Plenary Speaker Ⅰ

Zheng H. Zhu

York University, Canada

Brief Biography: York Research Chair in Space Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Canada. 

Dr. Zhenghong Zhu is a Fellow of several prestigious academies and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Acta Astronautica. His research covers spacecraft dynamics, space robotics, and space additive manufacturing. A recipient of multiple awards, including the CSME Solid Mechanics Medal and PEO Gold Medal, he has authored over 230 journal articles and leads the Space Engineering Laboratory.

Speech Title: Behavior-Based Control for Efficient Space Debris Removal by a Swarm of Small Spacecraft

Abstract: Autonomous robotic active debris removal is essential for sustainable space utilization. This study introduces a novel approach using a swarm of small, simple spacecraft, such as CubeSats and Nanosats, with limited functionalities, contrasting with complex single-robot systems, to capture and deorbit unknown, uncooperative debris. Inspired by swarm intelligence in nature, the proposed architecture leverages behavior-based control for decentralized debris capture, enhancing robustness, flexibility, and cost-efficiency beyond what a single complex robotic system can achieve. Drawing from swarm behaviors observed in ant colonies and bird flocks, the control system employs a decentralized strategy where each spacecraft (agent) autonomously maneuvers using aggregation and flocking behaviors to approach the debris surface, while anti-flocking behavior optimizes agent distribution. This ensures comprehensive surface coverage and shape encapsulation before initiating capture. Additionally, agents possess some memory capacity, enabling synchronization of capture actions through local observations of debris landmarks and communication with neighboring agents. With a fully decentralized control system, all agents remain interchangeable, forming a leaderless, self-organizing multi-agent system. This swarm-based approach presents a scalable, efficient solution for capturing tumbling debris, advancing the field of active debris removal.

Plenary Speaker Ⅱ

Yao Zheng

Zhejiang University, China

Brief Biography: Dr. Yao Zheng is a Cheung Kong chair professor at Zhejiang University. Formerly a Senior Research Scientist at NASA Glenn Research Center, he held key leadership roles at Zhejiang University, including vice dean of the Faculty of Engineering. The author of eight books and over 500 papers, he received an award for being a Finalist for the ACM Gordon Bell Prize (2023). He currently serves as President of the Asian Pacific Association for Computational Mechanics.

Speech Title: System Design of Aerospace Vehicles in the Sector of Low-Altitude Economy

Abstract: In this lecture, we are to address key technologies such as overall design, integrated aerodynamic/structural design, and multi-system collaborative control, resulting in a multidisciplinary comprehensive design platform for aerospace vehicles. In the sector of low-altitude economy, we especially discuss high-speed tilt-rotor aircraft, general aircraft models, bird-like reconnaissance UAVs, and intelligent countermeasure UAVs.

For the multidisciplinary overall collaborative design of complex aerospace vehicles, we have developed multidisciplinary design optimization software based on reinforcement learning, which solves mixed integer nonlinear programming problems, breaks through the traditional serial design paradigm, and achieves high-efficiency parallelization of the entire process from rapid generation to comprehensive evaluation to iterative optimization, significantly improving the design efficiency of aerospace vehicles.

For the integrated aerodynamic/structural design of aerospace vehicles, we have developed software for aerodynamic-structural coupled analysis. By establishing real-time data-efficient iteration between the fluid dynamics solver and the structural mechanics solver, the efficiency of bidirectional data transfer between aerodynamic and structural iterations has improved by more than 10 times compared to traditional methods.

For the multi-system collaborative control of aerospace vehicles, we have developed an integrated design and optimization platform for body-power-operation. We have integrated multiple key subsystems, such as manipulation, energy, navigation, communication, and payload, into a collaborative control system, significantly enhancing the autonomous decision-making efficiency and flight performance of the aerospace vehicles.

