The technology sector, encompassing robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, faces significant challenges regarding gender diversity. Despite women comprising over half of the global population, a substantial majority of this field is still predominantly male-dominated.

It’s essential to ensure there is sufficient representation of women at the table, as AI, ML, and robotics are poised to transform nearly every facet of our lives in the future. While men currently dominate these fields, an increasing number of women are actively reshaping the landscape. One notable figure is Yanfang Zheng, the COO and Senior Vice President of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, who is making significant strides in this evolving industry.

Recently, the Business Fortune sat down for a conversation with Yanfang Zheng to talk more about her role as an influential woman leader in the fields of AI and Robotics. The following excerpts are from the conversation that ensued.

Q. What was the series of events that led to the founding of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group?

The technology era offers endless opportunities, proving that with creativity and determination, anyone can lead in any field. It is this belief that drove the founding of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group. AI is essential in driving technological advancements, and the healthcare sector is using it to boost commercialization. Weiyun, an international enterprise group specializing in industrial AI and robotics technologies, has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the industry. With its strong technical prowess, the company not only dismantles industry barriers but also consistently enhances its core technologies.

Q. Why did you choose to work with an industrial AI company that develops products using AI, robotics, and machine vision? How has the company grown since its inception?

After years in business management and studying the tech industry, I realized that with Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing focused on industrial AI is the future of global development, especially in healthcare, which directly impacts people’s lives. This realization sparked a vision: what if I could become a promoter for the advancement of AI in healthcare? How fulfilling and proud would that be!

Perhaps the joy of life lies in the serendipitous encounters that shape our paths. My fortunate meeting with Dr. Dapeng Liu, CEO of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, was one such encounter. I was impressed by his insights on industrial AI and how they aligned with my views on using it to enhance the medical field. This opportunity allowed me to take on the role of COO and Senior Vice President at Weiyun, where I am now realizing my dream of becoming a key player in AI healthcare and promoting its broad implementation.

Weiyun has developed a complete solution framework called “AI Terminal-Cloud Brain System-Smart Factory,” building technological barriers throughout the industry chain since its start. Through this, we have achieved true unmanned, intelligent customization, providing thousands of SKUs through standardized smart solutions, showcasing the feasibility of industrial AI in healthcare.

The main strength of a tech company is the balance between people and technology. In healthcare, technology should evoke warmth and empathy, transcending mere cold data. At Weiyun, I promote an open and inclusive work environment that encourages communication and teamwork. This approach speeds up technological development and fosters innovation, creating Weiyun’s unique innovation ecosystem.

Q. What are some challenges you have encountered in your professional life that have shaped you into the influential woman leader you are today?

My career experience has taught me that to succeed and enjoy the journey, one must become fearless. This credo is particularly relevant in the tech industry. Personally, not having a technical background was perhaps my biggest challenge. Understanding the market and analyzing the interaction between products, technologies, and channels can turn challenges into opportunities.

During my first year at Weiyun, every day was both fulfilling and busy. As the COO, I needed a broad base of knowledge to inform my decisions. It was during this time that many colleagues became mentors and friends, supporting my rapid growth. Embracing the internal pressures of the business turned out to be beneficial. Workplace pressures can motivate individuals to improve constantly and strive for excellence.

Facing numerous challenges has enabled me to gain profound insights into unfamiliar domains, enhance my strengths, and systematically conquer obstacles.

Q. Can you talk about your career so far and how it is helping Weiyun AI & Robotics Group succeed?

Weiyun’s rapid growth in recent years has given me a sense of pride as a company member. As a management team member, we can’t be complacent due to the uncertain economic situation.

Therefore, I’ve been contemplating how we can enable the company to meet various market challenges head-on and ensure its rapid growth and leading position in an ever-changing environment. With over ten years of experience, I’ve learned that success depends on three key focuses: enhancing oral healthcare through core technologies and industrial AI, achieving efficient and precise production in a closed loop, and addressing patient needs to lower communication costs and provide tailored treatment plans. We aim to drive market growth and lead the industry in this promising blue ocean market.

Q. Can you share some success stories of the applications of the products developed by Weiyun AI & Robotics Group?

As a forward-thinking technology company, Weiyun has consistently leveraged technology as one of its foundational strengths. Throughout the years, we have introduced a range of products to the market, receiving excellent reviews and noteworthy recognition within the industry.

AI SMILE S4 Intra-oral Scanner: Weiyun’s AI SMILE S4 is a Red Dot Award-winning product that has a modern design and links to a global database for different oral healthcare uses, such as orthodontics and implants. It provides real-time solutions that are accurate and efficient, costing one-third of similar devices, which lowers treatment expenses and helps patients globally.

Orthodontic Smart Alignment System Venus 1.0: Venus 1.0 is an AI-driven system for dental aesthetics and biomechanics, developed by Weiyun based on data from 1.2 million cases. It delivers highly personalized, fully automated AI simulation solutions specifically designed for invisible orthodontics. The system uses advanced AI and cloud-based data to accurately identify the gum line, segment teeth, and create a customized dental arch for each individual. It automatically aligns teeth based on their position, achieving a fully automatic tooth arrangement that blends aesthetics with biomechanics. With digital design and simulations, it creates personalized solutions, revolutionizing invisible orthodontics. This technology leads the way in AI applications in invisible orthodontics and digital healthcare, fostering innovation and market growth.

TPU Multi-Layer High Molecular Membrane: This innovative product developed by Weiyun uses a strong molecular structure to provide consistent and stable pressure, ensuring a tight fit to the teeth for effective correction and gentle release of forces. Additionally, it possesses outstanding endurance performance in complex oral environments.

Q. Can you share a few words with the women reading this article? How would you empower them?

In every area of endeavor, gender should not dictate distinction. Every accomplishment stems from a profound passion and a dedicated sense of purpose. I am confident that, transcending the boundaries of technology, we will see the rise of exceptional women entrepreneurs who will thrive with their distinctive ‘She Power’ in their chosen fields.

Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?

To stay a leader in the fast-changing AI landscape, it’s essential to be highly innovative and open to exploration. To achieve greater breakthroughs, what Weiyun needs to focus on now is the continued optimization of the technological closed loop, ensuring that concepts such as intelligent diagnostics, cloud-based big data processing, medical customization, and intelligent manufacturing are widely adopted in practical medical scenarios. Therefore, future medical systems will be smarter and more personalized, focusing on cost-effectiveness and patient experience.

Meet the COO and Senior Vice President

Yanfang Zheng is the COO and Senior Vice President of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group. She is a distinguished alumnus of EMLYON Business School and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business. Zheng exemplifies exceptional leadership at the nexus of technology and healthcare. Yanfang has a strong background in business management and a good understanding of new technological trends, successfully working with top domestic and international companies.

“My career experience has taught me that to succeed and enjoy the journey, one must become fearless. This credo is particularly relevant in the tech industry.”