Xiaoqi Chen 
South China University of Technology, China

Abstract:

This research seminar explores embodied intelligence (EI) — the integration of artificial intelligence cognitive algorithms, physical actuation, and environmental perception that enables machines to interact autonomously with the physical world — examining its transformative industrial potential and inherent challenges. EI transcends traditional artificial intelligence by grounding decision-making in physical action, driving breakthroughs across advanced manufacturing, autonomous robotics, smart logistics, and human-machine collaboration. The seminar first walks through the rapid development of robotics, AI and LLM, particularly from the perspective of manufacturing advancement in the Pearl Delta Bay of China. Drawing from his 30 years’ industrial and academic experience, the speaker further presents some exciting developments in embodied intelligent systems and their applications in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, highlighting the pressing need for interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, computer science, and industrial management to translate EI from laboratory research to scalable industrial practice. Finally, the speaker will take this opportunity to provoke the thoughts about opportunities and challenges that EI presents and the potential impact of EI on humankind.

Xiaoqi Chen is Named Professor and Dean for Shien-Ming Wu School of Intelligent Engineering at South China University of Technology (SCUT) since 2022. Prior to joining SCUT, he was Deputy Director of the Manufacturing Futures Institute, Swinburne University of Technology; Professor and Foundation Director of Mechatronics Engineering Program, University of Canterbury; Senior Scientist and Technical Manager, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology. He has led and undertaken several national strategic research programs, including Program Leader of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Collaborative Robotics. His academic accolades include the Singapore National Technology Award and New Zealand Forestry Science Award. He has published over 400 academic papers and 5 monographs, and delivered over 100 keynote and invited speeches at conferences and forums. He is elected to Fellow of Royal Society of New Zealand, Fellow of Engineering New Zealand, Fellow of SME and Fellow of ASME.