Theology Meets Robotics

Theology at the University Open House

The Protestant and Catholic Theology departments at the University of Siegen showcased their work at this year’s University Open House, featuring robots and insights into current research topics. Under the theme “AI and Theology,” visitors to the departments’ booth were able to experience how theological research is addressing the challenges posed by new technologies.

The two robots, “Navel” and “Celeste,” sparked particular interest and drew numerous guests to the booth. Conversations quickly arose around the question of why theologians are engaged with artificial intelligence and robotics in the first place. It became clear that technological developments raise not only technical but also ethical, social, and anthropological questions: What defines a human being? What responsibilities do we bear when interacting with intelligent machines? And how can technological innovations be put to good use?

In addition to these questions about the future, the booth also offered an opportunity to learn about Protestant and Catholic theology as fields of study. Many interested visitors learned about study options, fields of research, and the work of the theological disciplines at the University of Siegen.

The booth was staffed by theologians Veronika Albrecht-Birkner, Steffi Fabricius, Anna Karger-Kroll, and Marius Stachowski. Together, they demonstrated that theology does not merely focus on religious traditions but actively engages in current social debates—including those where humans and machines interact.