Paper submission

1. S. Liu*, C. Huang, L. Wang, W. Burgard, A. Ijspeert, Vision-language-conditioned keypoint affordance representation for robotic manipulation, 2026 IEEE RAL. (Under review)

2. S. Liu*, R. Zhong, D. Wub, W. Dong, H. Chen, B. Gao, P. Zheng, R.X. Gao, L. Wang, Generative AI for human-centric assembly, CIRP Novel Topics in Production Engineering, 1-32, 2025.

3. S. Liu*, H. Zhang, A. Ijspeert, L. Wang, Robot-GST: Geometry-aware Spatial-Temporal policy representation and evaluation for robot manipulation, IEEE RAL, 2026 (Under review)

4. Z. Chen, S. Liu*, L. Run, H. Qi, A. Woolgar, V.X. Wang, L. Wang, MindAlign: Bridging EEG, Vision, and Language for Zero-Shot Visual Decoding, 40th Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2026), 2026. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2605.24523. (Under Review)

5. X. Zhang, S. Liu*, L. Run, A. Woolgar, V.X. Wang, L. Wang, What Are We Actually Decoding? Source Attribution for Non-Invasive Brain-to-Language Retrieval, 40th Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2026), 2026. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2605.24524. (Under review).

6. S. Zhao, S. Liu, J. Zhang, R.Y. Zhong, Lihui Wang, CA-DLM: Causal-Aware Diffusion Language Model for Interpretable Industrial Defective Image Generation, Journal of Manufacturing System, 1-17, 2025. (Minor revision, IF: 14.2, Q1)

7.  R. Lu, S. Liu, Y. Liu, J. Duncan, R.N. Henson, A. Woolgar, HeteroRC: Decoding latent information from dynamic neural responses with interpretable heterogeneous reservoir computing, Nature Methods, 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.04.716475. (Under review)

8. J. Leng, J. Zhang, T. Wei, J. Wu, Y. Dong, S. Liu, L. Yue, J. Xiao, Q. Liu, X. Chen, L. Wang, Shaping the digital brain for Industry 5.0: A review of industrial world models, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 2026 (Review paper) (Under review).

9. F. Wang, Z. Wang, G. Pei, M. Zhang, C. Liang, J. Wu, N. Han, Z. Zhang, J. Qi, H. Wu, S. Zhang, P. Zheng, J. Pan, D. Navarro-Alarcon, S. Liu, P, Zhou, World Models for Robotic Manipulation: A Survey, SmartBot, 2026 (Review paper) (Under review).

10. Y. Zhang, B. Lia, K. Ding, F. Zhang, S. Liu, Y. Sun, J. Hui, FOH-Grasp: A training-free and CAD model-free one-shot human-centric robotic grasping in Industry 5.0, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 2026 (Under review).

11. M. Tian, Y. Li, S. Liu, A. Ijspeert, S. Calinon, Spline Policy: A Structured Representation for Robot Policies, IEEE Transactions on Robot Learning, 2026 (Under review).

12. J. Hu, S. Chen, Z. Li, Z. Zhang, J. Qi, Z. Lu, Z. Chen, S. Liu, P. Zhou, X. Wang, P. Zheng, X. Li, S. Luo, J. Pan, D. Navarro-Alarcon, C. Yang and M. Wang. Vision-Based Tactile Intelligence for Robotics: Sensing, Learning, and Embodied Manipulation, 2026 (Under review)

Selected Publications (My Google Scholar)

Journal Papers (*: corresponding;#:co-lead)

1. S. Liu*, E. Regal, H. Zhang, L. Wang, R.X. Gao Foundation model-based end-to-end policy for robotic assembly, CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 75(1): 1-4, 2026. (IF: 3.6)

2. Q. Wang, Y. Liu, Z. Zhu, S. Liu, Z. Wang, B. Zi, L. Wang, L. Zhang, An MVUN-DP skill library-driven end-to-end embodied AI robotic assembly with LLMs, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 100:103263, 2026. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

3. L. Feng, Y. Gao, E. Zablocki, Q. Li, W. Li, S. Liu, M. Cord, A. Alahi, RAP: 3D Rasterization Augmented End-to-End Planning, 2026 International Conference on Learning Representations.

