Semarang, November 4, 2025 – The Applied Automation Engineering Program (Teknologi Rekayasa Otomasi – TRO), School of Vocational Studies, Diponegoro University, continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing the World Class University (WCU) program through an online international seminar titled “Advances in Robotics and Tactile Sensing for Human–Machine Interaction.”
The event, held via Zoom Meeting, featured a distinguished speaker from Japan — Prof. Hideyuki Sawada of Waseda University, one of the world’s top universities currently ranked 196th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Figure 1. Visiting Professor Session with Prof. Hideyuki Sawada from Waseda University
The seminar began at 9:00 a.m. (WIB) and was officially opened by Ahmad Ridlo Hanifudin Tahier, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Applied Automation Engineering Program. In his opening remarks, he highlighted that robotics is one of the core areas in TRO, both in teaching and student research. Therefore, Prof. Sawada’s lecture is highly relevant to curriculum development and research enhancement within the School of Vocational Studies.
The seminar attracted around 180 TRO students and several lecturers, who enthusiastically followed Prof. Sawada’s presentation on the latest advancements in robotics, tactile sensors, and human–machine interaction. He emphasized the potential of tactile sensing technology and intelligent control systems to support the future of industrial automation.Beyond the academic session, the event also served as a platform to explore opportunities for international collaboration between TRO and Waseda University. Discussions covered potential joint research projects, international publications, academic mobility for students and lecturers, and the development of globally oriented, research-based curricula.
Figure 2. Presentation by Visiting Professor Prof. Hideyuki Sawada from Waseda University
“This meeting marks a very positive first step. We look forward to realizing joint research collaborations with Prof. Sawada and his team from Waseda University,” said Ahmad Ridlo Hanifudin Tahier in his closing statement.
The event concluded at 11:30 a.m. with a group photo session and the presentation of an e-certificate to the speaker. Through this Visiting Professor activity, Diponegoro University’s School of Vocational Studies further strengthens its international engagement and reputation — in line with UNDIP’s vision of becoming a World Class University.