Based on an in-depth interview conducted by NOKOV Motion Capture with Professor Wang Hesheng of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chairman of the IROS 2025 Conference.
In robotics, genuine progress does not come from publishing papers alone but from communication and exchange. At international conferences such as ICRA and IROS, researchers from all over the world gather together, bringing their latest work, ideas, and perspectives. This process of direct dialogue, discussion, and debate drives innovation far beyond what is possible through reading publications in isolation.
Professor Wang emphasizes: “The real core of attending conferences is not just listening to presentations, but engaging in meaningful exchange.”
Prof. Wang at ICRA Poster Session
The essence of research is to explore the unknown and solve complex problems, a process that relies heavily on continuous communication and feedback. Whether defining a research direction or exploring a specific technical path, new inspiration can be gained by communicating with peers, experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Professor Wang views this exchange as an internal driving force for research, pushing us to break free from conventional thinking and examine problems from fresh perspectives. For instance, when a research team hits a roadblock in a specific area, a cross-disciplinary exchange or a seemingly casual discussion can suddenly lead to a breakthrough idea. He stresses that while journals are for publishing results, the more important purpose of conferences is communication—to spark new ideas, foster new collaborations, and ultimately lead to new achievements.
Modern robotics is a highly integrated, interdisciplinary field that cannot advance without the collaboration of multiple domains, including mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, control systems, and materials science. Professor Wang believes that communication is the key to breaking down disciplinary barriers and achieving deep integration. While traditional academic conferences are often organized by discipline, IROS, as a comprehensive conference, provides a valuable opportunity for scholars from diverse backgrounds to connect. Through interactions at workshops and poster sessions, robotics experts can engage directly with scholars and industry practitioners from fields like automation and artificial intelligence, fostering a cross-pollination of knowledge and giving rise to new research directions.
The IROS 2025 conference will feature over 80 workshops precisely to encourage participants to actively engage in these cross-disciplinary, cutting-edge discussions, allowing "sparks" from different backgrounds to ignite into the "flame" of innovation. Click here learn more:IROS 2025 Workshop&Tutorial
To further promote the reach and visibility of these workshops, NOKOV Motion Capture is organizing a series of live academic talks related to the IROS 2025 workshops. This initiative extends the academic exchange beyond the conference days and facilitates deeper discussions among the organizers on their workshop topics.
In the interview, Professor Wang shared personal experiences that prove how academic conferences can act as catalysts for international cooperation. He recalled that as a student attending top conferences like ICRA and IROS, he had the opportunity to meet the authors of papers he admired and even ask them questions. He admitted that it was through these conference exchanges that he first connected with renowned scholars, which later led to collaboration. For example, after a conversation with a French scholar at a conference, they jointly applied for a China-France cooperation project and co-authored several papers.
This network also extends to cultivating young research talent. Through a conference connection, Professor Wang established a relationship with a professor from Mexico, which led to one of the professor's students spending a year under their joint guidance in his lab. The friendship and trust forged at these conferences lay a solid foundation for substantive international academic cooperation and talent mobility.
Beyond international collaboration, communication at these top conferences is also a vital link for academia-industry partnerships. The ultimate goal of academic research is to serve society by translating research findings into practical applications. Professor Wang observed that unlike their international counterparts who actively participate in top academic conferences, early domestic companies were more focused on rapid commercialization. However, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises now realize the importance of building a technological reserve for future growth and actively exploring the potential for integrating and applying cutting-edge technologies and products. He encourages more domestic companies to send representatives to top academic conferences like IROS and ICRA to learn about the latest research trends and connect with leading scholars. This will give them a better understanding of new technologies, helping academic findings find fertile ground for industrialization.
ICRA 2024: NOKOV Motion Capture booth
For young scholars and students, the significance of communication is even greater. Academic conferences are an excellent platform for young talents to showcase their skills and network with their peers. By meeting and talking with senior scholars, they can gain valuable guidance and advice, helping them avoid unnecessary detours. Professor Wang recalls that many peers he met at conferences as a young scholar have now become key figures in the robotics community. The New Generation Star Project (NGSP), jointly initiated by the IROS 2025 organizing committee and NOKOV Motion Capture, is designed with this very principle in mind. It aims to provide a platform for promising young scholars to showcase their work and deeply interact with leaders from both academia and industry. The hope is that through such a program, the next generation of "stars" in robotics can rapidly grow from "rookies" to "generals" who can lead independently, injecting a continuous stream of vitality into the future of the entire field.
ICRA 2024: NGSP segment at the Appreciation Dinner for all Editors and Associated Editors
Professor Hesheng Wang's interview paints a picture of a robotics research landscape built on communication. Here, communication is no longer an optional accessory; it is a core element that drives research progress, breaks down disciplinary barriers, promotes international and industry-academia collaboration, and nurtures future talent. It is not merely the transfer of knowledge but the clash of ideas and the exchange of wisdom. Guided by this philosophy, NOKOV Motion Capture is deeply involved in top robotics conferences like ICRA and IROS, hoping to contribute to a stage that fosters deep global communication and cooperation, and empowers the future development of the industry.
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