Global Perspectives on Robotics and Autonomous Systems : Development and Applications

Maki Habib , From his early beginnings at the University of Technology – Baghdad, where he fostered a deep interest in Control, Systems, and Computer EFrom his early beginnings at the University of Technology – Baghdad, where he fostered a deep interest in Control, Systems, and Computer Engineering, Professor Maki Habib's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation in Control, Computer Systems, Mechatronics, and Robotics. Professor Maki Habib earned his B.Sc. in Control and Systems Engineering and Master of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Technology - Baghdad, Iraq. He has earned his Doctor of Engineering Sciences in Intelligent and Autonomous Robotics from the University of Tsukuba, Japan. He has established himself as a specialist in Robotics and Mechatronics. His career began with roles as a research scientist at RIKEN, Japan, and as a senior researcher at RISO-Laboratories, Japan. His expertise was further recognized during his academic and professional career when he joined the team as a visiting researcher at EPFL, Switzerland. Professor Habib's influence extended to Malaysian industries as a visiting expert under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and later as an Associate Professor at UTM, Malaysia, and Senior Manager at MCRIA, Malaysia. His leadership qualities were evident when he led the Telecooperation research group as a Senior Researcher and group leader at GMD-Japan in Japan. At Monash University (Australia/Malaysia), he joined as an Associate Professor. He played a central role in developing and leading the Monash Mechatronics Engineering program. Elevating his career further, Professor Habib was appointed Full Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics at Swinburne University (Australia/Malaysia) and subsequently at AUC as a Full Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics since September 2007. He has also enriched academic circles globally, serving as an invited Professor at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology KAIST, South Korea, and Resident Professor at Saga University, Japan. Besides, he was a visiting professor at another number of global Universities, such as Nagasaki University - in Japan; Orebro University – in Sweden; University of Science and Technology – in Norway; Hokkaido University – in Japan; University of Duisburg-Essen – in Germany; International Islamic University, Malaysia (UIA). Malaysia, Also as a Guest Professor at the University of Science Malaysia (USM) – Malaysia, Beyond academia, Professor Habib has been a vital consultant and technical advisor to numerous industrial giants, including Toyota, Denso, and ABB. His work with more than one European research consortium has significantly contributed to advancements in Robotics, IoTs, CPS, Sensors for humanitarian demining, and sustainable agriculture. His notable projects include leading the development of advanced robots―control, sensor, and navigation technology for humanitarian demining. Also, the development of portable IoT kits facilitates the collection of environmental and agricultural data necessary to support the learning process and enable real-time decision-making to ensure sustainable agriculture. In the scholarly community, Professor Habib has made a substantial impact as editor-in-chief of “3” international journals, regional editor of “2” international journals, associate editor of “12” international journals, and an editorial board member of “20” international journals. His leadership roles have spanned numerous international conferences, where he has served as chair, program chair, co-chair, publication chair, and publicity chair. His influence is further underscored by his involvement every year in more than “50” annual international conferences as conference chair, program chair, and member of advisory and scientific program committees. Professor Habib's editorial contributions also include being the Chief Guest Editor for “18” special issues in international journals and organizing over “60” workshops and special sessions at international conferences, alongside organizing and implementing “3” industry-focused international workshops in Robotics and Automation. His collaborations span a global network, working with research groups and universities in Japan, South Korea, the US, Austria, the UK, Malaysia, and more. He has delivered over “60 invited talks at international conferences, universities, and the industry. Professor Habib's prolific writing includes the publication of “24” books, over “38” book chapters, more than “90” journal papers, and over “245” conference papers. His research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on: 1. Nanorobotics systems for biomedical purposes. 2. Machine Learning in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Analysis. 3. Human Adaptive and Friendly Mechatronics (HAFM). 4. EchoMechatronics and Bioinspired Design. 5. Service and Autonomous Robots, including Humanitarian Demining. 6. Robotics for the physically impaired using biological signals (EEG and EMG). 7. Electrical Autonomous Cars/Vehicles enhanced by Machine Learning techniques. 8. Pioneering in Industry 4.0/5.0, including IoT, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs), and WSNs. 9. Development of Intelligent Drone Systems: Structure, Control, Intelligence and Navigation. 10. Research in Telecooperation, Distributed Mixed Realities, and Collaborative Control. 11. Intelligent and Nonlinear Control Systems. Driven by a philosophy combining innovative scientific development with technological advancement for societal betterment, Professor Habib's approach to Robotics, Mechatronics, and Smart Systems is deeply rooted in creating solutions that enhance human lives and benefit social development.