Perception, Robotic & Automation (PRA)

 iKohza Name: Perception, Robotic & Automation (PRA)
 Leader's Name and Title: Assoc Prof. Ir. Dr. Zool Hilmi Ismail
 Main Contact Email: zool@utm.my
 Location/Office: Level 8, MJIIT Building
 Website or Social Media (if available): https://mjiit.utm.my/pra/

 Main Research Themes/Keywords :

Pattern Recognition; Machine Learning; Automation Systems; Computer Vision; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Robotics; Data Analytics; Intelligent Decision Support

 Description of Research Focus Areas :

PRA iKohza UTM focuses on the development of intelligent systems that integrate pattern recognition, machine learning, and automation to address complex real-world challenges. The center’s research includes designing algorithms capable of detecting, classifying, and predicting patterns in large and complex datasets, supporting applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. In addition, PRA iKohza emphasizes the creation of automated solutions that integrate robotics, sensor networks, and control systems to enhance operational efficiency, precision, and reliability across industrial and service sectors. The center also develops AI-based models for real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and optimization in dynamic environments. With an interdisciplinary approach bridging computer science, engineering, and applied sciences, PRA iKohza actively collaborates with national and international partners to translate fundamental research into practical applications and innovations. Current projects include autonomous systems, smart monitoring, and predictive modeling, contributing to Malaysia’s technology-driven growth, knowledge transfer, and high-impact scientific publications.

 Laboratories Used :

• Advanced Robotics and Automation Lab – for testing and developing autonomous systems and robotic applications.
• Pattern Recognition and AI Lab – equipped for machine learning, computer vision, and data analytics research.
• Smart Systems and IoT Lab – for prototyping intelligent sensors, networks, and automated monitoring systems.

 Key Equipment/Technology Available :

• Robotic Arms and Mobile Robots – for automation experiments and smart manufacturing applications.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Servers – for training large-scale machine learning and deep learning models.
• 3D Printers and Prototyping Tools – for rapid development of mechanical and electronic components.
• Sensor Networks and IoT Devices – for real-time monitoring, data acquisition, and automation testing.
• Advanced Imaging and Vision Systems – including cameras and motion-capture tools for computer vision research.

 List of Ongoing/Recent Projects or Grants :

1. TNBR 1.2: RMU Thermal Project
2. TNBR 1.0: Development of Artificial Intelligence Inference System for Severity Condition on 11kv Switchgear Brand Based on Thermography Input
3. TNBR 1.1: VCB Thermal Project
4. MG2-67.0 MyTIGER : Deep Learning Models for Early Diagnosis of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
5. MG2-67.1 MyTIGER : An Improved Deep-Learning-Based Model for Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC) Early Detection- Matching Grant
   

 Selected Publications :

• Ismail, Z. H., Casas, G. G., & Arshad, M. R. (2025). Adaptive DiffTune MPC for Marine Robots: An OceanSim-Based Study. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 59(22), 154–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2025.11.624
• Nafea, M. S., & Ismail, Z. H. (2025). GT-STAFG: Graph Transformer with Spatiotemporal Attention Fusion Gate for Epileptic Seizure Detection in Imbalanced EEG Data. AI, 6(6), 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6060120
• Casas, G. G., Ismail, Z. H., Shapiai, M. I., & Karuppiah, E. K. (2025). Automated detection and segmentation of baby kale crowns using grounding DINO and SAM for data-scarce agricultural applications. Smart Agricultural Technology, 11, 100903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2025.100903
• Murtaza, A., Uswah Khairuddin, Athif, A., Hamamoto, K., Fang, Y., & Omar, Z. (2025). WaveLiteDehaze‐Network: A Low‐Parameter Wavelet‐Based Method for Real‐Time Dehazing. CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology, 10(4), 1033–1048. https://doi.org/10.1049/cit2.70011
• Munirah Rosbi, Omar, Z., Uswah Khairuddin, Majeed, A. P. P. A., & Bakar, S. A. R. S. A. (2024). Machine Learning for Automated Oil Palm Fruit Grading: The Role of Fuzzy C-Means Segmentation and Textural Features. Smart Agricultural Technology, 100691–100691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2024.100691
• Casas, G. G., Ismail, Z. H., Limeira, M. M. C., Soares, C. P. B., Gleriani, J. M., Binoti, D. H. B., Araújo Júnior, C. A., Shapiai, M. I., Rodrigues, L. I., Araújo, T. M., & Leite, H. G. (2024). Quantifying solid volume of stacked eucalypt timber using detection-segmentation and diameter distribution models. Smart Agricultural Technology, 9, 100653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2024.100653

 Current National and International Collaborations :

1. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
2. Department of Agriculture (DoA)
3. Maxis Malaysia Berhad
4. Universitas Gadjah Mada
5. Tokyo City University
6. MARDI
7. Imperial College London

 Joint Programs/Student Exchanges/Industrial Engagements :

1. Gianmarco Goycochea Casas (PhD student, Federal University of Viçosa)

 Community Engagement :

1. Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (FELDA)

 Academic Staff :

	Assoc Prof. Ir. Dr. Zool Hilmi Ismail (Head of PRA iKohza)	Environment Monitoring Robot Nonlinear Task-Space Control Multiple and Redundant Robots Internet of Things Navigation and Intelligent Control Pneumatic Actuator, Edge Computing Model-Predictive Control Path-Planning Task Allocation based on Deep-Reinforcement Learning
	Assoc Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ibrahim bin Shapiai @ Abd Razak	Brain computer interface Machine learning Swarm optimization Artificial neural networks Particle swarm optimization Algorithm Classification
	Ts. Dr. Uswah Binti Khairuddin	Optimization Turbo charger Low carbon transport Pattern recognition Feature extraction & selection Image recognition Low carbon technology
	Dr. Muhammad Hisyam bin Rosle	Advanced mechanical engineering Robotics systems
	Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Azlan Abu	Embedded systems IoT applications Low-power design Applied AI for automation
	Ts. Dr. Nurhazimah Binti Nazmi	Signal processing Artificial Intelligence Electromyography (EMG) signals ● Assistive devices for Rehabilitation

 Postdocs/Researchers:  Postgraduate Students:

 Group Photo (recommended):

 Activity or Lab Photos (optional):

 Logo (if any):