RobCE 2025| Linköping, Sweden| Robotic| Control

RobCE 2025 Speakers

Prof.Dan Zhang
(Keynote Speaker)

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR, China
Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, ASME Fellow

Keynote Lecture: AI-Driven Robotics: Shaping the Future of Intelligent Machines

Abstract:With the rapid development of technologies such as computers and artificial intelligence, we have conducted innovative designs in robotics. These innovations include dexterous hands, humanoid robot legs, one of the core components of robots: integrated joint motors, and drone landing gear, all of which have the ability to autonomously adapt to complex environments. The embodied intelligence's perception, learning, and decision-making capabilities endow these robots with stronger execution abilities. The deep integration of these aspects will propel robots from "passive execution" to "active adaptation." This report will introduce the achievements of our laboratory in the fields of technological innovation and application, including the development of several innovative products, mainly humanoid robots and their key components-the development of integrated joint motors, ankle rehabilitation robots, and landing gear robots.

Biography: Professor Dan Zhang is a Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, and Director of Consortium for Intelligent Robotics Research at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Laval University, Canada in 2000. He joined Ontario Tech University (OTU), Canada, as Assistant Professor in 2004 and was promoted to Associate Professor and Professor in 2006 and 2011 respectively. During the appointment period in OTU, he also served as Founding Chair in the Department of Automotive, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (2012 – 2014) and was awarded the Canada Research Chair in Advanced Robotics and Automation (2009 – 2015). Since 2016, he transferred to York University, Canada as a Kaneff Professor and also took up the role of Department Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 2016 to 2018. Thereafter, he was awarded the Tier 1 York Research Chair in Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics in 2017.
      Professor Zhang's research interests include synthesis and optimization of parallel and hybrid mechanisms; generalized parallel mechanisms research; reconfigurable robots; innovation design of parallel robots: parallelization of serial robots; micro/nano manipulation and mems devices (e.g., sensors); rescue robots; smart biomedical instruments (e.g., exoskeleton robots and rehabilitation robotics); AI/robotics/autonomous systems; Aerial and Underwater Robotics; Artificial Intelligence for Robotics; intelligent reconfigurable adaptive landing gear and manipulator (manipulander).
      Professor Zhang is a well-accomplished educator and an internationally renowned expert in the areas of parallel robotic machines and their applications in manufacturing systems. His influential scientific contributions have led to novel robotic system designs and development of new comprehensive models for better understanding of globe stiffness and robotic calibrations. His research applications have tackled some of the world's most challenging problems in high dynamic performance manufacturing robotic systems. His leadership has resulted in significant contributions to the areas of robotics, mechatronics, reconfigurable/sustainable manufacturing systems and MEMS devices. His accomplishments have been recognized by many honors and awards including Canada Research Chair, Research Excellence Awards, Tier 1 York Research Chair, Lassonde Innovation Awards --- Established Researcher, Early Researcher Award by Ministry of Research and Innovation, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Fellow of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME).
      Professor Zhang has published 266 journal papers and 190 conference papers, 12 books, 9 book chapters and numerous other technical publications. Professor Zhang has served as a General Chair for 69 International Conferences and delivered 122 keynote speeches. Professor Zhang is listed as the World’s Top Two Percent Researchers by Stanford’s Standardized Citation Indicators in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Prof. Shaoping Bai
(Keynote Speaker)

Aalborg University, Denmark

Keynote Lecture: Human-robot interaction design, sensing and control in wearable exoskeletons

Abstract: Wearable exoskeleton technologies are being advanced rapidly for broad applications. As a very typical system of human-robot interaction, the exoskeletons interaction with human users at all levels, including kinematic, physiological and cognatic levels, which requires theoretical and technological breakthroughs in biomechanical modeling, compliant actuation, human motion sensing and interaction control. This talk will provide a brief overview of wearable technology development at the Exoskeleton Lab, Aalborg University, addressing the research challenges in human-exoskeleton interaction. Novel designs, biomechanical simulations and sensing/control methods will be presented, along with application examples covering upper-limb, upper-limb, and hand exoskeletons.

Biography: Prof. Shaoping Bai is a full professor at the Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University (AAU), Denmark and the founder of AAU startup BioX ApS. His research interests include wearable sensors, medical and assistive robots, and exoskeletons. He leads several national and international research projects in exoskeletons, including EU AXO-SUIT and IFD Grand Solutions project EXO-AIDER, and Danish Independent Research Council project VIEXO, among others. He is a recipient of IEEE CIS-RAM 2017 Best Paper Award, IFToMM MEDER 2018 Best Application Paper Award, WearRAcon2018 Grand Prize of Innovation Challenges, and 2023 IFToMM MESROB Best Student Paper Award. Prof. Bai was an associate editor of ASME J. of Mechanisms and Robotics， IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters， and MDPI Machines. He serves as an Executive Council member of the IFToMM and also a deputy chair of IFToMM Denmark.

Assoc. Prof. Xiaofeng Xiong
(Invited Speaker)

University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

Invited Lecture: Reverse-engineering biological movement control

Abstract:The ability to interact physically with complex environments is a hallmark of animals and humans, such as insect navigation and human manipulation (of flexible tools, e.g., whips). How they handle neural, muscle, and tool complexities is an interesting question, where robotics and computational neuroscience can mutually benefit from. In this talk, I will present how robots and neuromechanical models that can be used to provide novel hypotheses for insect navigation, human arm swings, and human manipulation of whips. It shows a way from machines for (uncovering) biological intelligence. Another way from biological to machine intelligence will be presented in insect-like walking and wearable robots (e.g., low-limb exoskeletons).