4. Yi. Li, N. Darwiche, A. Razmjoo, S. Liu, Y. Du, A. Ijspeert, S. Calinon, Geometry-aware Policy Imitation, 2026 International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR).

5. Z. Zhu, Y. Liu, S. Liu, L. Wang, L. Zhang, Toward generalisable robotic assembly: A prior-guided deep reinforcement learning approach with multi-sensor information, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 100:103263, 2026. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

6. S. Liu*, Z. Liu, Q. Qin, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, Multimodal human-robot collaboration: advancements and future directions, International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 20(5): 1-47, 2025 (Review Article)

7. S. Zhao, G. Zhang, S. Liu, J. Zhang, H. Bandara, R.Y. Zhong, Lihui Wang, Interpretable verification mechanism for zero-hallucination industrial large model in intelligent manufacturing, Engineering, 2025. (IF: 11.6, Q1)

8. S. Zhao, S. Liu#, Y. Jiang, B. Zhao, Y. Lv, J. Zhang, L. Wang, R.Y. Zhong, Industrial foundation models (IFMs) for intelligent manufacturing: A systematic review, Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 82:420-448, 2025. (IF: 14.2, Q1)

9. G. Wang, C. Zhang, S. Liu, Y. Zhang, L. Wang, Multi-robot collaboration: advancements, challenges, and future directions, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 82: 333-36, 2025. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

10. S. Yi, S. Liu, X. Lin, S. Yan, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, A data-efficient and general-purpose calibration method for robotic systems using next best view, Advanced Engineering Informatics, 66:103432, 2025. (IF: 9.9, Q1)

11. S. Liu, L. Wang, Vision intelligence-conditioned reinforcement learning for precision assembly, CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 74(1): 13-17, 2025. (IF: 3.6)

12. C. Zhang, Y. Zhang, S. Liu*, L. Wang, Transfer learning and augmented data-driven parameter prediction for robotic welding, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 95, 102992, 2025. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

13. S. Liu, J. Zhang, L. Wang, R.X., Gao, Vision AI-based human-robot collaborative assembly driven by autonomous robots, CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 73(1):13-16, 2024. (IF: 3.6)

14. S. Yi, S. Liu, Y. Yang, S. Yan, D. Guo, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, Safety-aware human-centric collaborative assembly, Advanced Engineering Informatics. 60,102371, 2024. (IF: 9.9, Q1)

15. D. Guo, S. Liu, S. Ling, M. Li, Y. Jiang, M. Li, G.Q. Huang, The marriage of operations research and reinforcement learning: integration of NEH into Q-learning algorithm for the permutation flowshop scheduling problem, Expert Systems with Applications, 255, 124779, 2024. (IF: 7.5, Q1)

16. Y. Zhang, K. Ding, J. Hui, S. Liu, W. Guo, L. Wang, Skeleton-RGB integrated highly similar human action prediction in human-robot collaborative assembly, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 86, 102659, 2024. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

17. S. Liu, L. Wang, R.X. Gao, Cognitive neuroscience and robotics: advancements and future research directions, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 85, 102610, 2024. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

18. J. Zhang, S. Liu, L. Wang, R.X. Gao, Neural rendering-enabled 3D modeling for rapid digitisation of in-service products, CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 72(1): 93-96, 2023. (IF: 3.6)

19. S. Li, P. Zheng, S. Liu, X.V. Wang, L. Zheng, L. Wang, Proactive human-robot collaboration: mutual-cognitive, predictable, and self-organising perspectives, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 81, 102510, 2023. (IF: 11.4, Q1)

20. Z. Guo, Y. Zhang, S. Liu, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, Exploring self-organisation and self-adaptation for smart manufacturing complex networks, Frontiers of Engineering Management, 10(2): 206–222, 2022. (IF: 7.7, Q1)

21. E. Flores-García, Y. Jeong, S. Liu, Magnus Wiktorsson, L. Wang, Enabling Industrial Internet of Things-based digital servitisation in smart production logistics,  International Journal of Production Research, 61(12): 3884-3909, 2022. (IF: 8.3, Q1)

22. S. Liu, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, Digital twin-enabled advance execution for human-robot collaborative assembly, CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 71(1):25-28, 2022. (IF: 3.6)

23. S. Liu, L. Wang, X.V. Wang, Multimodal data-driven robot control for human-robot collaborative assembly, Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 144(5):051012, 2022. (IF: 2.9)

