A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of AI Technology Yanfang Zheng, COO of Weiyun AI Robotics Group: Best Female Executive in AI Technology to Watch in 2024
In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, Yanfang Zheng stands out as a pioneering force in AI technology. As the COO of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, Zheng has been instrumental in driving innovation with the company’s cutting-edge “AI Terminal-Cloud Brain System-Smart Factory” strategy. Recognized as one of the Best Female Executives to Watch in 2024, Zheng's leadership and vision are reshaping the future of AI in healthcare and beyond. Join us as we delve into her journey, explore the groundbreaking advancements at Weiyun, and uncover the strategies that are setting new benchmarks in AI-driven solutions.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers and describe the challenges you faced to reach your current position as a woman?
I graduated from EMLYON Business School and am currently pursuing a PhD at SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business. My career has spanned several leading companies, both domestically and internationally, where I gained invaluable insights into various industries. Through these experiences, I discovered the immense potential of industrial AI to revolutionize the medical field and create a lasting impact on society. This realization has fueled my commitment to advancing industrial AI as a key driver of progress.
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered challenges, but I firmly believe that the workplace transcends gender distinctions. The field of technology is not exclusively male-dominated, and women bring unique and valuable perspectives, particularly in AI. By combining cognitive and emotional insights, women can enhance the understanding of user needs and market trends, thereby expanding the industry’s potential.
For me, the true significance of industrial AI lies in its ability to improve lives, create societal value, and drive progress. This conviction has shaped my career goal: to empower industrial AI and contribute to its transformative impact. I am passionate about using my skills and experiences to unlock new possibilities in this dynamic field.
Ms. Zheng, could you share some of the challenges you’ve faced throughout your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered and overcome numerous challenges by adopting a data-driven approach and gaining a deep understanding of market dynamics. My first year at Weiyun was particularly challenging, marked by a steep learning curve as I navigated the complexities of high-tech healthcare solutions. During this time, I relied heavily on the collective knowledge of my team, which was instrumental in helping me assimilate unfamiliar information and apply it strategically. This ability to quickly grasp and leverage new knowledge has been a key factor in my success.
Can you provide a brief history of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group and its evolution in the industry?
Weiyun AI & Robotics Group was founded with a mission to lead the integration of industrial AI, particularly in the underdeveloped area of smart manufacturing within the industrial sector. While AI has made significant strides in various industries, its application in industrial settings, especially smart manufacturing, has been limited. Weiyun emerged as a trailblazer in this space, focusing on applying advanced AI, robotics, and machine vision technologies to reshape industry trends and set new standards.
Since its inception, Weiyun has made significant advancements in the field of oral healthcare by deeply integrating industrial AI. The company has developed a robust technological ecosystem that includes robotic end-effectors, multi-axis robots, intelligent oral scanners, 3D printing equipment, AI point cloud imaging, and implant surgery robots. By combining innovative vision with practical technical applications, Weiyun continues to drive the evolution of industrial AI, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
What are the keys to Weiyun’s sustained success in maintaining a leading position in its industry?
Weiyun’s sustained success in maintaining a leading position in the AI and robotics industry is rooted in its unwavering commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on core technologies. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Dr. Dapeng Liu, with over 25 years of industry research, Weiyun has developed a groundbreaking “AI Terminal-Cloud Brain System-Smart Factory” framework. This approach has enabled the company to establish robust technological barriers, achieve vertical integration of AI, and demonstrate its practical applications in the healthcare sector, particularly in dental medicine. This integration marks a new era in AI-driven healthcare, setting Weiyun apart as a pioneer in the field.
At the market level, Weiyun’s “The Trilogy of Focus” strategy has been key to its success. The company concentrates on empowering dental medical contexts with industrial AI, realizing high-precision, large-scale flexible manufacturing, and prioritizing patient needs by reducing communication overheads and offering personalized treatment plans. By boldly embracing the opportunities presented by the AI epoch and translating innovative concepts into actionable solutions, Weiyun continues to navigate new market expansions and drive industry progress, ensuring its leadership in the ever-evolving AI landscape.
Can you introduce the core products of Weiyun Group?
Weiyun Group has established itself as a leader in intelligent technology through its innovative product offerings, which have gained significant recognition in the industry. Our products reflect our core strength in technological advancement and our commitment to enhancing healthcare through AI-driven solutions.
