Dear Birck Community, You are invited to attend an upcoming Discovery Park District Distinguished Lecture featuring Youichi Nonaka, Ph.D., Corporate Chief Researcher at Hitachi, Ltd. Lecture Title: Are the benefits of digitalization, such as Industry 4.0, AI, and robotics, truly contributing to the realization of a sustainable society? Date & Time: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 9:30 AM Location: 121 Burton-Morgan, Purdue University In this distinguished lecture, Dr. Nonaka will explore the evolving relationship between humans and advanced technologies—particularly AI and robotics—and examine whether digital transformation is truly advancing sustainability. Drawing on international collaboration among experts in Japan, Germany, the United States, and Europe, the talk will address both the opportunities and emerging challenges in building a sustainable, technology-driven society. Dr. Nonaka brings extensive leadership experience in industrial robotics, digital engineering, and global research collaboration. The lecture will provide valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, productivity, and sustainability. Please see the attached flyer for full details. Thank you, Kelli Kelli Dawson, M.Sc Operations Administrator Birck Nanotechnology Center, BRK 1027 O: 765-494-3509 C: 765-532-4519 https://birck.research.purdue.edu/ [cid:6edb8386-28d0-4b08-99ca-86fbe0d19b69]