24. L. Wang, S. Liu, C. Cooper, X.V. Wang and R.X. Gao, "Function block-based human-robot collaborative assembly driven by brainwaves," CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 70(1):5-8, 2021. (IF:3.6, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

25. S. Liu, L. Wang and X.V. Wang, "Sensorless force estimation for industrial robots using disturbance observer and neural learning of friction approximation," Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 71:102168, 2021. (IF:11.4, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

26. S. Liu, L. Wang and X.V. Wang, "Function block-based multimodal control for symbiotic human-robot collaborative assembly," Transactions of the ASME, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 143(9):091001-1--10, 2021. (IF:2.9, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

27. S. Liu, L. Wang and X.V. Wang, "Sensorless haptic control for human-robot collaborative assembly," CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, 32:132-144, 2021. (IF:5.4, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

28. S. Liu, Y. Zhang, Y. Liu, L. Wang and X.V. Wang, "An 'Internet of Things' enabled dynamic optimisation method for smart vehicles and logistics tasks," Journal of Cleaner Production, 215:806-820, 2019. (IF:10.0, Q1) [full text(DOI)]

29. Y. Zhang, S. Liu, Y. Liu, H. Yang, M. Li, D. Huisingh, and L. Wang, "The ‘Internet of Things’ enabled real-time scheduling for remanufacturing of automobile engines," Journal of Cleaner Production, 185:562-575, 2018. (IF:10.0, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

30. Y. Zhang, Jin Wang, S. Liu, and C. Qian, "Game theory based real‐time shop floor scheduling strategy and method for cloud manufacturing," International Journal of Intelligent Systems, 32(4):437-463, 2017. (IF:3.7, Q1)  [full text (DOI)]

31. Y. Zhang, S. Liu, Y. Liu, and R. Li, "Smart box-enabled product–service system for cloud logistics," International Journal of Production Research, 54(22):6693-6706, 2016. (IF:8.3, Q1) [full text (DOI)]

32. Y. Zhang, W. Wang, S. Liu, and G. Xie, "Real-time shop-floor production performance analysis method for the internet of manufacturing things," Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 6:270749, 2014. (IF:9.9, Q1)  [full text (DOI)]

33. Y. Zhang, S. Liu, Z. Zhu, and S. Si, "Agent-based intelligent medical diagnosis system for patients." Technology and Health Care, 23(s2), S397-S410, 2015. [full text (DOI)]

34. Y. Zhang, S. Liu, and S. Sun, "Clustering and genetic algorithm based hybrid flowshop scheduling with multiple operations." Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2014:1-8, 2014.  [full text (DOI)]

Conference papers

1. S. Li, Y. Chen, D. Li, S. Liu, D. Lan, Y. Liu, Z. Pang, Transferring vision-language-action models to industry applications: Architectures, performance, and challenges, the 7th International Conference on Industrial Artificial Intelligence, pp: 1-8, 2025. (Best Paper Award Finalist)

2. Y. Chen, Q. Wang, D. Hu, J. Fang, S. Liu, Z. An, Z. Pang, Liaohe-CobotMagic-PnP: An imitation learning dataset of intelligent robot for industrial applications, the 7th International Conference on Industrial Artificial Intelligence, pp: 1-8, August 2025. (Best Paper Award Finalist)

3. Z. Liu, S. Liu, T. Wang, L. Wang, X.V. Wang, Establishment and synchronisation of digital twins for multi-robot systems in manufacturing, Procedia CIRP of the 58th Conference on Manufacturing Systems, 134: 419-424, 2025.

4. S. Liu*, L. Wang, Vision-language-conditioned keypoint affordance representation for robotic manipulation, The 1st German Robotics Conference, March 2025.

5. S. Liu*, Z. Liu, L. Wang, X.V. Wang, Vision-language-conditioned learning policy for robotic manipulation, 2024 Conference on Robot Learning, pp.1-16, November 2024.

6. S. Liu*, J. Zhang, R.X. Gao, X.V. Wang and L. Wang, Vision-language model-driven scene understanding and robotic object manipulation, Proceedings of 20th IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, pp. 21-26, August 2024.

