By Ravinder Dahiya, Division X Director
From (second from left to right) – Luis Magdalena, Aude Billard, Stephanie Schuckers, Gabriella Bosco, Nancy Amato, Ravinder Dahiya, Anil Roy, Andy Chan. Photo taken after Division X dinner in New York in November 2025.
In today’s rapidly changing technological world, collaboration is more essential than ever. IEEE Division X, made up of six Societies and three Councils, serves as a testament to the power of working together across disciplines to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. As we continue to grow and evolve, our mission remains clear: to use technology to improve the quality of life for people around the globe.
Division X unites the expertise of the IEEE Biometrics Council, IEEE Computational Intelligence Society, IEEE Control Systems Society, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE Photonics Society, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, IEEE Sensors Council, IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society, and IEEE Systems Council. While each group has its own specific area of focus, we all share a common goal of advancing humanity through innovation.
A key strength of Division X is the collaborative spirit across its Societies and Councils. While large-scale, cross-society projects have not yet fully materialized, ongoing discussions are actively exploring ways to collaborate. Through regular online and in-person meetings, we are discovering opportunities for joint educational activities, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to enhance our engagement with industry. These conversations are invaluable, helping us learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Journals and Conferences
One of the most exciting results of these discussions is how we are learning from each other and sharing these lessons to other Divisions, Societies, and Councils. For example, four Societies and Councils within Division X are exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between journals and conferences. These initiatives aim to enable authors to publish journal articles and present the same work at conferences, making it more attractive for scholars and professionals to share their work with a global audience. Details can be found in the author instructions for conferences such as the IEEE International Conference on Flexible Printable Sensors and Systems (FLEPS), which I initiated, and the IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), organized by the IEEE Sensors Council and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, respectively. Presenting journal papers at these conferences will also enhance the quality of these events.
Celebrating Milestones with Innovations
Similarly, the IEEE Sensors Council has introduced a new event format, SENSORS@25, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its flagship conference, IEEE SENSORS. This innovative single-track event, featuring shorter keynotes and panel discussions on hot topics, mirrors the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s ICRA@40. SENSORS@25, set for Cairo in May 2026, is also a key initiative to engage research and industry communities in Africa. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to embracing new ideas while building on successful models developed by others within Division X.
The IEEE Photonics Society recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, a significant milestone that highlights its leadership in advancing photonics technologies. Focusing on industries from telecommunications to healthcare, the society’s contributions have helped develop technologies that continue to change our world. This anniversary not only celebrates the society’s rich history but also emphasizes its ongoing importance in tackling global challenges, especially sustainable energy and healthcare.
These milestones are a reminder of Division X’s collective impact. Each Society and Council within Division X has uniquely contributed to advancing technology for humanity. These celebrations are not just about reflecting on past achievements, but also about looking ahead to new innovations. We are also proud to contribute to a broader IEEE Milestone program, led by the Joint History Committee and IEEE Technical Activities Board, which aims to honor and celebrate the historical milestones of IEEE’s technical communities. This initiative will ensure that our societies’ legacies are preserved for future generations of innovators.
Respect for different perspectives is a core value in our continued success. We recognize that innovation thrives when diverse viewpoints from various communities are welcomed and encouraged. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can accomplish far more than working in isolation. Respecting diverse perspectives drives us to explore new ways to solve problems and create technologies that meet society’s diverse needs. This theme was highlighted during recent IEEE Board retreats in Athens and Rome (in 20250, where the value of diverse perspectives was emphasized.
New Leadership Continues to Move Division X Forward
I am also pleased to announce the recent election of Prof. Frank Park as Division Director-Elect. Frank, who has served as President of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, brings invaluable leadership to Division X. His election reflects our community’s confidence in his ability to lead Division X into the next phase. I also welcome the incoming Presidents of Division X: Luis Magdalena (CIS), Gabriella Bosco (Pho), Nancy Amato (RAS), Anil Roy (SEN), and Saeid Nahavandi (SMC). I look forward to working closely with the 2026 leadership team to advance Division X’s mission of using technology to improve lives. Their support will strengthen our efforts and help us achieve our shared goals. I also thank the outgoing Presidents of Division X—Yaochu Jin (CIS), Ping “Perry” Shum (Pho), Aude Billard (RAS), Deepak Uttamchandani (SEN), and Adrian Stoica (SMC)—for their contributions in 2025.
Looking ahead, Division X remains committed to fostering an environment where we learn from each other’s successes and challenges, respect different perspectives, and welcome new leaders and ideas. Together, we will continue to advance technology for humanity, tackle global challenges, and shape a better future for all.