Biography: Xiaofeng Xiong, Associate Professor at Biorobotics Section, University of Southern Denmark (SDU). He has a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, University of Göttingen, Germany. After Ph.D., he was a postdoc in Göttingen medical center and Hamburg University, respectively. His research focuses on bio-inspired robot control, neuromechanical modeling and control, variable impedance control, wearable robotics, and robot-inspired biology. The research results have been published in IEEE Trans. Cybernetics, Industrial Electronics, and Neural Networks, as well as awarded 4 international prizes such as Robot Innovation Award. He is a PI of two EU, six Danish and Nordic grants, and an Associate Editor and Editorial member of the journals Adaptive Behavior, Industrial Robot and conference IEEE RoboSoft 2023.

Prof. Anand Nayyar
(Invited Speaker)

Duy Tan University, Viet Nam

Invited Lecture: Collaborative Robotics: Revolutionizing Human-Robot Interaction for Industry, Education, and Research

Abstract:Collaborative robots, or cobots, are transforming industries by enabling safe, efficient, and seamless human-robot interaction. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots work alongside humans without safety cages, leveraging advanced sensing technologies to ensure safety, flexibility, and adaptability. This presentation explores the evolution of cobots, from their origins as Intelligent Assist Devices to cutting-edge models like ABB Yumi, Baxter, and UR5. We delve into their applications across manufacturing, education, and research, highlighting their role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and fostering innovation. The integration of cloud robotics and the Robotic Operating System (ROS) further expands cobots' capabilities, enabling real-time decision-making, remote operations, and advanced grasp planning. With insights into collaborative operations, end-effectors, and future research directions, this session demonstrates how cobots are reshaping industries and empowering education through hands-on learning and STEM initiatives. Join us to explore the limitless possibilities of collaborative robotics and their profound impact on the future of automation and human-machine collaboration.

Biography: Dr. Anand Nayyar received Ph.D (Computer Science) from Desh Bhagat University in 2017 in the area of Wireless Sensor Networks, Swarm Intelligence and Network Simulation. He is currently working in School of Computer Science-Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam as Professor, Scientist, Vice-Chairman (Research) and Director- IoT and Intelligent Systems Lab. A Certified Professional with 250+ Professional certifications from CISCO, Microsoft, Amazon, Alibaba Cloud, Oracle, Google, Beingcert, EXIN, GAQM, Cyberoam and many more. Published more than 200+ Research Papers in various High-Quality ISI-SCI/SCIE/SSCI Impact Factor- Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 Journals cum Scopus/ESCI indexed Journals, 80+ Papers in International Conferences indexed with Springer, IEEE and ACM Digital Library, 60+ Book Chapters in various SCOPUS/WEB OF SCIENCE Indexed Books with Springer, CRC Press, Wiley, IET, Elsevier with Citations: (Google Scholar): 18500+, H-Index: 70 and I-Index: 280; (Scopus): 10200+; H-index: 53. Member of more than 60+ Associations as Senior and Life Member like: IEEE (Senior Member) and ACM (Senior Member). He has authored/co-authored cum Edited 60+ Books of Computer Science. Associated with more than 600+ International Conferences as Programme Committee/Chair/Advisory Board/Review Board member. He has completed 1 Grassroot and 1 ASEAN Project. He has 18 Australian Patents, 16 German Patents, 4 Japanese Patents, 43 Indian Design cum Utility Patents, 13 UK Patents, 1 USA Patent, 3 Indian Copyrights and 2 Canadian Copyrights to his credit in the area of Wireless Communications, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, IoT, Healthcare, Drones, Robotics and Image Processing. Awarded 55 Awards for Teaching and Research—Young Scientist, Best Scientist, Best Senior Scientist, Asia Top 50 Academicians and Researchers, Young Researcher Award, Outstanding Researcher Award, Excellence in Teaching, Best Senior Scientist Award, DTU Best Professor and Researcher Award- 2019, 2020-2021, 2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, Distinguished Scientist Award by National University of Singapore, Obada Prize 2023, Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, 2024; Asian Admirable Achievers 2024; Distinguished Academic Leader 2024, Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 and many more. He is listed in Top 2% Scientists as per Stanford University (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), Ad Index (Rank No:1 Duy Tan University, Rank No:1 Computer Science in Viet Nam) and Listed on Research.com (Top Scientist of Computer Science in Viet Nam- National Ranking: 2; D-Index: 42; World Ranking: 6968). He is acting as Associate Editor for Computer Communications (Elsevier), International Journal of Sensor Networks (IJSNET) (Inderscience), Computers Materials and Continua (CMC), Tech Science Press- IASC, Cogent Engineering, Human Centric Computing and Information Sciences (HCIS), PeerJ Computer Science, IET-Quantum Communications, IET Networks, IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence (IEEE TAI), Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, IJFC, IJISP, IJDST, IJCINI, IJGC, IJSIR, IJBDCN, IJNR, IJSI, IJIES. He is acting as Managing Editor of IGI-Global Journal, USA titled “International Journal of Knowledge and Systems Science (IJKSS)” and Editor-in-Chief of IGI-Global, USA Journal titled “International Journal of Smart Vehicles and Smart Transportation (IJSVST)”. He has reviewed more than 5100+ Articles for diverse Web of Science and Scopus Indexed Journals. He is currently researching in the area of Wireless Sensor Networks, Internet of Things, Swarm Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Drones, Blockchain, Cyber Security, Healthcare Informatics, Big Data and Wireless Communications.