International scholars and experts discuss robotics and AI for digital futures

How to make self-driving cars safer was just one of the topics discussed at the 11^th International Conference on Robot Intelligence Technology and Applications (RiTA 2023) held 6-8 December at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s Entrepreneur College (Taicang).

In a keynote speech, Professor Xiaowei Huang from the University of Liverpool discussed his research on technology that enables self-driving cars to drive safely. His studies have identified loopholes in the Machine Learning (ML) algorithm that interprets environments where the cars are driving. These loopholes may mean the car’s system is not aware of dangerous conditions.

The problem is that the car may drive in environments the ML algorithm is not familiar with and therefore make wrong interpretations, he explained in his keynote speech.

“The ML algorithm may need to work on many environments that are different from the environment where the training data was collected,” Professor Huang said.

Professor Huang’s research proposes a new approach, a co-simulation method, to help the ML algorithm better identify unsafe factors, even in new environments.

“The data serving as learning components will run in two systems. One system is a pure simulation to train the ML algorithm, another system is to collect data from the real world to continuously update the ML algorithm.”

“The co-simulation between different components will collect sufficient evidence to reduce unsafe factors when driving an autonomous car.”

Professor Xiaowei Huang delivers keynote speech online

RiTA 2023 was co-organised by XJTLU, the University of Liverpool, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) with the theme “Robotics and AI for Digital Futures”.

Professor Huang was among eight keynote speakers at the conference, whose talks covered sustainable digital manufacturing, future development of humanoid robots, the application of AI in engineering, robotic intelligence and automation, and other topics.

Bridging academia and industry

More than 100 academics, industry experts, and students from China, Germany, Malaysia, and South Korea at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) attended onsite.

The conference received more than 60 papers from at least 20 institutions worldwide. In addition, the conference enabled academic and industry experts to share perspectives.

“I see RiTA as a chance to bridge communications and potential research collaborations for the Bosch Center for Artificial Intelligence with academic communities and fellow industry professionals,” said Dr Youjia Wu, Applied AI Scientist at the Center and one of the keynote speakers.

Dr Youjia Wu delivers his keynote speech at RiTA 2023

Professor Eng Hwa Yap, Dean of the School of Robotics and the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem, says the conference was just one example of how XJTLU encourages the global exchange of ideas, collaboration, and the dissemination of cutting-edge research.

“By bringing together international experts, researchers, and academics, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that accelerates technological advancements, Professor Yap says. “This not only enhances our reputation as a hub for academic excellence, but also positions us as a catalyst for global dialogue in these critical domains.”

Professor Eng Hwa Yap gives the opening speech at RiTA 2023

International conferences are also valuable assets to students, Professor Yap said.

“Through engagement with leading experts, they witness first-hand the practical applications of entrepreneurial thinking in these cutting-edge fields,” he said.

“The interactive sessions and workshops provide a unique opportunity for our students to network with industry leaders, fostering a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Participants of RiTA 2023 exchange ideas with each other

Annual exchanges

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) organised the first RiTA in 2012, together with the International Robot Olympiad Committee and the Korea Robot Soccer Association.

Since then, RiTA has become an annual meeting that brings together scholars and industry experts in the field of robot intelligence technologies, to exchange ideas and facilitates collaborations.

“RiTA shares similarities with other robotics conferences as the robotics is by nature multi-disciplinary,” says Professor Han-Lim Choi from KAIST. “However, one noticeable aspect of RiTA is that it is grounded firmly on robot intelligence and expands to robot systems.”

By Haolun Xu
Edited by Tamara Kaup
Photos by Zuofu Wang