Huzhou Institute, Zhejiang University | China
AUTHOR PROFILE
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EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓
Professor Chao Xu’s academic journey began with his pursuit of a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University in 2002. His passion for combining mechanical engineering with advanced mathematics led him to Zhejiang University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 2005. His quest for knowledge took him further to the United States, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Lehigh University in 2010. These formative years laid the foundation for his future achievements in robotics and intelligent systems.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼
After completing his Ph.D., Professor Xu embarked on an illustrious career at Zhejiang University, where he currently holds the positions of Vice Dean of the College of Control Science and Engineering and the Founding Dean of the Zhejiang University Huzhou Institute. His academic roles have been complemented by his extensive research work, including his founding of the FAST Lab, which has become a hub for cutting-edge research in robotics and intelligent control. Over the years, he has served as a lecturer, associate professor, and doctoral supervisor, contributing to the education and mentorship of the next generation of engineers and researchers.
Professor Xu is a pioneer in the fields of multidisciplinary mechanics, control theory, and robotics. His research interests span the design and development of advanced flight systems, including intelligent autonomous flight technologies, robot locomotion physics, and algorithmic dynamics. His work focuses on “Multidisciplinary Mechanics and Control in Robotics” and “Math-Physical Intelligence and Embodiment,” bridging the gap between theory and application in the realm of intelligent systems. His innovative approaches have earned him a position as a key figure in the global robotics community, contributing to the establishment of international standards for intelligent drones.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍
Professor Xu’s contributions to the field of robotics have garnered significant recognition, with his research being featured in high-impact journals such as Science Robotics, Nature Machine Intelligence, and IEEE Transactions. His team’s achievement in developing a “Swarm Aerial Robot System” was prominently displayed at the “Forging Ahead in the New Era” exhibition and is now housed in the National Museum. This landmark achievement is a testament to his influence and his leadership in the rapidly advancing field of intelligent robotics. His research has not only contributed to the academic world but has also had a profound impact on industry, media, and policy.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 📚
Throughout his career, Professor Xu has published over a hundred papers in prestigious journals, cementing his reputation as a leading researcher in his field. His groundbreaking work has earned him widespread recognition, including awards such as the 2024 Frontiers of Science Award by the International Congress of Basic Science. His paper in Science Robotics was also selected as one of Zhejiang University’s Top Ten Academic Achievements in 2022, highlighting the substantial impact of his research. Additionally, Professor Xu’s work continues to inspire new developments in robotics, contributing to the global discourse on the future of intelligent systems.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮
Professor Xu’s legacy extends beyond his scholarly articles and patents. As the founding director of the FAST Lab and the founding dean of the Zhejiang University Huzhou Institute, he has laid a solid foundation for the continued advancement of robotics and control science at Zhejiang University. His influence is expected to grow as he mentors future generations of engineers and researchers who will push the boundaries of robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. His future contributions promise to further revolutionize the way machines interact with humans and the world around them, ensuring his lasting impact on both academic and industrial landscapes.
JOURNAL EDITORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP 📝
In addition to his research, Professor Xu has been an influential figure in academic publishing. As the Executive Editor-in-Chief of IET Cyber-Systems & Robotics, he has provided a platform for new discoveries in robotics and control systems. His leadership in this role ensures that the journal continues to advance research in intelligent systems and robotics while fostering international collaboration. Furthermore, his editorial contributions to the Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization highlight his commitment to the integration of industrial and academic efforts to solve real-world problems.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AND MEDIA COVERAGE 🌐
Professor Xu’s research has been recognized globally, attracting attention from media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, Guangming Daily, and The Times. His work has had a profound influence not only in academia but also in the broader global conversation about the future of technology and innovation. His leadership in driving international collaborations and partnerships is essential to the growth and impact of his work on a global scale.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 
Swarm of micro flying robots in the wild
📑 Authors: X Zhou, X Wen, Z Wang, Y Gao, H Li, Q Wang, T Yang, H Lu, Y Cao, C Xu, …
📰 Journal: Science Robotics
📅 Year: 2022
Ego-planner: An esdf-free gradient-based local planner for quadrotors
📑 Authors: X Zhou, Z Wang, H Ye, C Xu, F Gao
📰 Journal: IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
📅 Year: 2020
Geometrically constrained trajectory optimization for multicopters
📑 Authors: Z Wang, X Zhou, C Xu, F Gao
📰 Journal: IEEE Transactions on Robotics
📅 Year: 2022
Dense motion estimation of particle images via a convolutional neural network
📑 Authors: S Cai, S Zhou, C Xu, Q Gao
📰 Journal: Experiments in Fluids
📅 Year: 2019
Ego-swarm: A fully autonomous and decentralized quadrotor swarm system in cluttered environments
📑 Authors: X Zhou, J Zhu, H Zhou, C Xu, F Gao
📰 Journal: 2021 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
📅 Year: 2021
Particle image velocimetry based on a deep learning motion estimator
📑 Authors: S Cai, J Liang, Q Gao, C Xu, R Wei
📰 Journal: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
📅 Year: 2019