Dr. Lorenz Granrath | Production Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lorenz Granrath | Production Technology | Best Researcher Award

Japan Representative , Fraunhofer ICNAP, Japan

Dr. Lorenz Granrath  is a German-born expert in EU-Japan science-industry collaboration, with over 25 years of dedicated work in advanced technology sectors including AI, digital transformation (DX), environmental technology, and renewable energy. Based in Tokyo, Japan, he has held prominent roles such as Professor, Senior Advisor, and Representative in numerous German-Japanese institutional partnerships. He has successfully initiated and led international research projects, founded labs, advised companies, and lectured at leading universities including Waseda University. He is married to Megumi Ishigami and has one daughter.

Publication Profile

Summary of Suitability for Best Research Award – Dr. Lorenz Granrath

Dr. Lorenz Granrath exemplifies an outstanding candidate for the Best Research Award due to his extensive and impactful career in international science-industry collaboration, particularly between the EU and Japan. With over 25 years of strategic involvement in AI, digital transformation (DX), renewable energy, and advanced industrial technologies, he has played a crucial role in bridging academia, government bodies, and industry stakeholders. His leadership in securing funding, initiating R&D centers, establishing major cross-national collaborations (such as between AIST and DFKI), and launching cutting-edge projects like e-VITA, underscores his long-standing commitment to advancing global research agendas.

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Granrath earned his Doctorate in Economics (Dr. oec.) from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland (1990–1994), where his thesis explored the protection and exchange of technologies between Japanese and Western firms. He also studied as a Visiting Researcher at The University of Tokyo (1992–1993). He holds a diploma in Industrial Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen) from the University of Karlsruhe (KIT), Germany, and completed his secondary education at Schloßschule Kirchberg/Jagst in 1981.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Granrath currently serves as the Representative at Fraunhofer-ICNAP since November 2024 and at the Institute for Experimental Psychophysiology (IXP) since June 2022, focusing on networked adaptive production and psychophysiological emotion detection. He is an advisor to multiple organizations, including ENV Science Trading and Kienbaum Japan, and has been a Visiting Lecturer at Waseda University since 2013. Notably, he served as Project Assistant Professor at Tohoku University (2021–2022) and held a key position as Supervisory Innovation Coordinator at AIST (2014–2021), where he led international AI and energy collaborations. Earlier roles include Fraunhofer Chief Representative Japan (2001–2013), Liaison Officer at GMD (1997–2001), and Project Manager at ABB STOTZ KONTAKT GmbH (1995–1997), underscoring his deep engagement in research and industrial application across continents.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Granrath’s contributions to EU-Japan collaboration have been recognized through his leadership roles in landmark projects and his success in securing multimillion-euro research contracts. He has been instrumental in initiating major projects such as e-VITA and CrossCDR, establishing international workshops, and founding research labs. His membership in prominent organizations like the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle, DJW, JSAI, and the JSPS Alumni reflects his standing in the academic and industrial community.

🔬 Research Focus

His interdisciplinary research spans artificial intelligence, digital twins, circular economy, smart aging, and human-centric computing. He has played a vital role in developing technologies for healthy aging, environmental sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Dr. Granrath’s involvement in projects like e-VITA and initiatives in digital transformation highlight his commitment to bridging societal needs with cutting-edge scientific innovation, especially within the EU-Japan cooperative framework.

📚 Top Publications with Notes

  1. RE-HAK: A Novel Refurbish-to-Host Solution Using AI-Driven Blockchain to Advance Circular Economy and Revitalize Japan’s Akiyas
    🔹 Buildings (2025)

  2. Designing a circular cities declaration for Japan building on the European Union’s case study
    🔹 Journal of Environmental Management (2024)
    🔹 Cited by: 5 articles

  3. Digital Twins for Supporting Ageing Well: Approaches in Current Research and Innovation in Europe and Japan
    🔹 Sustainability (2024)
    🔹 Cited by: 6 articles

  4. The rising phenomenon of circular cities in Japan: Case studies of Kamikatsu, Osaki and Kitakyushu
    🔹 Science of The Total Environment (2023)
    🔹 Cited by: 12 articles

  5. Circular economy and zero-carbon strategies between Japan and South Korea: A comparative study
    🔹 Science of The Total Environment (2022)
    🔹 Cited by: 18 articles

