Welcome Messages

Welcome Messages

On behalf of ISCIE, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to all participants of the 2026 International Symposium on Flexible Automation. I sincerely appreciate each of you for traveling from across the globe to join us.

Our society is founded upon the pillars of systems engineering, control engineering, and information engineering, and we remain committed to advancing technological innovation within these fields. Today, these disciplines are more crucial than ever in addressing industry challenges, particularly in transforming the manufacturing sector.

The theme of this conference, “Flexible Automation,” is central to this transformation. It is vital not only for automation but also for developing production systems capable of flexibly managing high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and adapting to changes within supply chains. Furthermore, it provides a robust foundation for the advancement of Manufacturing Digital Transformation (DX) and Green Transformation (GX).

I am confident that this conference will serve as an invaluable platform for disseminating the latest research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby inspiring innovative solutions that will shape the future of manufacturing. I especially hope that emerging researchers will gain new insights and opportunities for collaboration, and that they will become leaders in this domain.

My sincere gratitude goes to the members of the Organizing, Program, and Executive Committees for their tireless efforts in realizing this conference, as well as to all sponsors and supporting organizations for their generous contributions.

I sincerely hope that this conference will be a productive and memorable experience for all participants.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my distinct honor to extend a warm welcome to all participants of the 2026 International Symposium on Flexible Automation, held here at the beautiful Okayama Convention Center. My deepest gratitude goes to each one of you who has traveled from around the world to join us.

The theme of this conference, “Flexible Automation,” is not merely a single subfield of industrial technology; it is a core concept that will fundamentally transform the future of manufacturing. In an era where global challenges such as an aging workforce, supply chain vulnerabilities, and climate change are prevalent, flexible automation emerges as a crucial solution for overcoming these obstacles and fostering a sustainable and resilient society.

This key theme features a broad selection of sessions on advanced topics, including additive manufacturing, sensing and control, digital design, manufacturing simulation, and digital twins. We will examine traditional yet sophisticated methods, including cutting and machine tools, as well as laser processing. The program also explores innovative robotics applications for manufacturing and inspection, intelligent sensing, and data extraction. We believe that discussions on smart and sustainable manufacturing will provide valuable insights into future industrial trends.

I sincerely hope that this conference will provide a valuable platform for you to share knowledge, forge new connections, and gain meaningful insights.

Finally, I invite you to enjoy the city of Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine” for its pleasant climate and abundant nature. During your stay, please take the opportunity to visit the magnificent Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. I also encourage you to savor the fresh seafood, fruits, and local cuisine that Okayama is famous for.

I wish you all a professionally and personally rewarding experience at this conference.