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Dr. Ren C. Luo

Panel Discussion Moderator
Emeritus Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University
Director, International Center of Excellence on Intelligent Robotics and Automation Research(NTU-iCeiRA)
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Ren C. Luo is currently an Emeritus Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, and the He Yi-Tzu Chair Professor. He received the German National Engineer qualification and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. He has been dedicated to the research of intelligent robotics and automation, with professional experience spanning Germany, Japan, the United States, and Taiwan.
His areas of expertise include: intelligent sensor-controlled robotic systems for medical robots, service robots, fully automatic wheeled self-propelled robots, humanoid robots, security robots, educational and entertainment companion robots; intelligent multi-sensor fusion and integration systems; visual servo feedback control systems; intelligent mechatronics systems; rapid prototyping product development and advanced automation systems.
Dr. Ren C. Luo has served as co-editor of the IEEE Journal of Industrial Electronics, chairman of the Taiwan Robotics Society, and consultant to the Taiwan Institute of Economics.

Dr. Sue Keay

Director of UNSW AI Institute
(Australia)

Dr. Sue Keay is an expert in robotics, AI and automation. She is the Director of the UNSW AI Institute and founded Robotics Australia Group, the peak body for the robotics industry. With a background in science and a passion for cutting-edge technologies, Sue has led successful initiatives that bridge the gap between research and practical applications. Her expertise lies in leveraging robotics, AI and automation to solve complex challenges across various sectors. Sue is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), a member of the Kingston AI Group and Chief Executive Women, and serves on numerous advisory boards, including the board of the computer vision start-up, Visionary Machines. Sue holds an MBA from The University of Queensland Business School, a PhD in Earth Sciences from ANU and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.

Mr. Chen, Che-Chien

Deputy Director, Precision Machinery Research & Development Center
(Chinese Taipei)

He has extensive experience in smart machinery, industrial robotics, AMR/AGV systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence into manufacturing applications. Mr. Chen has led numerous government and industry collaboration projects, supporting key sectors such as machinery, electronics, and semiconductors in implementing advanced automation and intelligent systems. His work focuses on modular robot design, low-code development environments, and AI-powered edge computing for factory deployment. As a driving force behind the SMART.Com community—an AI-driven transformation network for the smart machinery industry—he actively fosters cross-sector collaboration and innovation to accelerate Taiwan’s transition toward intelligent manufacturing.

Ms. Jenny Shern

General Manager of NexCOBOT Taiwan Co., Ltd.
(Chinese Taipei)

Ms.Jenny Shern graduated from Université Paul Valéry with a Master’s Degree in Language Education. She later joined Nexcom, where she served as Director of the Industrial Computing Solutions Business Unit and subsequently as Vice President of the IoT Automation Solutions Business Group. She is currently the General Manager of NexCOBOT, a Nexcom Company focusing on Robotics and Machine Control. With many years of experience in the field of smart machinery, she is optimistic about the rapid growth of the functional safety controller market. Under her leadership, the company has set its strategic direction of becoming a “Comprehensive Provider of Functional Safety AI Robot Solution”, aiming to build an industrial ecosystem through upstream and downstream collaborations to expand the global footprint of robotics.
NexCOBOT has over a decade of experience in the research and development of smart machinery products. In its early years, its primary clients were mass volume machine, equipment, and industrial robot builders . In recent years, however, demand has shifted towards small-batch customized solutions and AI integration. Accordingly, the company now focuses on four major areas: enhancing robotic functional safety, applying AI and control in industrial robots, providing robotics consultancy services, and promoting the adoption of AMRs and mobile manipulators .

Dr. Mahisorn Wongphati

HG Robotics Co., Ltd.
(Thailand)

Mahisorn Wongphati, PhD (นาย มหิศร ว่องผาติ)
Dr. Mahisorn Wongphati holds a B.Eng and M.Eng in Computer Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Robotics) from Keio University, Japan, supported by the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship. He is currently the CEO of HG Robotics and co-founder of HiveGround, and formerly served as CTO at Obodroid Corporation. With over 20 years of experience in robotics, he has led numerous projects in drone-based inspection, agricultural robotics, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and mobile robot systems in collaboration with universities and government sectors. His achievements include being listed among Thailand’s ELLE Men Top 40 and speaking at TEDxBangkok 2015. Passionate about applying AI and robotics in real-world industries, he continues to drive innovation and practical solutions across Southeast Asia.

Mr. Tetsuya Nakamura

Executive Vice President of Newgreen Inc.
(Japan)

Executive Vice President, NEWGREEN Inc.
Founder, Inventor and Developer of Aigamo Robo®
He began his career at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1997, where he was involved in chassis design, corporate strategy, platform development, and product development headquarters.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, he started rice farming on weekends out of concern for food security. That experience led him to realize the importance of automation in sustainable agriculture.
In 2012, he launched the Aigamo Robo® project with a team of volunteers from major companies.
He left Nissan in 2019 and co-founded YUKIMAI DESIGN CO., LTD., a university-originated startup from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
The company was renamed NEWGREEN Inc. in 2024, where he now serves as Executive Vice President.

