Prof. Kojiro Iizuka
Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

Prof. Kojiro Iizuka received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and earned his Doctoral degree from SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Japan. He has held academic positions at Chuo University and Shinshu University and is currently a Professor at Shibaura Institute of Technology. He also served as a Visiting Professor at Lodz University of Technology in Poland through a JSPS grant (2023–2025). His research focuses on terramechanics, lunar exploration rovers, wheel and locomotion systems, agricultural robots, airless tires for rescue robots, and sports engineering.

Dr. Rajesh Patil,
Örebro University, Sweden

Dr. Rajesh Patil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden. With more than twelve years of combined academic and industrial experience, he specializes in Digital Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Intelligent Automation Systems, and Automotive Safety. His work focuses on developing advanced, AI-enabled production technologies that support high-performance and sustainable manufacturing.

Rajesh earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration on intelligent manufacturing and autonomous technologies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, which strengthens his interdisciplinary expertise across mechanical systems, automation, and robotics. Throughout his career, he has led several industry-driven research projects and has authored peer-reviewed journal articles, international book chapters, and contributed to multiple patents. His research collaborations span manufacturing, robotics, and digitalization, with a strong emphasis on solving real-world industrial challenges.

Beyond research, Rajesh has played a significant role in establishing industry–academia partnerships, coordinating internship and career development programs, and enhancing student engagement with leading global organizations. He actively mentors emerging researchers, participates in international academic collaborations, and serves as a reviewer for reputed scientific journals. His long-term vision is to advance intelligent, connected, and sustainable production systems, contributing to the next generation of manufacturing aligned with Industry 5.0 and global digital transformation.