The 10th International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing and Construction (IPC2024) Officially Opens in Perth, Australia

From July 11 to 12, 2024, the 10th International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing and Construction (IPC2024) was grandly held in Perth, Australia. Co-hosted by Curtin University and East China Jiaotong University, the conference brought together numerous experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and researchers from China and abroad to discuss frontier technologies and development trends in the industry. The conference aimed to build an interdisciplinary and international platform for exchange, promoting knowledge sharing, inspiring innovative thinking, and injecting new vitality into the development of sustainable production and construction.

The conference opened in a solemn and warm atmosphere. Professor Chris Rawson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, delivered the opening remarks. Professor Kate Brooks, Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Curtin University, gave the welcome speech, warmly welcoming all guests and briefly introducing the background and purpose of the conference. The conference was jointly organized by Honglei Xu of Curtin University, General Chair of the conference, and Professor Xiangyu Wang of East China Jiaotong University, Honorary Chair of the conference. After the opening speeches, Professor Xiangyu Wang, President of the International Society for Smart Construction and Production, officially announced the opening of the event.

The conference invited nine keynote speakers, including Professor Xianzhong Zhao, Vice President of Tongji University; Professor Konrad Bergmeister, Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and Member of the German National Academy of Sciences; Professor Ioannis Brilakis from the University of Cambridge; Professor Tuan Ngo from the University of Melbourne, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering; Professor Mirosław J. Skibniewski from the University of Maryland, Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Engineering; Professor Heng Li from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Professor Kerry London, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Torrens University; Professor Lili Du from the University of Florida; and Professor Kamal Alameh, Chief Technology Officer of Alpha Solar Technologies. During the conference, the keynote speakers shared their latest research findings and unique insights, inspiring active discussions and deep reflection among participants.

Professor Xianzhong Zhao delivered an insightful presentation on “AI-Driven Structural Design in Buildings.” He explained the application of artificial intelligence in building structural design in an accessible way and shared several successful case studies. His speech attracted broad attention and lively discussion among the participants.

Keynote Speech Professor Xianzhong Zhao, Vice President of Tongji University

Professor Konrad Bergmeister delivered a keynote speech on “Decarbonization in Infrastructure Construction.” Drawing on practical case studies, he provided an in-depth analysis of the application of decarbonization concepts in design, material selection, and manufacturing, offering the audience a thought-provoking academic presentation.

Keynote Speech Professor Konrad Bergmeister, Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and Member of the German National Academy of Sciences

In addition to the keynote speeches, the conference also featured parallel sessions covering a wide range of fields, including smart construction, new materials, and computational optimization. Participants were able to attend different sessions according to their research interests and engage in in-depth exchanges and discussions with experts in the field.

Participants expressed that they benefited greatly from the conference, noting its important guidance for their future research and professional work. The successful organization of this international academic conference not only provided a high-level platform for academic exchange, but also further promoted international cooperation and innovation. It offered a profound vision for the future development of the construction industry.

As an important event jointly organized by Curtin University and East China Jiaotong University, the successful hosting of this academic conference received strong support from all sectors. Looking ahead, Curtin University and East China Jiaotong University will continue to uphold the principles of openness, cooperation, and innovation, actively organize more high-level academic conferences and exchange activities, and make greater contributions to the innovative development of the construction industry.