Dr. Nguyễn Phạm Thục Anh

Department of Industrial Automation, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology
(Vietnam)

Dr. Nguyễn Phạm Thục Anh is a senior faculty member at the Department of Industrial Automation, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. She received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Robotics from Ritsumeikan University, Japan. Her research focuses on industrial robots, multi-fingered robotic hands, force control, and intelligent manufacturing systems. She has published over 60 international papers and led numerous national R&D projects involving collaborative robots, agricultural automation, UAV systems, and firefighting/rescue robots. She has also served as a visiting scholar in Germany, Japan, and the USA, and was a Best Paper Award winner at ROBIO 2004. She is actively engaged in robotics education, competition coaching, and international cooperation.

Dr. Sunghoon Baek

General Manager of Epinet Co., Ltd.
(Korea)

Dr. Sunghoon Baek is an expert with a strong academic background and extensive practical experience in agricultural biotechnology and entomology. He holds degrees from Seoul National University (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) and West Virginia University (M.S.). Currently, Dr. Baek serves as General Manager at EPINET Co., Ltd.. His professional experience also includes roles as a Senior Researcher and Part-time lecturer at Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Chungnam Research & Extension Services, Andong National University, and Seoul National University. His major projects involve predicting pest and disease occurrences using AI technologies, developing safe production models for apple digital orchards, and managing pests like Ricania shantungensis and Conogethes punctiferalis. Dr. Baek has authored numerous publications in prominent academic journals such as PLOS ONE and Helioyon.

Dr. Shean-Jen Chen

Distinguished Professor of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Shean-Jen Chen, Distinguished Professor at the College of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, specializes in the fields of optoelectronic signal processing, optoelectronic system integration, and biomedical optoelectronic systems. His research focuses include:(1)Advanced nonlinear optical microscopy, such as high-speed optical sectioning imaging, adaptive optics for thick tissue imaging, super-resolution imaging techniques, and multiphoton-induced laser ablation. (2)Three-dimensional optical lithography technologies, including the fabrication of specialized 3D microstructures and high-throughput micromanufacturing.

Dr. Tan Chee Pin

Head of Electrical & Robotics Engineering department, Monash University Malaysia
(Malaysia)

Dr. Tan Chee Pin is a Professor and Head of Electrical and Robotics Engineering at Monash University Malaysia. He holds a First-Class Honours B.Eng. and a Ph.D. in Control Systems from the University of Leicester, UK, and is both a Chartered Engineer (UK) and a Professional Engineer (Malaysia). His research spans fault diagnosis, fault-tolerant control, soft robotics, and smart city systems. Dr. Tan has published over 100 journal papers with more than 6,000 citations (H-index: 38) and has received numerous awards for teaching and research excellence. He serves as associate editor for several international journals and has been invited as keynote or plenary speaker at various global conferences. His work advances intelligent control applications in robotics and urban technologies.

Ms. Christine Herbst-Kubitz

General Manager of Siemens Ltd. Digital Industries
(Chinese Taipei)

Christine Herbst-Kubitz is the General Manager of Digital Industries at Siemens Taiwan, leading digital transformation and automation for the manufacturing sector. With over 15 years of global experience, she is recognized for her open-minded, proactive leadership in advancing smart and sustainable manufacturing.
In her current role, Christine drives strategic initiatives to implement advanced digital and automation solutions, with a strong focus on the high-tech and semiconductor industries. She has successfully expanded Siemens’ influence in this sector by forming strategic partnerships with key industry players.
Her previous roles include Global Head of Business Development for OEMs and Head of Smart Infrastructure in Taiwan, where she demonstrated a strong ability to capture market trends and grow business.
Christine’s unique blend of technical expertise, business insight, and a deep understanding of digital transformation positions her as a respected thought leader in the field. Her dedication to innovation and excellence continues to shape the digital industries landscape in Taiwan and beyond.

