Minoru Asada

International Professional University of Technology in Osaka

The University of Osaka, Japan

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What, How, and Why Robotic Computing? ― Artificial Body, Brain, and Mind

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Abstract: For over 20 years, we have been pioneering Cognitive Developmental Robotics (CDR), a framework for understanding human cognitive and affective development through computer simulations and real robot experiments. This talk explores the evolution of two core CDR concepts: physical embodiment and social interaction. It then examines into the profound influence of recent advancements in generative AI on CDR, particularly concerning the role and significance of physical embodiment. A thought experiment on robot pain, which we term silicopathy, introduces the challenge of fostering artificial empathy―a domain where current AI technologies fall short. Finally, the talk addresses the future of robot computing in achieving a symbiotic society with AI and robots, considering the pivotal questions of how, what, and why.

 

Bio: Minoru Asada is Vice President at the International Professional University of Technology in Osaka and a Specially-Appointed Professor at Osaka University. He co-founded RoboCup, an international initiative to promote AI and robotics research through soccer-playing robots. Previously, he served as Research Director of the JST ERATO Asada Synergistic Intelligence Project and led several national projects, including those on neuromorphic dynamics and legal personhood for AI and robots. His work spans cognitive developmental robotics, human-robot interaction, and ethical challenges in AI and robotics.

 

Tatsuhiko Kagehiro
Hitachi, Japan

How Hitachi is Using AI in its Social Innovation Business

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Abstract: AI technology is entering its third boom, and with the progress of Deep Learning and Generative AI, the number of situations in which it is actually used in society is increasing. For more than 50 years, Hitachi has been promoting research and development of AI technology and its applications to Social Innovation Business. In this presentation, I introduce the history and results of Hitachi's research and development of AI technology and examples of video analysis and metaverse applications.

 

Bio: Kagehiro is a distinguished researcher of Advanced AI Innovation Center in Hitachi R&D Genter. He has researched about Image processing and recognition, machine learning with over 30 years, and received many external awards. He received Ph.D. and M.S. from University of Tsukuba. He is visiting lecturer of some universities, and committee member of several external organizations. He joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1994. In 2005, he worked as a visiting researcher at the University of Surrey. In 2018, he was a department manager of Media Intelligent system, and in 2020 as a GM of AI Innovation Center and Lumada Data Science Lab. He has been in his current position since 2022. 

 

Heiner Stuckenschmidt
University of Mannheim, Germany

Beyond Process Mining - Machine Learning for Business Process Modelling

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Abstract: While many researchers in the Business Process Management Community have recognized the potential benefits of using Machine Learning, their attention is mostly on the execution of processes that have been designed manually. Much less attention has been paid to the potential use of Machine Learning to support process modelling as the most fundamental task in process management. In this talk I will argue for a widening of this focus and give two examples of successful applications of machine Learning for supporting business process modelling that have been developed together with SAP Signavio.

Bio: Heiner Stuckenschmidt is full Professor of Artifical Intelligence at the University of Mannheim. Heiner received his PhD in the area of Semantic Web Technologies from the Free University of Amsterdam and made major contributions to the fields of Ontology Matching and distributed knowledge representation. After moving to Mannheim, he has shifted his focus towards the application of Artificial Intelligence in different areas of the economic and social sciences including Psychology, Political Science, Higher Education, Supply Chain Management and Business Process Management.

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