One of our flagship products is the AI SMILE S4 Intra-oral Scanner, a four-generation device that has been honored with the prestigious German Red Dot Award. This scanner features a sleek, minimalist design and connects to a comprehensive global database of millions of cases. It integrates seamlessly with cloud AI, smart factories, and healthcare endpoints, making it highly versatile for orthodontics, implantology, restorative dentistry, and aesthetics. The AI SMILE S4 enhances comfort, precision, and efficiency in corrective procedures, offering real-time visualizations that benefit both medical professionals and patients.
Another core product is the Orthodontic Smart Alignment System Venus 1.0, which leverages a dataset of over 1.2 million domestic cases. This system uses AI and cloud big data analytics to automate and optimize the dental alignment process, integrating aesthetics and biomechanics for precise and personalized treatment.
Additionally, our TPU multi-layer high molecular membrane is a groundbreaking innovation, designed to provide consistent and stable force application during orthodontic correction. Its high elasticity and durability ensure effective and gentle force deployment, even in complex oral environments, setting a new standard in invisible orthodontics.
Can you share examples of how Weiyun Group has scaled its solutions to meet client needs?
Weiyun Group has effectively scaled its solutions to meet client needs by leveraging its innovative “AI Terminal-Cloud Brain System-Smart Factory” core system. This system integrates user data collected from Weiyun’s intelligent front-end devices, which is then processed and analyzed by a cloud-based cognitive hub using advanced AI. The tailored solutions generated by this analysis are executed with micron-level precision in automated smart factories, ensuring the highest standards of production and delivery.
In the healthcare industry, particularly in dental care, Weiyun’s approach has revolutionized the way patient-specific solutions are designed and delivered. By achieving precision within 10 microns and reducing individual production time by over 90%, Weiyun has addressed critical challenges such as the lack of standardization, a shortage of dental professionals, and lengthy treatment cycles. With an exceptional yield rate of over 98%, Weiyun not only enhances the efficiency and reliability of dental treatments but also sets new benchmarks for Industry 4.0 in healthcare, offering scalable, precise, and timely solutions to its clients.
How does Weiyun Group plan to adapt to future industry changes and challenges?
Weiyun Group is poised to embrace the future by capitalizing on the opportunities presented by large-scale AI industrial models. We plan to deepen our core technological strengths and expand our alliances with healthcare institutions. By co-creating the future of intelligent manufacturing and commercialization, we aim to redefine the role of AI in healthcare. Our focus will be on advancing key technologies that drive innovation in this field.
In the area of Smart Terminals and AI Imaging, Weiyun will continue to develop advanced devices that leverage edge computing and AI imaging for precise 3D reconstructions of patient data. This integration with cloud processing and smart manufacturing enables us to offer personalized treatment plans and rapid expert responses, enhancing patient care and breaking down communication barriers.
Our approach to Smart Diagnostics and Big Data involves harnessing AI’s rapid data analysis and self-learning capabilities. We aim to create highly accurate diagnostic models that provide personalized treatment options tailored to individual patient needs. This will not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance the accuracy of medical predictions.
Weiyun is also committed to advancing Medical Customization and Intelligent Manufacturing. By enhancing the consultation process with real-time online interactions and telemedicine, we bridge geographical gaps, save time, and ensure quality healthcare access for all. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and personalized as we adapt to future industry changes and challenges.
How would you describe Weiyun Group’s company culture?
Weiyun Group’s company culture is built on openness, inclusivity, and a vibrant spirit of collaboration. We value each team member as a vital asset, recognizing their unique insights into industry trends and technological advancements. Our culture encourages every individual to contribute ideas, whether it’s refining current processes, envisioning future products, or shaping strategic directions.
We foster an environment where creativity thrives alongside rigorous standards. Employees are empowered to innovate and pursue their passions, discovering their own value within the company. We strongly believe in the importance of lifelong learning, which drives both our corporate success and individual growth.
At Weiyun, we strive to create a community where every voice is heard, every idea is considered, and every person is encouraged to grow. This commitment to continuous improvement and shared success is the foundation of our approach to nurturing talent and driving innovation.
Weiyun’s “AI Terminal-Cloud Brain System-Smart Factory” strategy has been key to its success
“Our products reflect our core strength in technological advancement and our commitment to enhancing healthcare through AI-driven solutions.”
“We foster an environment where creativity thrives alongside rigorous standards.”
Company Name : Weiyun AI & Robotics Group
Website: www.weiyunglobal.com
Management Team
Yanfang Zheng, | COO & Senior Vice President