ICCRE 2024 Invited Speakers
Prof. Shingo Shimoda
Nagoya University, Japan
Biography: Shingo Shimoda is a designated professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University. He received his Ph.D from the University of Tokyo in 2005 on Space Robots. After serving as a Unit Leader at RIKEN, Center of Brain Science, he became a current position from April 2023. Through research on space robots at JAXA, he keenly felt the need for flexible intelligence system for robot control, and is engaged in the development of artificial intelligence capable of adapting to unknown environments based on biological control principles. He served as a principal chair of the IEEE RAS Technical Committee of Cognitive Robotics, an associate editor of IEEE Transaction of Cognitive and Developmental System and a board member of the Robotics Society of Japan, received awards such as IROS CoTeSys Cognitive Robotics Best Paper Award and ICNR Best Paper Award.
Title of Speech:
Unconscious Intelligence
- Novel framework for co-evolution of human and robots-
Abstract: In an environment with uncertainty, how should robots behave intelligently, and what kind of control theories and principles are required for this? The concept of a robot inherently created from an artificial entity that mimics biological movements, making operation in an "open" environment filled with uncertainties an important proposition for robot control. Despite these challenges, why are robots still unable to adapt flexibly in such environments, and why have they not yet become genuine partners in our daily lives? This dilemma is intrinsically linked to the concept of "unconscious intelligence," a natural human faculty that remains largely elusive. Humans excel at adapting to uncertain environments, surpassing artificial controllers in this domain. However, even humans, despite their advanced cognitive functions, often cannot provide logical explanations for their adaptive behaviors in unstructured settings. Recent studies have revealed that many of these adaptive actions are managed unconsciously, governed by a profound intelligence far beyond simple, patterned, reflexive responses—a phenomenon rightly described as unconscious intelligence. By deciphering and harnessing this aspect of human intelligence for robot control, we aim to foster a more natural relationship between humans and robots, thereby enhancing the human condition. This lecture will explore the underlying principles of unconscious intelligence and its pivotal role in the co-evolution of humans and robots.
Assoc Prof. Kwok-Ho LAM
University of Glasgow, UK
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Biography: Kwok-Ho (Koko) Lam is currently a Reader (Ultrasonics) in James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow (UofG) and an Adjunct Professor in Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU). He received the M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Physics from HKPolyU. Koko has been working in the field of smart materials and applications including materials for energy conversion (e.g., piezoelectrics, thermoelectrics, multiferroics, photocatalysis, etc.) and storage (e.g., electrode materials for rechargeable batteries, dielectrics, etc.), ultrasonic transducer technology, smart sensor and actuator technology, and various biomedical and non-destructive applications. He has achieved 240+ publications, including 11 granted patents for 8 inventions, 220+ SCI journal papers, and 20 international conference papers. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE Society, and a Member of American Chemical Society. He also serves on the editorial board of several SCI journals.
Title of Speech:
In-pipe Robot for Non-destructive Testing
Abstract: The pipeline system serves as a highly efficient means of transporting both liquid and gas. Nevertheless, the pipeline transportation method has a major disadvantage that is the pipeline ageing issue. The ageing issue is mainly caused by corrosion, which is further accelerated by surrounding elements such as soil and saltwater. Corrosion leads to metal degradation and eventual leakage through cracks in the pipe wall. To explore the conditions of pipelines, employing in-pipe robots presents a promising non-destructive solution. These robots are adept at navigating narrow spaces inaccessible to humans, allowing for thorough inspection of pipeline conditions. While existing research has predominantly focused on the obstacle-crossing capabilities of robots, only limited attempts have been made to work with non-destructive testing methodologies. This talk will explore the development of in-pipe robots and the proposed solution for the enhancement of the effectiveness in pipeline maintenance and inspection.