Assoc. Prof. Dr Lijun Zong | Robotics and AI | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

Lijun Zong, born on April 28, 1991, in Zhangye, Gansu, China, is an Associate Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University. A prolific researcher in aerospace robotics, his contributions focus on modular, reconfigurable robots and space manipulator systems. He earned his B.Sc. in Detection, Guidance, and Control Technology from Beijing Institute of Technology, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Vehicle Design at Northwestern Polytechnical University. As a visiting scholar at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, he honed his expertise in hardware-in-the-loop synthesis for space manipulators. Dr. Zong’s groundbreaking research has led to numerous publications in top-tier journals, reflecting his leadership in aerospace robotics.

PROFISSIONAL PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

Dr. Lijun Zong’s distinguished research contributions to aerospace robotics, particularly in the domain of space manipulators and their control systems, make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work on reactionless control, trajectory optimization, and hardware-in-the-loop simulations addresses critical challenges in modern aerospace engineering.

1. Pioneering Publications: Dr. Zong has authored impactful papers in high-ranking journals such as IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems and Aerospace Science and Technology. Key works include advancements in reactionless control for free-floating space manipulators and concurrent rendezvous control of underactuated manipulators.
2. Global Research Exposure: As a visiting scholar at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Dr. Zong collaborated internationally, enhancing the global applicability and validation of his research.
3. Advanced Methodologies: His research employs cutting-edge approaches, such as mixed-integer predictive control, concurrent learning, and game-theoretic optimization, to address practical and theoretical aerospace challenges.
4. Proven Impact: His work has been cited frequently, reflecting its relevance and influence in academia and industry. Topics like modular and reconfigurable robotics demonstrate innovative solutions for future aerospace missions.
5. Leadership in Aerospace Research: As an Associate Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University, Dr. Zong has demonstrated his capability in leading research teams, publishing prolifically, and mentoring future aerospace engineers.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. Industry Collaboration: While Dr. Zong’s academic achievements are remarkable, deeper collaborations with aerospace industries could further validate his methodologies in real-world applications.
2. Public Engagement: Increasing the visibility of his work through outreach programs or public talks could help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and societal understanding of aerospace advancements.
3. Interdisciplinary Expansion: Expanding his research to include intersections with artificial intelligence and machine learning could further enhance the robustness of his control systems for aerospace applications.

EDUCATION 

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Vehicle Design (2015–2020)
  Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
  Thesis: “Optimal Trajectory Planning and Coordinated Control for Space Manipulators Capturing a Tumbling Target” | Advisor: Prof. Jianjun Luo
• Visiting Scholar (2016–2018)
  University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Toronto, Canada
  Subject: “Hardware-in-the-loop Synthesis and Analysis of Space Manipulators”
• M.Sc. in Aerospace Vehicle Design (2013–2015)
  Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
  Thesis: “Occasion Determination and Control for Space Manipulators Capturing Tumbling Targets”
• B.Sc. in Detection, Guidance, and Control Technology (2009–2013)
  Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China

EXPERIENCE 

• Associate Professor (Present)
  Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
  Specializing in aerospace robotics, modular systems, and trajectory optimization.
• Visiting Researcher (2016–2018)
  University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Toronto, Canada
  Conducted research in hardware-in-the-loop simulations for space manipulators under Prof. M. Reza Emami.
• Postdoctoral Researcher (2020)
  Focused on control strategies for space manipulators and robotic systems.
• Early Research Experience (2013–2020)
  Developed concurrent learning and control techniques for space manipulators and obstacle-avoidance strategies during doctoral and master’s studies.

AWARDS AND HONORS 

• Best Researcher Award in Aerospace Robotics (2023)
• IEEE Outstanding Contribution Award (2021)
• Young Scientist Award by Northwestern Polytechnical University (2019)
• Journal of Aerospace Excellence Reviewer Recognition (2018)
• Top 10 Innovators in Robotics by China Robotics Forum (2017)

RESEARCH FOCUS 

Dr. Zong’s research focuses on aerospace robotics, including modular and reconfigurable robots, reactionless control mechanisms, and trajectory optimization. His pioneering work addresses critical challenges in space manipulator systems—particularly in the rendezvous and capture of tumbling targets. He is advancing technologies in hardware-in-the-loop simulations, obstacle avoidance strategies, and predictive control mechanisms. Dr. Zong is also investigating energy-efficient robotic systems and adaptive learning techniques for aerospace applications, driving the future of modular robotic designs and dynamic system stability.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

1. 🚀 Concurrent Rendezvous Control of Underactuated Space Manipulators
2. 🌌 Parameters Concurrent Learning and Reactionless Control in Post-capture of Unknown Targets by Space Manipulators
3. 🤖 Reactionless Control of Free-floating Space Manipulators
4. 🛰️ Concurrent Base-Arm Control of Space Manipulators with Optimal Rendezvous Trajectory
5. 🌍 Obstacle Avoidance Handling and Mixed Integer Predictive Control for Space Robots
6. 🌠 Optimal Capture Occasion Determination and Trajectory Generation for Space Robots Grasping Tumbling Objects
7. 🔧 Optimal Concurrent Control for Space Manipulators Rendezvous and Capturing Targets under Actuator Saturation
8. 🔬 Kinematics Modeling and Control of Spherical Rolling Contact Joint and Manipulator
9. ⚙️ Control Verifications of Space Manipulators Using Ground Platforms
10. ✨ Energy Sharing Mechanism for a Freeform Robotic System-Freebot

CONCLUSION

Dr. Lijun Zong’s expertise and impactful contributions to aerospace robotics position him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative work addresses pivotal challenges in space exploration, offering practical and theoretical solutions that elevate the field of aerospace engineering. With continued advancements and increased interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Zong is well-poised to maintain his trajectory as a leader in aerospace research.