Robotics Pioneer Pang Zhibo Returns to China, Joins Peking University Faculty
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A leading global expert in industrial chips and robotics, Pang Zhibo, has accepted a fully tenured professorship at Peking University after a distinguished career with ABB in Sweden. This move signals a significant shift in talent, as Pang previously held a pivotal leadership role at one of the world’s largest industrial engineering companies.
Pang’s return to China is being closely watched by industry analysts, who see it as a potential boost to the nation’s rapidly developing advanced manufacturing sector. He was ABB’s senior principal scientist, a position second only to the Chief Technology Officer – who directly appointed him – and oversaw a vast team of over 800 developers and a portfolio of 80 technical products spanning all business areas.
ABB Leadership and Global R&D Strategy
The Swiss-Swedish multinational ABB, renowned for its contributions to robotics, motors, energy, and automation, plays a critical role in global industrial engineering. Pang Zhibo was instrumental in shaping the company’s global research and development (R&D) strategy, particularly concerning distribution. His expertise was vital in navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Cutting-Edge Research in Robotics and Automation
Pang’s research portfolio encompassed a wide range of cutting-edge technologies crucial to the future of manufacturing. These included robotic embodiment intelligence, the development of industrial large models, next-generation controllers, and robust industrial cyber-physical security systems. He also focused on advancements in networked control, cloud/fog computing, and the implementation of next-generation communication technologies like 5G, 6G, and broadband satellite communications.
These technologies are directly applied to ABB’s core sectors, including smart manufacturing, robotics, industrial drives, smart buildings, and automation solutions. His work aimed to enhance efficiency, reliability, and security across these critical industries.
Continued Academic Affiliations
Beyond his new role at Peking University, Pang maintains adjunct professorial positions at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and the University of Sydney in Australia. His ongoing research at these institutions centers on embodied intelligence, cloud-edge automation, and secure communication protocols for 6G networks, demonstrating a continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
This appointment represents a significant gain for Peking University and underscores China’s growing ambition to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing and robotics.
