On Friday, October 18, 2024, Dr. Yoichiro Matsumoto, advisor to the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs for science and technology, visited the CIIRC of the Czech Technical University. The purpose of his European trip included seeking opportunities for scientific collaboration in Europe. His visit to CIIRC confirms the growing significance of the Czech Republic in the field of science and research and opens new perspectives for future cooperation.
Together with other representatives from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in the Czech Republic, he met with CIIRC’s director, Dr. Ondřej Velek, and one of the leading computer scientists, Dr. Josef Šivic. Dr. Matsumoto is an emeritus professor at the Tokyo University of Science and is a recognized international scientist in the fields of mechanical engineering and computational mechanics. His main areas of interest include the application of science and technology for sustainable development goals and addressing global challenges, scientific and technological diplomacy initiatives for developing new technologies like artificial intelligence, and the role of scientific consultations in preparing state concepts—topics that resonate strongly at CIIRC.
As part of his visit, Dr. Matsumoto also had a brief meeting with students from Japan who are currently at CIIRC for a three-month study program. Another part of the agenda included a visit to the RICAIP Testbed in Prague, which spans two floors of the institute. Dr. Pavel Burget, the Director of the Testbed, introduced the latest robotic demonstrations in advanced industrial production utilizing artificial intelligence and additive technologies. The visit also included the lower section of the testbed focused on manufacturing technologies, where a team led by Associate Professor Petr Kolář is engaged in laser and additive technologies using robots, microlaser applications, and large-scale plastic printing.
The discussion also covered collaboration with companies such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing CZ, as well as with the RIKEN Europe Office, which is the representative office of the Japanese research institute RIKEN in Europe located in Brussels, aimed at promoting research and innovation cooperation with European partners.
Scientific research collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence with Japanese partners is already developing and is expected to intensify, especially since CIIRC plays a significant role as the country coordinator for the INPACE project. This project is part of the European Union’s strategic support for the development of a digital partnership between Europe and Indo-Pacific countries, particularly highlighting the prominent position of Japanese organizations. CIIRC’s involvement in these activities creates a strong platform for synergies, such as preparing joint presentations focused on “trusted AI” for Expo 2025 in Osaka.
