Abstract: Recent technological advancements have fuelled the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), making it increasingly accessible for real-world applications. Bio-inspired robotic platforms offer innovative ways to develop AI services that benefit society. These robots provide a physical embodiment that plays a critical role in cognitive processes, enabling the creation of intelligent, autonomous agents with enhanced social capabilities. An emerging field in this domain is Neuro-Robotics, which integrates computational intelligence, neuroscience, and robotics to develop artificial models of minds with human-like learning abilities rooted in biological cognition. Multidisciplinary research in health and well-being has demonstrated that advanced robots can deliver personalized assistance to individuals, such as children with autism or older adults experiencing cognitive decline, while simultaneously supporting caregivers. This talk will present the latest research findings and offer an overview of the current state-of-the-art in social robotics. It will explore the benefits, limitations, and potential breakthroughs of this technology, with a focus on conducting responsible research that empowers people rather than replacing them.

Abstract: “30 by 30” vision in Singapore aims to locally produce 30% of the nation’s nutritional needs by 2030, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches to boost agricultural productivity. Vertical farming presents a sustainable solution, optimizing land use and maximizing food production in urban environments. Automation plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and addressing labor shortages and high labor costs, particularly in labor-intensive tasks such as vegetable harvesting. However, existing commercial soft robotic grippers often lack the adaptability needed for precise and reliable grasping of diverse agricultural produce. Building on our team’s experience in medical robotics, where precision and gentle manipulation is essential, we transitioned to agricultural robotics, applying these principles to develop advanced systems for vertical farming. We have developed two innovative smart and soft grippers: the Grow-and-Twine Gripper and the Extendable Envelop Gripper, specifically designed for automated leafy vegetable harvesting. These grippers seamlessly integrate Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG)-based contact force sensors for real-time interaction monitoring and vision sensors for precise detection and selection of vegetables. The Grow-and-Twine Gripper adapts to various vegetable shapes and sizes, growing and twining itself around produce for a secure, gentle grip without causing damage. The Extendable Envelope Gripper uses bendable fingers and flexible sheets to increase contact area, reducing pressure for a soft touch while ensuring a firm grasp. The soft force sensors are encased in protective tubes, shielding the optical fibers from harsh environmental conditions and ensuring durability. With high sensitivity and responsiveness, these sensors provide a wide force measurement range. The automated harvesting process, including grasping, cutting, and weighing stages, was successfully demonstrated for lettuce and Chinese kale. Our results highlight the grippers’ versatility and efficiency, showcasing their ability to handle a variety of leafy vegetables commonly found in local vertical farms. This work reflects the synergy between robotics and agriculture, demonstrating how robotics can be adapted to address challenges in food production. Future efforts will focus on integrating advanced sensor fusion techniques and refining robotic systems to automate additional vertical farming tasks, such as seedling, transplanting, and packaging. These advancements pave the way toward scalable, fully automated solutions for urban agriculture, supporting Singapore’s vision for sustainable food production.