  6. Social Capital Mediates the Association between the ICT Usage and Well-Being of Older People in Japan
    🔹 Sustainability (2022)
    🔹 Cited by: 15 articles

  7. EU-Japan Project e-VITA in Society 5.0: the “Digital Twin for Smart Aging”
    🔹 LinkedIn Newsletter Article (2022)

 

Wenwei Luo | Automation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wenwei Luo | Automation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wenwei Luo at Institute of Logistics Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, China

Wenwei Luo is a passionate robotics researcher pursuing his Master’s degree at Shanghai Maritime University, specializing in control science and engineering. With a strong foundation in robotics engineering from Zhejiang Normal University, he has demonstrated academic excellence, technical proficiency, and innovative thinking in reinforcement learning and evolutionary robotics. Wenwei has published impactful research, led interdisciplinary projects, and earned recognition in national competitions. He possesses a unique combination of embedded systems expertise and AI-based control strategies, positioning him as a rising talent in intelligent robotics. His vision is to bridge adaptive learning and real-world robotics for autonomous systems. 🤖📚🔍

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Wenwei Luo is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Control Science and Engineering at Shanghai Maritime University under Associate Professor Bo Li, with a GPA of 3.84/4.0 and double First Academic Scholarships. His research interests span reinforcement learning, adaptive control, and evolutionary robotics. Previously, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering from Zhejiang Normal University under Associate Professor Hu Lan, graduating with a GPA of 3.40/4.0 and receiving a Third Academic Scholarship. Wenwei’s academic background blends strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in intelligent systems and control engineering. 🧠🎓📈

Professional Experience

Wenwei has led and contributed to various high-impact robotics projects. As Principal Investigator, he developed a novel inner-outer loop framework for modular robots using reinforcement learning and evolutionary optimization. As Co-Investigator, he worked on intelligent drone navigation and pursuit-evasion for port defense. He also led a RoboMaster project, designing embedded software for a wheeled robot with Mecanum wheels and a shooting mechanism. His work integrates control algorithms, real-time systems, and AI-based decision-making, validated through both simulations and real-world experiments. His diverse project roles highlight both leadership and deep technical acumen. 🤖🧪🧑‍🔬

Awards and Honors

Wenwei has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic career. At Shanghai Maritime University, he won the Third Prize in the 2022 “Huawei Cup” China Post-Graduate Mathematical Contest in Modeling. During his undergraduate years, he received the National Third Prize in the 2021 National College Students Robotics Competition (RoboMaster Event). He has also been awarded the First Academic Scholarship twice during his master’s program and the Third Academic Scholarship during his bachelor’s. These recognitions reflect his commitment to excellence and contributions to engineering and robotics research. 🥇🎖️📜

Research Focus

Wenwei’s research centers on intelligent control and adaptive robotics, specifically focusing on reinforcement learning-based control, evolutionary robotics, and adaptive dynamic programming. He has pioneered a hierarchical framework integrating genetic algorithms and deep RL (PPO) for optimizing morphology and control of modular robots. His work extends to autonomous UAV path planning and pursuit-evasion strategies using fuzzy logic, neural networks, and Lyapunov-based verification. His research leverages advanced tools such as JAX and GPU parallelism for real-time learning and optimization. Wenwei aims to develop scalable, autonomous systems capable of intelligent behavior in complex environments. 🧠📡🚀

Publication Top Notes

📄  Inner–Outer Loop Intelligent Morphology Optimization and Pursuit–Evasion Control for Space Modular Robot

 📅Year: 2025 | 📚 Journal: Actuators, Volume 14

Conclusion

Wenwei Luo is a highly promising early-career researcher whose academic excellence, innovative research, and practical contributions make him a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. With a Master’s GPA of 3.84/4.0 and a strong undergraduate foundation, he has demonstrated consistent academic achievement. His research focuses on cutting-edge areas such as modular robotics, reinforcement learning, and evolutionary optimization, exemplified by his novel inner–outer loop architecture combining genetic algorithms and PPO for pursuit–evasion tasks. He has authored peer-reviewed publications, including a journal article in Actuators, and holds a patent alongside software copyrights, reflecting both theoretical and applied innovation. His technical skill set spans AI frameworks, embedded systems, and robotics platforms, and his leadership roles in multiple projects showcase his capability for independent and collaborative research. Combined with national competition awards and scholarships, Luo’s profile embodies the qualities celebrated by the Best Researcher Award.

