I see myself as a practitioner who deeply integrates industrial AI into the medical field, with the mission and responsibility of promoting the vision of AI medical universality: Dr. Dapeng Liu, CEO of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group

Weiyun AI & Robotics Group stands at the forefront of the industrial AI and robotics sector, boasting a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine vision. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Dapeng Liu, CEO of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, the company has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the utilization of artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine vision, particularly within the healthcare domain.

The seamless integration of industrial AI and robotics has not only propelled Weiyun to the forefront of technological innovation but has also significantly impacted the medical field. With a focus on enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in healthcare, Weiyun’s groundbreaking solutions are poised to revolutionize patient care and medical practices worldwide. Dr. Liu’s leadership continues to inspire the pursuit of excellence, driving Weiyun towards a future where AI medical universality becomes a reality.

Dr. Liu’s fervent dedication to merging AI with healthcare has propelled WeiyunAI & Robotics Group to achieve remarkable technological advancements, reshaping the landscape of both technology and healthcare industries. It is this unwavering commitment and passion for innovation that has earned Dr. Liu the prestigious ‘5 Best CEOs of the Year 2024’ award from CIO Bulletin.

In an exclusive interview with CIO Bulletin, Dr. Dapeng Liu, CEO of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, shed light on how his company is shaping the future of technology and healthcare, making a lasting impact in the industrial AI and robotics sector.

Interview Highlights

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

During my tenure as a student, I held a steadfast belief in Bill Gates’ proclamation about the transformative power of science and technology on people’s lives. It was during my pursuit of a doctoral degree in robotics engineering at Fontys University when I began to avidly monitor the advancements transpiring within the realm of robotics. This immersive journey not only ignited an unquenchable thirst for scientific exploration but also bestowed upon me a grand ambition: to unleash the limitless possibilities of science and technology in nascent domains.

What impressed me was my esteemed mentor at that time, Professor Tianmiao Wang, hailed as the trailblazer of surgical robotics in China, imparted upon me invaluable revelations: The convergence of robotics and industrial AI technology harbors tremendous potential within the purview of medicine. Drawing inspiration from the wealth of experiences garnered during my tenures at Microsoft and Sina, coupled with the continual enhancement of my technical prowess and managerial acumen, I resolved to establish Weiyun AI & Robotics Group.

Q. Can you provide an overview of the current product and service portfolio offered by Weiyun AI & Robotics Group?

Many individuals may inquire as to why I have chosen the medical field as the domain for empowering industrial AI. Firstly, the medical domain is inextricably intertwined with our existence, and the profound influence of science and technology on healthcare is reshaping the trajectory of human well-being. Secondly, the medical industry itself represents a highly specialized and uniquely demanding sector, thereby presenting formidable barriers to entry. The provision of highly personalized services and the intricate nature of product delivery within the medical domain make it an arena ripe with vast potential for AI.

With over 25 years of experience in industrial AI and robotics, I’ve proposed the theoretical system of “AI TERMINAL - CLOUD BRAIN SYSTEM - SMART FACTORY” and demonstrated the deep integration of industrial AI in the medical industry. This aims to create technical barriers in each link of the industrial chain and truly realize the vertical integration of AI.

Our autonomously developed robotic executive endpoints cover multi-axis robots, intra-oral scanners, 3D printing apparatus, AI point cloud imaging technologies, and surgical robots for implantation procedures. These achievements establish a strong foundation for AI advancement in the medical field, offering micron-level precision and flexible production capabilities.

Q. As the CEO, what is your vision for the company, and how do you plan to guide it in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and robotics?

With the advancement of technology, it becomes evident that AI, as a manifestation of scientific imagination, has evolved into a transformative force permeating various sectors of society. As we witness its widespread application across numerous industries, it is apparent that AI has become a technology that empowers societies at large. For Weiyun, both technological development and industry exploration lie on an extensive path ahead. Our aspiration for the future is to leverage the advantages of core technologies to develop more products that bring convenience and novel experiences to people’s lives, allowing a greater number of individuals to benefit from the wonders and convenience of AI-enabled healthcare.

Q. As an expert in industrial AI and robotics, how do you envision the impact of AI grand models on the future of mankind?

