Regional university collaboration to showcase peer-reviewed research in AI-driven manufacturing and robotics innovation
Wawasan Open University (WOU) is set to host the fourth instalment of the International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics (ICiMR 2026) at its main campus in Penang this coming 3 to 4 November 2026.
The conference is a joint initiative by WOU together with partner universities, Sunway University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Indonesia, with WOU serving as the lead organiser for the hybrid event.’
ICiMR 2026 establishes a scholarly forum where global researchers, engineers, and tech innovators collaborate with industry leaders to address emerging breakthroughs and deploy practical applications in intelligent manufacturing and robotics.
Operating within a rapidly evolving, AI-driven industrial landscape, the two-day programme features high-profile keynote addresses, industrial roundtables, technical talks, and parallel research presentation sessions engineered to drive cross-sector knowledge exchange and accelerate real-world deployments.
According to Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ts. Dr. Yap Eng Hwa, ICiMR 2026 reflects the growing importance of academia-industry collaboration in driving research impact and talent development.
“As industries evolve through AI, automation, and advanced engineering technologies, universities and industry partners must work more closely to strengthen research networks, encourage joint outputs, and accelerate the translation of ideas into practical solutions. This conference provides an important platform to help connect researchers and practitioners in ways that extend beyond the event itself, supporting sustained collaboration and enhancing the region’s innovation capacity,” said Prof. Yap, who is also one of the conference’s founding chairs.
Call for Papers Now Open
The Conference Committee is inviting researchers, academics, postgraduate students, and industry practitioners to submit original research papers, industrial case studies, technological evaluations, and scientific project findings in the following areas:
- Intelligent Manufacturing Systems
- Robotics and Automation
- AI in Industrial Applications
- Smart Factories and Industry 4.0
- Semiconductor and Advanced Engineering
- Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
The deadline for paper submissions is 7 September 2026.
Important Dates to Note
Registration and Fee Structure
The conference offers participation options for both presenting and non-presenting delegates, with options available for physical attendance and virtual participation.
Local participants: RM650 (presenting) and RM250 (non-presenting)
International participants: USD250 (presenting) and USD100 (non-presenting)
Abstracts and full manuscripts can be submitted via the official ICiMR 2026 conference portal.
With Penang strengthening its position as a regional hub for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, ICiMR 2026 is expected to further deepen academia–industry collaboration and support the development of high-skilled engineering and technology talent.
The conference also reinforces WOU’s commitment to industry-relevant research and its contribution to Malaysia’s broader digitalisation and advanced manufacturing agenda.