PhysicAI 1.0 Workshop Panel Discussion

Description

The final panel discussion organized by the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Student Branch Chapter of the University of Moratuwa in collaboration with the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Student Branch Chapter of the University of Moratuwa , brought together academics from diverse engineering disciplines to share their perspectives on the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence and Physical AI . The panel featured Prof. Buddhika Jayasekara , Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. V. Logeeshan , Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Ranga Rodrigo , Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, and Dr. Pranjeevan Kulasingham , Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The discussion explored the development and future of Physical AI , with perspectives spanning power and energy systems, robotics, electronics, telecommunications, and biomedical applications. The panel highlighted how AI is evolving beyond conventional software-based applications towards intelligent, adaptive, and physically embodied systems , while discussing the opportunities and challenges associated with this transformation. The event provided students with an opportunity to interact directly with experienced academics, ask questions, and gain insights into emerging technologies and their real-world applications. The cross-disciplinary nature of the discussion helped participants understand how AI can connect different areas of engineering and opened their perspective towards interdisciplinary research, innovation, and future career opportunities . A key outcome of the session was that participants gained a broader understanding of the future direction of AI and Physical AI , including the importance of combining knowledge from multiple engineering disciplines. The discussion encouraged students to look beyond their individual fields of study, identify emerging areas for further learning and research, and consider how they can contribute to the development of future AI-driven engineering solutions. Overall, this event successfully created a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange between students and academics, strengthening awareness of emerging AI technologies and inspiring participants to explore the expanding opportunities at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, engineering, and physical systems .