RiTA International Conference focused on future robotic application research

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

The Sixth International Conference on Robot Intelligence Technology and Applications (RiTA) that was held in Putrajaya on December 20, 2018 had attracted more than 60 local and international entries.

This year’s theme was ‘Robotics and Machine Intelligence: Building Blocks for Industry 4.0’.

The entries were submitted by academicians, researchers, university students and industrial players with focus on robotic intelligence research.

They were from Korea, Japan, Portugal, Australia, Singapore, India, Norway, Columbia, the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Among the guests present were Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Partnership & Community Relation Department), Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail, RiTA Honorary Chairman, Professor Dr. Jong-Hwan Kim and RiTA Joint Chairman, Professor Dr. Hyun Myung and Professor Dr. Zahari Taha.

Professor Dr. Jamil Ismail said the conference was a platform where experts in robotic technology gathered.

“The government provides grants and initiatives that encourage the universities and industries to share expertise when conducting research and development in robotic technology.

“It will also help bring about a conducive environment in tackling the challenges of Industry 4.0.

“The conference is a platform especially in Malaysia that will lead to industrial revolution, driven by a smart, inter-connected environment. Robotics and automation will be the central pillar of the industry’s growth,” he said.

He added that the conference also set out to help universities in promoting the Industry 4.0 technology to the community and develop new technology together with industrial partners.

He also said there were 80 working papers presented that discussed about special issues relating to robotic - based on cognitive, social and collective intelligence.

Among the speakers were Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Statistical Inference and Information Theory Laboratory Director, Professor Dr. Junmo Kim and Associate Professor Marcelo H Ang Jr from National University of Singapore.

The conference was organised by Innovative Manufacturing, Mechatronics and Sports Laboratory (iMAMSLab), under Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, together with KAIST.

It also received sponsorships and support from Korea Robotics Society (KROS), UMP Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology Malaysia (CREST), Springer, SilTerra (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysian Journal of Movement, Health and Exercise, MyDuino.com and DZUKI Consultancy and Training.