The event organised by the Faculty of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, gathered leading academics, industry professionals, and researchers from across the globe. ICAME-24 featured keynote speeches, technical presentations, and poster presentation focused on cutting-edge advancements in engineering, with a special emphasis on sustainability, robotics, and materials science. Over 50 papers were presented across four technical sessions, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and innovation.
Keynote Speakers and Highlights
The conference began on 17 October 2024, with an inaugural speech by Prof. Dr. Riffat Asim Pasha, Conference Chair, followed by welcome remarks from the Prof Dr. Muhammad Inayatullah Khan Vice Chancellor of UET, Taxila. Prof. Dr. Lida Shen from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China, delivered the opening keynote on "Advantages and Challenges of 3D Printed Components for Aerospace Applications," which captivated the audience by addressing the practical challenges in aerospace engineering and potential solutions using 3D printing technology.
The morning session also featured a powerful presentation by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, on "Advancements in Sustainable Composites Embedded with Smart Electronics." His talk illustrated the integration of electronics into composites, presenting their applications in fields ranging from energy storage to smart textiles.
On the second day, Prof. Dr. Muslum Arici from Kocaeli University, Turkey, delivered a keynote on the role of phase change materials in sustainable development. His session emphasised energy-saving solutions for buildings using phase change materials, drawing attention to their potential in combatting global energy shortages.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Sapuan Salit from University Putra Malaysia presentation highlighted the recent advances in the utilisation of Biocomposites, focusing on two critical applications: Piezoelectric Sensor and Electric Vehicles (EVs) Battery Casing.
One standout presentation was given by Dr. Mosin Haider, Senior Engineering Manager at Lockheed Martin Engineering & Country-Director Turkish Aerospace Industries Islamabad, Pakistan about “Applications of advanced composite materials towards aerostructure design and manufacturing” which covered some of the challenges and issues in materials and processes that need to address current and future challenges.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony led by Dr. Aneela Wakeel, Advisor to the IMechE-UET Taxila Student Chapter, during which certificates and shields were presented to the keynote speakers and organising committee as a token of appreciation for their contributions:
Technical Sessions and Paper Presentations
ICAME-24 featured four concurrent technical sessions focusing on Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechatronics, and Energy Engineering. Keynote talks, Research and review papers were presented, providing insights into the latest research in these fields.
Key sessions included:
- Mechanical Engineering: Prof. Dr. Rizwan Mehmood Gul Faculty of Mechanical, Chemical and Industrial Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar delivered talk about “Advance in Use of UHMWPE in Total Joint Replacement”. “Progress in condensation heat transfer on external horizontal tubes for surface condensers” presentation from Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Ali from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia was prominent.
- Materials Engineering: Dr. Yasir Nawab from the National Textile University, Faisalabad, discussed "Composite Materials Research and Applications," highlighting how advanced materials are transforming sectors such as aerospace and defense. Dr. Mohsin Ali Raza, a Professor from University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan discussed the potential of graphene oxide in various applications, from coatings to composites, highlighting its remarkable properties and low-cost production.
- Mechatronics: The session included a compelling talk by Prof. Dr. Umar Shahbaz from NUST on "Navigating Tomorrow: Pakistan's Robotic Odyssey," exploring the latest advancements in robotics and automation in Pakistan. Dr. Hafiz Farhan Maqbool, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan, presented his research on using IMU-based data acquisition to objectively evaluate lower limb amputees during daily activities.
- Energy Engineering: Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, presented his research on "Efficient Techniques to Recover Power from Waste Using CO2 as Working Fluid," offering innovative approaches for waste-to-energy conversion technologies. Prof. Dr. Adeel Waqas from USPCASE, NUST, emphasised the importance of efficient thermal management for EV batteries to improve performance, lifespan, and safety.
The technical discussions and presentations provided a comprehensive view of ongoing developments and applications in engineering, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
Importance and Alignment with IMechE Objectives
ICAME-24 aligns seamlessly with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ (IMechE) goals of promoting technological innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across disciplines. The conference’s emphasis on sustainable energy, advanced materials, and robotics directly supports IMechE’s mission to advance mechanical engineering and improve the world through engineering.
The themes explored during the event resonate with IMechE members, particularly in areas like:
- Sustainability: Keynotes on sustainable development, such as Prof. Dr. Muslum Arici’s talk on phase change materials, reflect IMechE’s focus on tackling global challenges like climate change and energy efficiency.
- Advanced Materials: Presentations like Prof. Dr. Yasir Nawab’s on composite materials show how engineering advancements can drive new solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to defense, aligning with IMechE’s commitment to supporting technological progress.
- Robotics and Automation: Prof. Dr. Umar Shahbaz’s exploration of Pakistan’s robotics landscape offers exciting prospects for future innovations, which are key to IMechE’s interests in automation and manufacturing.
Moreover, the conference fostered international collaboration, with speakers and participants from Turkey, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, demonstrating how global cooperation in engineering can generate solutions to shared challenges.
ICAME-24 not only showcased the latest research but also facilitated meaningful connections between academia, industry, and students, reflecting the spirit of IMechE's commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion
The First International Conference on Advances in Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronics, and Energy Engineering (ICAME-24) was a resounding success, bringing together experts from around the world to discuss the future of engineering. The event’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration made it a perfect fit for IMechE’s vision of addressing global engineering challenges through research and practical solutions.
ICAME-24 has set a high standard for future conferences and demonstrated the crucial role that such events play in fostering innovation and growth in engineering disciplines. As the world continues to face complex challenges, the contributions made at this conference will undoubtedly help shape the future of engineering, both in Pakistan and globally.