When looking at the history of AI’s development, it is likely that many individuals share the same sentiment as me: Commencing as a conceptual technological terminology, AI has undergone a progression spanning more than half a century, exerting profound influences on both individual ways of life and the broader tapestry of societal progress. This transformative trend continues to unfold, and it can be said that breakthroughs in AI technology drive the vibrant growth of the entire field. Prospecting into the future, I believe that AI will become the engine of social development, and market forces will increasingly prioritize user experience. This signifies that the potential of various technologies, including industrial AI, will be exponentially amplified. Through the process of human-computer interaction, AI systems will possess the ability for self-iteration and closed-loop task execution. This capability will assist businesses in achieving substantial advancements across dimensions such as data processing, deep learning, decision-making, and intelligent production. Consequently, diverse personalized demands in various scenarios can be met.

Q. Could you share insights into Weiyun’s approach to artificial intelligence and robotic execution? How has the collaboration of global cross-disciplinary experts contributed to advancements in deep learning and self-optimization?

Weiyun conglomerates exceptional experts from various fields worldwide, forming the technological core for artificial intelligence and robotics at the forefront. To date, it has accumulated millions of industrial-scale data and thousands of technical pathways, which are seamlessly integrated into various stages through AI distributed algorithms, enabling deep learning and autonomous optimization. Additionally, Weiyun has independently developed hundreds of robot end effectors, enabling nanoscale precision delivery of AI-enabled decision-making processes. By empowering industrial processes with AI, Weiyun explores optimal solutions for products and services.

Of particular significance is the autonomously developed intelligent unmanned factory, which comprises a multi-axis coordinated subtractive manufacturing center, machine vision system, sorting robots, laser cutting robots, and an assortment of other robot execution terminals. This revolutionary technological achievement has been effectively employed within the sphere of comprehensive digital dentistry. Leveraging AI algorithms, analysis of colossal global datasets encompassing one million cases, and the intricacies of orthodontic mechanics, it successfully realizes round-the-clock global oversight, intelligent scheduling, and adaptability pertaining to production.

As an “important assist” in dental surgery, the control system of the implant surgical robot integrates optical navigation system, medical imaging system, three-dimensional graphics and image technology, and robot navigation technology, so that the robot can automatically track and locate the marks in the implant surgical area during the operation. The whole process does not require manual intervention, and the intraoperative space mapping system based on multi-information fusion and the robot dynamic closed-loop control can carry out intelligent response at a high frequency during the operation, ensuring the accuracy and safety of the operation.

Q. Every company faces challenges. Can you share an example of a significant challenge the company encountered during your tenure, and how you led the team to overcome it?

In the nascent stages of any emerging field, formidable challenges and obstacles are invariably present and must be surmounted. During our early stages, we had to confront various complex and formidable issues, including technology research and development, team building, market competitiveness, and enterprise risks. It is worth emphasizing that the distinctive and expansive technical architecture of AI heavily relies on exceptional interdisciplinary talents possessing outstanding comprehensive abilities. Therefore, a significant amount of time and effort was invested during the initial endeavors. I am extremely grateful for the valuable advice provided by Professor Tianmiao Wang, whose visionary insights in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics have been instrumental in assisting me. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with a group of like-minded individuals.

Q. As the CEO, what role do you see yourself playing in achieving these future goals, and how do you plan to lead the company towards its strategic objectives?

From a personal perspective, my role extends beyond that of an entrepreneur or the CEO of a technology company. I see myself as a practitioner who deeply integrates industrial AI into the medical field, with the mission and responsibility of promoting the vision of AI medical universality. This pursuit necessitates an unyielding dedication to perpetual learning, spanning from the fundamental tenets of core technological advancements to the intricate nuances of market dynamics, from the intricacies of business models to the profound insights borne out of industry acumen. In doing so, I strive to accelerate the inauguration of a new era of industrial AI.

Q. What would be your message or words of motivation to budding entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey into the business world?

Is there anything that can surpass the pride derived from steadfastly pursuing one’s dreams and exerting relentless efforts? Collaborating with individuals who are equally exceptional to achieve shared goals will undoubtedly be one of the most splendid experiences in life.

“Our aspiration for the future is to leverage the advantages of core technologies to develop more products that bring convenience and novel experiences to people’s lives, allowing a greater number of individuals to benefit from the wonders and convenience of AI-enabled healthcare.”