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jianhui Wu | System Control | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jianhui Wu | System Control | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Jianhui Wu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, China. With a strong background in system control, optimization, and visual navigation, he has made significant contributions to the field of autonomous systems. His research focuses on advanced control technologies, particularly in multi-agent systems and obstacle avoidance. As an IEEE member, Dr. Wu actively collaborates with the scientific community, publishing impactful studies in high-ranking journals. His work is widely cited, showcasing his influence in the academic and industrial sectors.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Wu earned his Ph.D. from Changsha University of Science and Technology, China, in 2019. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his expertise in system control, signal processing, and visual navigation. His academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to solving complex problems in autonomous systems and optimization.

💼 Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor, Dr. Wu is affiliated with the School of Information and Communication at Guilin University of Electronic Technology. Over the years, he has led several research projects funded by the Zhuang Autonomous Region, working on cutting-edge control mechanisms for autonomous multi-agent systems. His contributions span both theoretical advancements and practical applications in the fields of artificial intelligence, automation, and transportation optimization.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Wu’s work has been widely recognized, with multiple grants supporting his research in intelligent systems and control optimization. His research output has earned high citations in SCI-indexed journals, further cementing his reputation as a leading researcher in his domain.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Wu’s research primarily revolves around system control and optimization, visual navigation, and signal processing. His groundbreaking studies on multi-agent autonomous systems explore innovative flocking control mechanisms that enhance obstacle avoidance, navigation, and collaborative behaviors. His research has contributed to designing efficient, self-organizing, and adaptive autonomous systems, essential for advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Jianhui Wu is a dedicated researcher whose contributions to system control and multi-agent coordination continue to shape the future of automation and intelligent transportation. With numerous publications in top-tier journals and significant industry collaborations, his work is paving the way for smarter, more autonomous systems.

📚 Publications 

Fuzzy Flocking Control for Multi-Agents Trapped in Dynamic Equilibrium Under Multiple ObstaclesInternational Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, 2024 (DOI: 10.1007/s12555-022-0950-6)

Virtual-Leader Split/Rejoin-Based Flocking Control With Obstacle Avoidance for Multi-AgentsInternational Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, 2024 (DOI: 10.1007/s12555-022-0950-6)

Anonymous Flocking With Obstacle Avoidance via the Position of Obstacle Boundary PointIEEE Internet of Things Journal, 2024 (DOI: 10.1109/jiot.2024.3465881)

Obstacle Boundary Point and Expected Velocity-Based Flocking of Multiagents with Obstacle AvoidanceInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems, 2023 (DOI: 10.1155/2023/1493299)

Optimization Scheme of Fine Toll and Bus Departure Quantity for Bottleneck Congestion ManagementComplexity, 2021 (DOI: 10.1155/2021/5518502)

Optimization Scheme of Tradable Credits and Bus Departure Quantity for Travelers’ Travel Mode Choice GuidanceJournal of Advanced Transportation, 2020 (DOI: 10.1155/2020/6665161)

Price Regulation Mechanism of Travelers’ Travel Mode Choice in the Driverless Transportation NetworkJournal of Advanced Transportation, 2020 (DOI: 10.1155/2020/9191834)

Guidance Optimization of Travelers’ Travel Mode Choice Based on Fuel Tax Rate and Bus Departure Quantity in Two-Mode Transportation SystemJournal of Advanced Transportation, 2020 (DOI: 10.1155/2020/4190632)

A Day-to-Day Stochastic Traffic Flow Assignment Model Based on Mixed RegulationIEEE Access, 2020 (DOI: 10.1109/access.2019.2962864)

Robust Optimization of Sequence Decision in Urban Road ConstructionComputer Science, 2018

 

 

Han-Jui Chang | Mechatronics Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Han-Jui Chang | Mechatronics Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mechatronics Engineering, Shantou University, China

Han-Jui Chang (Henry Chang) is an accomplished engineer and academic with over 20 years of experience in the engineering and manufacturing industries. Currently an Associate Professor at Shantou University, he specializes in industrial production processes, engineering materials, and molding simulation. Henry has extensive experience in project design, customer service, and sales in the field of injection molding, as well as in research and development of new technologies. His career is marked by his dedication to both practical industry applications and academic excellence. 🌍🎓

