a scientific and professional link between consecutive IFSCC Congresses, in this case Cannes and Perth.

The 2026 event will take place from 30 June – 1 July at the Grand Hotel Continental on the Tirrenia seafront between Pisa’s leading tower and Pisa Intercontinental Airport. Pisa is the UNESCO city of Galileo Galilei so a great setting for scientific exchange. This year’s theme is ‘Beyond The Future: Science Leading Change’ and the conference will feature oral presentations and keynote lectures from internationally renowned Master Speakers and selected authors involved in cosmetic research and innovation.

It will also highlight research initiatives related to sustainability and human well-being. In particular, Session D is dedicated to ‘ABEL’, the empathic robot developed by the University of Pisa. The session will start with a Beyond The Future: Science Leading Change lecture from the ABEL creators followed by an interactive roundtable conducted by Abel ‘in person’, representing the human-centered vision of industry 5.0, then exploring how empathic technologies can reshape research and communication by merging AI, neuroscience and cosmetic science.

The scientific program will be complemented by a social and cultural program designed to encourage professional interaction and international networking in prestigious and historically significant locations.

CLICK HERE for programme and registration.