PAIR Distinguished Lecture: Prof. SUN Yu of University of Toronto delivers “Next-Generation AI and Robotics: The Symbiotic Integration of Data-Driven and Physics Model-Driven Approaches”
PAIR Distinguished Lecture Series
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Date
22 Oct 2026
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Organiser
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Time
14:30 - 16:00
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Venue
Senate Room (M1603), 16/F Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU (Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis) Map
Speaker
Prof. SUN Yu
Enquiry
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research info.pair@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
The ability to manipulate micro- and nanometer-sized objects, such as biological cells and functional nanomaterials, is opening new frontiers in robotic surgery, disease diagnostics, and industrial applications, while driving fundamental discoveries across biology, medicine, and materials science. Over the past two decades, the field has seen rapid advancements in micro- and nanorobotic systems characterized by breakthroughs in precision instrumentation, high-fidelity sensing, advanced actuation, and robust control. This seminar reviews the evolutionary trajectory of robotic micromanipulation and examines the core challenges, emerging opportunities, and notable recent advancements in the field. Two complementary paradigms, i.e., manipulator-based micro-nano manipulation and field-driven miniature robots propelled by magnetic, optical, electric, and acoustic fields will be discussed. Practical implementations through representative case studies, including robotic micro-assembly, robotic cell surgery, and targeted drug delivery will be introduced.
Online registration will be closed 24 hours prior to the event
Prof. SUN Yu
Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering and Royal Society of Canada
International Member of Chinese Academy of Engineering and U.S. National Academy of Engineering
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nano Engineering Systems
University of Toronto
Yu Sun is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, with joint appointments in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. He previously served as the Director of the University of Toronto Robotics Institute and the Director of the Toronto Nanofabrication Centre. Specializing in micro- and nanoscale robotics and automation, he has made seminal contributions to the precision manipulation of micro- and nanometer-sized objects, advancing both fundamental discoveries and industrial applications. He is a Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of Royal Society of Canada, and a Fellow of Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He is also an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. He was elected Fellow of IEEE, ASME, AIMBE, AAAS, NAI, CSME, and EIC for his work on micro-nano robotic systems and devices. Among the awards he received were the UofT McLean Award, UofT President’s Impact Award, NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Fellowship, NSERC Synergy Award of Innovation, IEEE Canada McNaughton Gold Medal, IEEE EMBS Technical Achievement Award, and IEEE NTC Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology. He is the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Trans. Automation Science and Engineering and an advisory board member of the AAAS journal, Science Robotics.
Personal Website: https://www.mie.utoronto.ca/faculty_staff/sun/