Dr. Do Manh Cuong

Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Automation Association
(Vietnam)

Dr.-Ing. Do Manh Cuong (Edward) is now lecturer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Automation, the Deputy General Secretary at Vietnam Automation Association (VAA), and working for AITCV as I4.0 technologies Advisor and visiting faculty. Dr.-Ing. DO defensed for his doctor of Electrical Engineering, majors of Power Electronics in 2008 in Germany at Dresden University of Technology. Born in 1977 and agile, active, target-oriented, straightforward, keep up with trends and up-to-date, beside his professional, Dr. DO has the special interest on the area of Energy, Automation because he studied and research in Germany where the Renewable Energy very famous for. He attended in many activities related to this area, such as researcher of project “Local Innovative Energy Systems – LIES” supported by the German Research Foundation; designing and conducting training course on “Forecasting and evaluation the potential for renewable energy development in Vietnam” for Electricity Vietnam (EVN); designing and organizing training course on “Using biomass energy in the garment industry” for the delegation of the Cambodian Garment Association. Beside these, he has been consulting, designing and optimizing a number of solar power, wind power projects as well as energy conservation for industrial factories in Vietnam; commissioned drive system for Viet Thang paper plant; Service and commissioning the waste water treatment system and the fire protection system for Uong Bi thermal power plant; upgrading and commissioning the middle voltage VFD for Viwasupco; Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation for VICEM, EVN and other manufacturers are also his special interests at the moment.

Dr. Ping-Lang Yen

Professor of Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Ping-Lang Yen received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, UK, in 1996. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering at National Taiwan University. From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Yen served as the Director of the Smart Agriculture Center at the College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University.
His areas of expertise include robotics and mechatronic control. His research focuses primarily on medical surgical robots, particularly in applications such as computer-assisted orthopedic surgery and tumor ablation procedures. In addition, he works on agricultural robotics aimed at addressing labor shortages in agricultural production.

About Forum

APEC Forum on
Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Collaborative Innovation in Intelligent Robotics

The Asia-Pacific faces the challenges with aging populations and labor shortages in remote areas. To address productivity challenges caused by skills gaps and workforce shortages, this forum will share expertise, application cases, and strategic insights on the development of high-efficiency, energy-saving robotic systems, fostering collaborative innovation in smart robotics toward a sustainable future.

Date
September 16-17, 2025

Venue
Wuri Pu Hotel

Agenda

The organizer reserves the right to change the agenda.

  • Day1
    Tuesday, September 16
  • Day2
    Wednesday, September 17
TimeAgenda
08:30-09:00

Registration

09:00-09:20

Opening Remarks & Group Photo

  • Remarks by the Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT), MOEA.
  • Remarks by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Remarks by Mr. Li, Chien-Hsun, Executive Vice President, Precision Machinery Research & Development Cententer (PMC)

09:20-09:50

Designing Inclusive Robotics Ecosystems for a Sustainable APEC Future

Speaker

  • Dr. Sue Keay / Director of UNSW AI Institute, Australia

09:50-10:05

Reimagining the Future of Manufacturing: AI-Powered Cross-Industry Transformation through Robotic Systems

Speaker

  • Mr. Chen, Che-Chien, Deputy Director / Automation and Robotics Division, Precision Machinery Research and Development Center(PMC)

10:05-10:30

Coffee Break

TOPIC 1
Applications of Cross-Domain Robotics Technology

10:30-11:00

Development and Application of Intelligent Control Systems for Human-Robot Interaction

Speaker

  • Ms. Jenny Shern / General Manager of NexCOBOT Taiwan Co., Ltd.

11:00-11:30

Unlocking the Future of Agriculture: How Drones are Transforming Productivity and Sustainability in Farming

Speaker

  • Dr. Mahisorn Wongphati / Co-founders & CEO of HG Robotics Co., Ltd., Thailand

11:30-12:00

New Paradigms in Automation: How Cross-Domain Collaboration Is Shaping Environmentally Friendly Robotics

Speaker

  • Mr. Tetsuya Nakamura / Executive Vice President of Newgreen Inc., Japan

12:00-13:30

Lunch Break

TOPIC 2
Leading Agricultural Innovation and Transformation with Human-Machine Collaboration and Smart Systems

13:30-14:00

Application of Robot Vision Technology in Precision Agriculture

Speaker

  • Dr. Nguyễn Phạm Thục Anh / Department of Industrial Automation, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam

14:00-14:30

AI-Powered Pest and Disease Modeling: Fueling the Next Generation of Smart Agricultural Robots

Speaker

  • Dr. Sunghoon Baek / General Manager of Epinet Co., Ltd., The Republic of Korea

14:30-15:00

Coffee Break

15:00-15:30

Technological Solutions to the Agricultural Labor Shortage: The Future Farm of Human-Robot Collaboration

Speaker

  • Dr. Shean-Jen Chen / Distinguished Professor of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Chinese Taipei

Panel Discussion

15:30-16:30

Development Trends, Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-industry Robot Application Systems

Moderator

  • Dr. Ren C. Luo / Emeritus Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University Director, International Center of Excellence on Intelligent Robotics and Automation Research(NTU-iCeiRA)
Speaker
  • Ms. Jenny Shern / General Manager of NexCOBOT Taiwan Co., Ltd.
  • Dr. Sue Keay / Director of UNSW AI Institute
  • Dr. Do Manh Cuong / Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Automation Association
  • Mr. Tetsuya Nakamura / Executive Vice President of Newgreen Inc.
  • Dr. Shean-Jen Chen / Distinguished Professor of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

