In 1988, Prof. Jadran Lenarčič organized a pioneering conference on robot kinematics in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This event was championed by leading scientists in the field, including B. Roth, O. Khatib, K. Waldron, J. Angeles, V. Parenti-Castelli, M. McCarthy, M. Stanisić, B. Siciliano, and others. Their collective vision marked the genesis of ARK – Advances in Robot Kinematics, an enduring international symposium series dedicated to the discipline.

Since its inception, ARK has convened biennially in locations across the Mediterranean and Alpine regions, with 19 symposia held to date. Proceedings from these events have been consistently published as edited volumes, first by Kluwer and later by Springer, ensuring global dissemination of cutting-edge research.

While ARK has facilitated numerous groundbreaking contributions to robot kinematics, its most enduring legacy lies in fostering collaboration and camaraderie among researchers worldwide. These relationships have not only inspired novel scientific inquiries and solutions but also translated theoretical advancements into real-world robotic applications.

As a cornerstone of modern robotics—critical to both design and control—robot kinematics remains a vibrant field of study. Nearly four decades after the inaugural ARK symposium, the discipline continues to evolve, with unresolved challenges and emerging innovations signaling a dynamic and impactful future.

F. Thomas and A. Pérez-Gracia, ARK2026 Co-Chairs