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Experience in Research and Development: Han-Jui Chang has over 20 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, particularly in the field of injection molding machines. His background in developing new products and technologies, combined with his expertise in analyzing and optimizing production processes, demonstrates a strong foundation in research and practical application.
  2. Notable Academic and Industrial Contributions: As an associate professor at various universities, Han-Jui Chang has contributed significantly to academia through teaching and mentoring students in subjects related to industrial production processes, engineering materials, and molding simulation. Additionally, he has published several research papers in high-impact journals (such as “Polymers” and “The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology”), which showcase his contributions to advancing knowledge in mechanical engineering and materials science.
  3. Recognition and Awards: Han-Jui Chang has been recognized for his expertise and contributions, as evidenced by his membership in the USA Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society and multiple invitations as a guest speaker at renowned universities. His role as a patent holder and his numerous certifications in the field further highlight his innovation and leadership in research.
  4. Interdisciplinary Skills and Global Experience: His diverse skill set includes expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, project management, and international trade. He has experience in both academic and industrial settings, spanning various countries and cultural contexts, making him a well-rounded candidate for the award.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focus on Expanding Research Publications: Although Han-Jui Chang has several notable publications, expanding the volume and diversity of his research output could strengthen his case for the award. Collaborating with more researchers internationally and targeting a broader range of high-impact journals would enhance his visibility and influence in the research community.
  2. Strengthen Research Impact: While his research outputs are published in reputable journals, enhancing the citation impact and exploring interdisciplinary research areas could further demonstrate the broader relevance and applicability of his work. Engaging in more collaborative research projects with industry and academia could help achieve this.
  3. Further Involvement in Professional Organizations: While he is already a member of a prestigious research society, increasing his involvement in professional organizations (e.g., serving on editorial boards or leading committees) could demonstrate his commitment to contributing to the research community beyond his own work.

🎓 Education:

Doctorate in Industrial Education from Universidad Metropolitana (2015-2018) 🏫. Master of Science in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering from National Formosa University (2005-2007) 🔧📐.

💼 Experience:

Henry Chang has a diverse professional background with over 20 years in engineering and manufacturing. His roles have spanned from Service Engineer to Associate Professor, demonstrating his versatility in technical customer service, research and development, project management, and teaching. Henry has significant experience in stress analysis, plant layout, and developing innovative engineering solutions, particularly in the field of injection molding and mechanical systems. His international experience includes roles across Taiwan, China, and Europe, with a focus on customer relationship management, product development, and market expansion. 🌏💼

🔍 Research Focus:

Henry Chang’s research interests are centered on optimizing manufacturing processes, particularly through the application of advanced algorithms like NSGA-II and Kriging models. He is passionate about improving the quality and efficiency of manufacturing, specifically in areas such as injection molding, five-axis machine tools, and innovative material applications. His research combines practical engineering applications with advanced theoretical methods, contributing to the development of new technologies in the field. 🧬🔬

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Best Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing (2018) 🏅. Recognized for his innovative contributions to the evaluation of five-axis machine tools and manufacturing optimization methods. 🥇

📚 Publication Highlights:

Chang, H., Sun, Y., Lu, S., & Zhang, G. (2023). Application of the NSGA-II Algorithm and Kriging Model to Optimize the Process Parameters for the Improvement of the Quality of Fresnel Lenses. Polymers, 15, 3403. Polymers Journal (SCI/Q1, IF=5.0) 🔍

Chang, H. (2018). Using a Cone Frustum Part in the Evaluation of Multiple Types of Five-Axis Machine Tools with the Taguchi Method. IEEE International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing. IEEE Conference (Best Paper Award) 🏅

Chang, H., Chen, S.-L., & Lee, P.-Y. (2017). Applying a Pyramid Part in the Performance Evaluation of Multiple Types of Five-Axis Machine Tools. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, pp1–7. 📖

Conclusion

Han-Jui Chang’s extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing, combined with his academic contributions and recognition in the field, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. He has demonstrated expertise in developing innovative solutions, optimizing manufacturing processes, and contributing to the academic community. However, further enhancing his research impact through increased publications, citations, and broader professional engagement could solidify his standing as a top contender for the award. Overall, his achievements and contributions align well with the criteria for the award, and he has the potential to make an even more significant impact in the future.