On June 19, 2024, at the invitation of Prof. Chen Yan, Dr. I-Ming Chen, Fellow of Singapore Academy of Engineering, visited MSL and gave a lively and interesting lecture, “A Robotic Engineer’s Journey: from Academia to Entrepreneurship,” for all the teachers and students in the lab.

        Dr. Chen first reviewed the history of computer miniaturization and intelligence, then shared his research insights on modular robotics technology and his experiences in humanoid robot competitions. He also shared his entrepreneurial stories and experiences in the robotics field, including Transforma Robotics for the built environment sector and Hand Plus Robot for the logistics sector. From a practitioner’s perspective, he introduced valuable experiences in team building, technology management, R&D and market directions, fund raising, as well as scaling-up. He also looked ahead to the future prospects and trends of the robotics industry. Finally, Dr. Chen engaged in discussions with the faculty and students about the development prospects and technical challenges of various robots, providing valuable and profound insights.

        Dr. Chen, Fellow of Singapore Academy of Engineering, Fellow of IEEE and ASME, has been with the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore since 1995. He is currently Director of Robotics Research Centre. He is now Chairman of IFToMM Technical Committee on Robotics and Mechatronics, and member of RoboCup Singapore National Committee. He was the Chairman of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, Singapore Chapter, the Chairman of Prototyping for Robotics and Automation Technical Committee under IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, a Council member of Singapore Industrial Automation Association, and the Chairman of Singapore Committee for the Technologies of Machines and Mechanisms.