Dr Hamed Rajabi and Dr Ali Khaheshi represented the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at the International School – Physics-Inspired Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (IS-PAIR 2026), hosted by the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand.

Dr Rajabi delivered a plenary lecture addressing conceptual and mechanistic challenges in robotics and embodied intelligence, drawing on perspectives from biomechanics and Mechanical Intelligence. The talk examined limitations of centrally dominated control paradigms and emphasised the importance of morphology, material behaviour, and distributed physical processes in adaptive robotic systems.

Dr Ali Khaheshi presented a keynote lecture focusing on advances in energy-efficient flapping-wing robotic systems and adaptive bio-inspired mechanisms. His presentation highlighted ongoing work on physically embedded control strategies and the integration of mechanical design principles with learning-based control architectures.

Beyond their formal presentations, both researchers actively contributed to panel discussions and technical exchanges, engaging with participants from robotics, physics-inspired AI, and bio-inspired engineering communities. These discussions explored emerging directions in embodied intelligence, adaptive mechanisms, and cross-disciplinary research frameworks.

Following the conference, Dr Rajabi and Dr Khaheshi conducted a research visit to Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), where they met with long-term collaborator Prof Poramate Manoonpong and members of his research team. The visit enabled in-depth technical discussions on joint research themes, including bio-inspired robotics, adaptive control, and physical intelligence in engineered systems. The interaction provided valuable opportunities for strengthening collaborative links, refining shared research directions, and exploring future joint projects at the intersection of biomechanics, robotics, and physics-inspired artificial intelligence.