TimeAgenda
08:30-09:00

Registration

TOPIC 3
High-Efficiency and Energy-Saving Technologies

09:00-09:30

Online Prediction of Remaining Useful Life of Industrial Robots Performing High-Speed Manufacturing Tasks

Speaker

  • Dr. Tan Chee Pin / Head of Electrical & Robotics Engineering department, Monash University Malaysia

09:30-10:00

Elevating energy saving in manufacturing with digital solutions

Speaker

  • Ms. Christine Herbst-Kubitz / General Manager of Siemens Ltd. Digital Industries

10:00-10:30

Intelligent Applications and Performance Enhancement of Human-Machine Collaborative Systems

Speaker

  • Dr. Do Manh Cuong / Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Automation Association

10:30-11:00

Case Sharing on Robotic Application Systems for Enhancing Agricultural Production Efficiency

Speaker

  • Dr. Ping-Lang Yen / Professor of Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University

11:00-14:30

Lunch Break / Driving distance from Taichung to Tainan

14:30-16:30

Site Visit
Visit the smart agriculture application field - robot rice bag stacking technology (Tainan)

Site visits open only to experts and participants from APEC member economies.

The Speakers

Dr. Ren C. Luo

International Center of Excellence on Intelligent Robotics and Automation Research(NTU-iCeiRA)
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Sue Keay

Director of UNSW AI Institute
(Australia)

Mr. Chen, Che-Chien

Deputy Director,
Precision Machinery Research
& Development Center
(Chinese Taipei)

Ms. Jenny Shern

General Manager of NexCOBOT Taiwan Co., Ltd.
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Mahisorn Wongphati

HG Robotics Co., Ltd.
(Thailand)

Mr. Tetsuya Nakamura

Executive Vice President of Newgreen Inc.
(Japan)

Dr. Nguyễn Phạm
Thục Anh

Department of Industrial Automation, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology
(Vietnam)

Dr.Sunghoon Baek

General Manager
of Epinet Co., Ltd.
(Korea)

Dr. Shean-Jen Chen

Distinguished Professor
of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Tan Chee Pin

Head of Electrical & Robotics Engineering department, Monash University Malaysia
(Malaysia)

Ms. Christine
Herbst-Kubitz

General Manager
of Siemens Ltd.
Digital Industries
(Chinese Taipei)

Dr. Do Manh Cuong

Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Automation Association
(Vietnam)

Dr. Ping-Lang Yen

Professor of Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University
(Chinese Taipei)

Transportation

By Car

Take National Freeway No. 1 and exit at Wangtian Interchange
→ Turn onto Provincial Highway 1 Northbound, then continue to Highway 1A
→ Turn right onto Changshou Road, then left onto Jianxing Road
→ After 200 meters, turn right to reach Wuri Plainstay Hotel

By Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR)

Take the THSR to THSR Taichung Station
→ Exit via Exit 7 and take a taxi (Approx. 10-minute ride) to Wuri Plainstay Hotel
→ Or walk to TRA Xinwuri Station and take a local train to TRA Chenggong Station → Walk for about 7 minutes to reach Wuri Plainstay Hotel

By Taiwan Railways (TRA)

Take any TRA train to TRA Taichung Station
→ Transfer to a local train to TRA Chenggong Station → Walk 7 minutes to reach Wuri Plainstay Hotel
→ Or transfer to Bus 105, 101, or 105 Extension Line, approx. 30-minute ride → Get off at Shanguang Temple Stop → Walk 7 minutes to reach Wuri Plainstay Hotel
→ Or go to the Rear Station Taxi Stand and take a taxi (Approx. 30-minute ride) to Wuri Plainstay Hotel

By TRA Local Train

Take a TRA local train to TRA Chenggong Station
→ Walk 7 minutes to reach Wuri Plainstay Hotel

Accommodation

Wuri Pu Hotel

No. 757, Jianxing Road, Wuri District, Taichung City
(Near Taichung Wuri High Speed Rail Station)

A resort paradise that blends the beauty of nature, a modern atmosphere, and exceptional comfort.

Wuri Plainstay Hotel integrates natural landscapes into the hotel design itself, offering a touch of jungle ambiance. As you stroll through the hotel grounds, it feels as if you’ve stepped into the dreamlike world of a tropical rainforest.

The resort spans over 3,000 pings (approximately 10,000 square meters), with a natural jungle-inspired environment. Verdant pathways, lush vegetation, tree-lined driveways, and vibrant gardens create the feeling of being embraced by nature.

Wuri Pu Hotel Website
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