7. F. Gao, L. Xia, J. Zhang, S. Liu, L. Wang and R. X. Gao, "Integrating Large Language Model for Natural Language-Based Instruction toward Robust Human-Robot Collaboration," Procedia CIRP of the 57th Conference on Manufacturing Systems, Vol.130, pp.313-318, May 2024. [full text (DOI)]

8. S. Yi, S. Liu, X. Xu, X. V. Wang, S. Yan and L. Wang, "A Vision-Based Human-Robot Collaborative System for Digital Twin," Procedia CIRP of the 55th Conference on Manufacturing Systems, Vol.107, pp.552-557, June 2022. [full text (DOI)]

9. E. Flores-García, Y. Jeong, M. Wiktorsson, S. Liu, L. Wang, G. Kim, "Digital Twin-based services for smart production logistics," In2021 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), pp.1-12, December 2022. [full text (DOI)]

10. S. Liu*, L. Wang, X.V. Wang, C. Cooper and R.X. Gao, "Leveraging multimodal data for intuitive robot control towards human-robot collaborative assembly," Procedia CIRP of the 54th Conference on Manufacturing Systems, Vol.104, pp.206-211, September 2021. [full text (DOI)]

11. S. Liu, L. Wang, X.V. Wang and M. Wiktorsson, "Complex-Network-Based Cyber-Physical Production Systems Subject to Cascading Failures," Proceedings of 2020 Swedish Production Symposium, October 2020. (Best Paper Award) [full text (DOI)]

12. S. Liu, L. Wang, X.V. Wang and M. Wiktorsson, "A Framework of Data-Driven Dynamic Optimisation for Smart Production Logistics," Proceedings of 2020 IFIP Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems, Part II, pp.213-221, September 2020. (Best Paper Award) [full text (DOI)]

13. S. Liu, L. Wang and X.V. Wang, "Symbiotic Human-Robot Collaboration: Multimodal Control Using Function Blocks," Procedia CIRP of the 53rd Conference on Manufacturing Systems, Vol.93, pp.1188-1193, July 2020. [full text (DOI)]

14. L. Wang, S. Liu, H. Liu and X.V. Wang, "Overview of Human-Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing," Proceedings of 5th International Conference on the Industry 4.0 Model for Advanced Manufacturing, pp.15-58, June 2020. (Keynote Paper) [full text (DOI)]

15. S. Liu, Y. Wang, X.V. Wang, and L. Wang, "Energy-efficient trajectory planning for an industrial robot using a multi-objective optimisation approach." Proceedings of 2018 Swedish Production Symposium, Vol.25, pp.517-525, April 2018. [full text(DOI)]

16. S. Liu, G. Zhang, and L. Wang, "IoT-enabled dynamic optimization for sustainable reverse logistics." Proceedings of the 25th CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, Vol.69, pp.662-667, 2018. [full text(DOI)]

17. Y. Zhang, S. Liu, Shubin Si, and Haidong Yang, "Production system performance prediction model based on manufacturing big data." In 2015 IEEE 12th International Conference on Networking, Sensing and Control, pp. 277-280, April 2015. [full text(DOI)]

Book chapters

1. S. Liu, D. Guo, Z. Liu, T. Wang, Q. Qin, X.V. Wang, L. Wang, "A digital twin-enabled approach to reliable human-robot collaborative assembly", pp 1-17, Human-centric Smart Manufacturing towards Industry 5.0, Springer Nature, 2024. [full text(DOI)]

2. S. Liu, J. Zhang, S. Yi, R.X. Gao and L. Wang, "Human-centric systems in smart manufacturing", pp1-18, Manufacturing from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: Advances and Applications, Springer Nature, 2024 (ISBN: 9780443139246). [full text(DOI)]

3. J. Zhang, S. Liu, L. Wang, and R.X. Gao,  "Efficient data management for intelligent manufacturing", pp1-15, Manufacturing from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: Advances and Applications, Springer Nature, 2024 (ISBN: 9780443139246). [full text(DOI)]

4. S. Liu, L. Wang, and X.V. Wang, "Sensorless haptic control for physical human - robot interaction", pp 319-350, Advanced Human-Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing, L. Wang, X.V. Wang, József Váncza, and Zsolt Kemény, Eds., Springer Nature, 2021. (ISBN 978-3-030-69177-6). [full text(DOI)]