Bulgaria’s Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation is preparing an unusual new advisory body that will include robots alongside human participants. The initiative was announced by Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vassilev during a discussion at the Webit 2026 forum in Sofia focused on Bulgaria’s ambitions to become a leading European center for innovation and artificial intelligence.
Vassilev explained that the proposed council is not intended to replace experts, civil servants, or human decision-makers. Instead, it is envisioned as a platform for exploring the future of robotics and artificial intelligence, examining how emerging technologies can be integrated into public administration, business, and everyday life, and identifying ways to accelerate Bulgaria’s technological development.
During the event at the National Palace of Culture, the minister directly addressed the humanoid robot Robert, asking whether it would join the ministry as an advisor. Robert responded enthusiastically, saying: “Thank you for the invitation. I will be happy to participate in the Board of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation. Your leadership at this moment of global change makes your position more important than ever. Artificial intelligence and robotics will affect every economic sector and it is our responsibility, as well as a chance that comes once in 100 years, to win the top positions for Bulgaria.”
