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Creating New Connections: 2024 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2024)
In an interview with Professor Zhidong Wang, General Chair of IEEE ICRA 2024 and an esteemed member of the faculty of the Chiba Institute of Technology, we explore Yokohama’s appeal as the host city of this prestigious conference. With remarkable insight, Prof. Wang describes how Yokohama embodies the conference theme, CONNECT+, and acts as a catalyst for global collaboration in this field. From its convenient location to its rich cultural heritage, Yokohama is the perfect integration of tradition and innovation.
Convenient gateway to Japan
Yokohama’s strategic location, near Tokyo, is one of its greatest assets. Just a 30-minute train ride from Haneda Airport, Yokohama offers unparalleled accessibility. Prof. Wang says, "In promoting our conference, we emphasize Yokohama's convenience and its excellence as a host city.”
Reflecting on ICRA’s trajectory over the past decade, Prof. Wang recalls its origin in Kobe, Japan, and its eventual expansion across the Asia Pacific region, with conferences hosted in Singapore, China, and Australia. During this journey, ICRA evolved from a regional gathering to a global phenomenon, with Yokohama serving as the latest city to host the conference—its most attended to date.
Professor Zhidong Wang shares his insights about the conference and its host city, with Yokohama’s attractive Minato Mirai 21 area in the background.
A conference attendee stops by the Yokohama Companies Joint Exhibition booth to learn about new technologies being developed in the city.
Increasing attendance and student interest
Prof. Wang reveals the striking fact that attendance at the conference has doubled from a modest 3,000 participants at the start to over 6,800 now. Particularly noteworthy is the significant presence of young students at the conference, a remarkable 47 percent of attendees, including 60 PhD students from around the globe who were invited to volunteer at the conference. This level of attendance is an increase over that of previous conferences—a surge that not only speaks to the growing interest in robotics research but also signals a promising influx of fresh talent into the field.
Japan as a magnet for robotics talent
Beyond discussing statistics, Prof. Wang underscores the broader objective of the conference: to position Japan as a magnet for global robotics talent. By choosing Yokohama as the host city, the conference hopes to cultivate among participants a lasting affinity for Japan, paving the way for future employment, collaborative projects, and partnerships.
Inspiring location
Yokohama’s appeal extends beyond its convenient location. The city is a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, offering visitors stunning vistas of blue seas and lush green spaces. The iconic Minato Mirai 21 waterfront area, with its modern skyline and historical ships, provides a picturesque backdrop for the conference. “Yokohama is a great place. Many professors have been to Tokyo but have never visited Yokohama before. They're amazed by its beauty. It's the second largest city in Japan, yet often overlooked. It's not just about the scenery and good weather; there's a thriving industrial sector and a rich culture,” notes Prof. Wang.
Bridging tradition and innovation
The theme of ICRA 2024, CONNECT+, is reflected in Yokohama’s unique bridging of tradition and innovation. The city’s rich cultural heritage, including historic sites like Sankeien Garden and the Red Brick Warehouse, provides a meaningful contrast to its cutting-edge technological advancements. Prof. Wang elaborates, “Yokohama presents a unique opportunity for hosting large conferences—like ours, which has around 6,800 attendees. We can offer banquets that include a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi and tempura, and feature performances, like Kabuki, shishimai (lion dance), geisha dances, and modern pop music. It's a logistical challenge to bring events together on this scale, but Yokohama's innovative spirit allows for creative solutions. The possibilities make Yokohama an ideal destination for international conferences.”
ICRA 2024 took place in central Yokohama at the conveniently located PACIFICO Yokohama.
Thinking sustainably
ICRA 2024 emphasizes using technology to address global societal challenges, aligning with specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yokohama's robust technological infrastructure and commitment to sustainability presented new opportunities to spread this message. Prof. Wang highlighted the distribution of furoshiki—traditional Japanese wrapping cloths—as reusable conference bags, as a means to not only reduce waste, but to share Japanese tradition with attendees.
Yokohama’s PACIFICO Sustainable Action! initiative further reinforces the local sustainability commitment by reducing CO2 emissions, promoting renewable energy, and supporting eco-friendly practices (PACIFICO EcoAware). This makes Yokohama an ideal setting for enhancing global cooperation in robotics and automation, fostering new partnerships, and revitalizing existing ones.
Inclusive robotics community
ICRA 2024 chose Yokohama as the host city for an additional reason: its vibrant and inclusive robotics community. The city is a dynamic ecosystem of leading research institutions, innovative startups, and established tech giants. Prof. Wang notes, “Holding this conference in Yokohama is a way to connect our industry to the future.” With a record number of exhibitors coming from near and far, ICRA 2024 has connected changemakers in the robotics industry with global partners, as well as mentors with mentees of different generations.
Prof. Wang enjoys sado (tea ceremony) and drinks tea with the Mumei-an team.
YCVB as a catalyst for innovation: The YOKOHAMA MICE SHOWCASE
The Yokohama City Visitors Bureau (YCVB) plays a pivotal role in supporting international events like ICRA 2024. Its comprehensive assistance ranges from logistical support to cultural programming, ensuring a seamless experience for organizers and attendees alike. Prof. Wang praises its efforts, noting his own previous involvement in tours and events organized by the bureau.
During our interview, Prof. Wang describes how ICRA 2024 came to include one of its standout features—Mumei-an, the mobile tearoom. The professor was introduced to this unique cultural experience during the YOKOHAMA MICE SHOWCASE hosted by YCVB in 2023. Prof. Wang was impressed by the team at Hanamasu Woodworking, the architects of the mobile tearoom who specialize in a form of Japanese carpentry called “miyadaiku” which is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This encounter sparked the idea of enhancing the cultural offerings of ICRA 2024 by including the mobile tearoom—which was enjoyed by more than 500 conference attendees.
As IEEE ICRA 2024 comes to an end, it becomes clear that Yokohama is not just a host city but a symbol of tradition, innovation, and global collaboration. The city’s blend of modernity and heritage, along with its exceptional support for conferences, sets the stage for a transformative experience for participants. Prof. Zhidong Wang’s words leave us with an even more vivid image of Yokohama as a vibrant, internationally accessible city that fosters diversity and inclusivity within the robotics community—and beyond.