It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our celebration of the 40th annual conference of IEEE industrial electronics society-IECON 2014 in Dallas, Texas. Throughout the past forty years, IECON has excelled in showcasing creativity, in providing an ideal environment for technical exchange and networking, and most importantly in emphasizing the applied nature of the industrial electronics/informatics over a wide range of industries. Industrial electronics, as a set of enabling technologies, embodies an integral part in electrification of transportation industry, modernization of the electric power grid, integration of energy storage and renewable sources, robotics, artificial intelligence, and many other technologies whose successful implementations are crucial in moving towards energy sustainability. To address the latest achievements and breakthroughs on these topics, IECON 2014 offers a rich and comprehensive menu for professionals. Located in the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States with a thriving high-tech economy represented by over 600 advanced technology firms, the 2014 host city is the ideal location for IECON. Dallas is a sophisticated, fast growing metropolis that has earned its reputation in the marketplace of the world. Dallas is one flight away from the most populated corners of the globe and easy to reach. There are countless opportunities to explore art, sport, shopping, and dining in Dallas which cover a broad range of interests and backgrounds. We'd love to share our beautiful city and all it offers with you and your family. So join us at IECON 2014 and help make it yet another magnificent event in terms of technical activities, social and networking opportunities and fostering new connections. Finally, IECON 2014 has been made possible by tremendous support from our sponsors, organizing and steering committee members, and volunteers. We'd like to take this opportunity to extend a warm invitation for you to join us in celebrating the 40th birthday of IECON, and to allow us to show our southern hospitality to all of you.