2026 2^nd International Conference on Mechatronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (MRAI 2026) Successfully Concludes in Changsha

Painting a New Blueprint of “Intelligent Integration, Driving the Future”

[Changsha, China] May 23, 2026 – The 2nd International Conference on Mechatronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (MRAI 2026) came to a successful close at the Xiaoxiang Campus of Central South University (CSU) in Changsha, Hunan. Under the theme of “Mechatronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence,” the conference brought together experts, scholars, engineers, and students from multiple countries and regions, including China, the United States, and Malaysia. Through keynote speeches, oral presentations, and an awards ceremony, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest advancements in intelligent equipment, bionic robotics, data-driven control, and other cutting-edge fields, injecting new momentum into the cross-fertilization of global intelligent manufacturing and artificial intelligence technologies.

I. A Gathering of Distinguished Minds: A High-Level International Academic Event

The conference was hosted by Central South University, organized by the School of Automation of CSU, and supported by Nankai University, Taylor‘s University, and the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. It attracted scholars from numerous renowned universities and research institutions, as well as industry R&D personnel, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere.

The opening ceremony was held on the morning of May 23. Prof. Yi Xianfeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Automation, CSU, delivered the welcoming address on behalf of the host. He emphasized the critical role of mechatronics and AI technologies in the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry and called for strengthened international research collaboration. Prof. Yang Chunhua (IEEE Fellow, National Distinguished Young Scholar), General Chair of the conference, then delivered a speech expressing high expectations for the cutting-edge research presented by participants and highlighting the disciplinary strengths and research platforms of the School of Automation at CSU.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Prof. Xu Xiaodong of the School of Automation, CSU, who extended a warm welcome to nearly one hundred attendees.

II. Collision of Ideas: Keynote Speeches Leading the Frontier

Six distinguished experts delivered keynote speeches, covering hot topics such as discrete event systems, unstructured environment robotics, event-triggered control, pneumatic bionic robots, battery health prognostics, and UAV intelligent perception:Prof. Zhiwu Li (Xidian University, IEEE Fellow)

• Title: Optimal Deadlock Control of Automated Manufacturing Systems Using Petri Nets: A Reachability Graph Approach

• Prof. Xingjian Wang (Beihang University, National Young Talent)
  Title: Key Technologies and Applications of Robots in Unstructured Environments

• Prof. Mouquan Shen (Nanjing Tech University)
  Title: Data-Driven Event-Triggered Optimal Control

• Prof. Ning Sun (Nankai University, Young Changjiang Scholar)
  Title: Intelligent Control for Pneumatic Bionic Robots

• Prof. Yan Qin (Chongqing University, Overseas High-Level Young Talent)
  Title: Transfer Learning for Health Prognostics for Lithium-ion Batteries: A Critical Review of Deep Learning Approaches

• Ir Dr Phang Swee King (Taylor’s University)
  Title: Better Sensors and Smarter AI: What Never Changed In Robotics?

  

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Each keynote was followed by an interactive Q&A session, sparking lively discussions and intense academic exchanges.

III. Deep Integration: Oral Presentations Igniting Innovative Sparks

In the afternoon, an oral presentation session was also held. Focusing on directions such as robot navigation, intelligent control, path planning, fault diagnosis, and low-carbon scheduling, 14 young scholars and engineers from institutions including Colorado State University Pueblo, Taylor‘s University, Chaohu University, the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CAS), Fuzhou University, Nanjing Tech University, Hebei University of Technology, and Shanghai Maritime University presented high-quality research outcomes. Frequent interactions and in-depth questions effectively promoted academic exchanges and the formation of potential research collaborations.

IV. Fruitful Achievements: Awards Ceremony Recognizing Excellence

The awards ceremony brought the conference to a climax. During the closing session, the conference chair or organizing committee representative presented the Best Paper Awards. A total of five Best Paper Awards were granted to recognize outstanding scholars—especially early-career researchers—who demonstrated excellence in research methodology, innovation, academic value, and presentation. This session not only affirmed the recipients‘ academic contributions but also inspired all participants to pursue excellence in their research endeavors, bringing the conference to a perfect close.

V. Looking Ahead: Joining Hands to Create a New Era of Intelligent Technology

The successful hosting of MRAI 2026 provided a high-level platform for scholars and engineers worldwide in the fields of mechatronics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. It showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas and promoted deep integration among government, industry, academia, research, and application. The conference will undoubtedly have a profound impact on driving the intelligent transformation of global manufacturing and the innovative development of robotics technology.

Looking to the future, the conference organizing committee and the School of Automation of Central South University will continue their commitment to gathering global wisdom, deepening international cooperation, and contributing to a brighter future for intelligent technology.

Thus, the 2nd International Conference on Mechatronics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (MRAI 2026) has successfully concluded!