Plenary Speaker Ⅲ

Renfu Li

Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Brief Biography: Professor Li, Doctoral supervisor, the ASME Fellow, AIAA Association Fellow, Founding Chair and Academic committee board Chair of the School of Aerospace Engineering at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST AE), Chair of the Aero-engine and gas-turbine Institute, Chair of intelligent UAV system Institute, Member of the academic committee board of HUST. He obtained bachelor degree from Beihang University, and Ph. D degree from the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. His research fields focus on Optimal design of flight vehicles, intelligent automatic control, digital twin of space propulsion equipment, new energy etc. He has been the principal investigator of various grand projects, has authored/coauthored over 150 scientific papers and 80 patients. He serves as various academic committee boards and associate editor of the AIAA Journal, Aero Equipment Journal, etc. and editor committee board of Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, etc.

Speech Title: The Current, Challenge and Prospect of VTOL/eVTOL Aircraft in Low Altitude Economy

Abstract: Low Altitude Economy (LAE) refers to economic activities and industries centered around civil manned and unmanned aerial vehicles operating at low altitudes. The research and development have experienced explosive growth, as the expected market. Among the various aircraft to be employed in LAE, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL/VTOL) type has attracted grand attention from academic、industrial and investor and shows great promise to foster the LAE. This talk briefs the essence of the LAE and traces the development history and the typical configuration of vertical takeoff and landing flight vehicles. Then, it analyzes the mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of each type of configuration. The critical techniques and challenges commonly faced by different types of eVTOL/ VTOL are represented and feasible solutions are discussed. As such, this talk proposes the design of a double tilt-rotors eVTOL UAV. It also gives the parameters and property of this UAV. Furthermore, the superiority of this eVTOL UAV is estimated by compared with other types of similar mission. Finally, the talk foreshadows the prospect of the LAE.

Plenary Speaker Ⅳ

Ning Zong

Hebei University of Technology, China

Brief Biography: Dr. Zong is a professor at Hebei University of Technology, and a Vice Chairman of the Flight Loading Committee of the Chinese Aeronautical Society now, has served as Director of the Aerodynamics at Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, and then as Chief Engineer at Shenyang Xuanfei Aviation Technology Co., Ltd; published over 20 high-level papers and granted more than 20 patents, led more than 20 national scientific research projects.

Speech Title: Advance in the Research on Dynamic Capture and Hard-Kill Technology to Counter Micro UAVs

Abstract: This report examines anti-UAV defense systems from a strategic, system-level perspective, analyzing the technological evolution and emerging trends in both ground-based and airborne interception platforms. It subsequently presents the team's current research progress and insight learned in integrated countermeasure solutions, specifically targeting the dynamic capture and hard-kill technology of Micro/Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV).

Plenary Speaker Ⅴ

Fei Wang

Beijing Boying Navigation Technology Co., Ltd., China

Brief Biography: Prof. Wang is a PhD in Aircraft Design from Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Tsinghua University. As a part-time mentor at BIT, China Agricultural University, Hunan University of Science and Technology, and a drone pilot instructor at the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Started developing special UAV and flight control systems in 2003, published 16 academic papers, and holds 56 patents (including 10 invention patents). Founded in 2015, Beijing Boying Navigation Technology Co., Ltd. is a "specialized, refined, unique and new" enterprise in Beijing and a national high-tech enterprise. It has received investment from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Intellectual Property Office. Its self-developed drone flight control products have a leading market share, and its "drone commands big data cloud system" leading the industry in scale. The self-developed drone intelligent ecosystem is widely used in security, emergency, environmental protection, agriculture and other fields. The company's products are promoted and used in Southeast Asia, West Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and other places.

Speech Title: Marketization Practice of UAV in Low-Altitude Economy

Abstract: This lecture focuses on the increasing demand for UAVs in the context of low-altitude economy both domestically and internationally. Based on the speaker's practical experience of independently founding, managing, and operating a UAV enterprise in the past decade, it briefly summarizes the application history of UAVs in various industries, as well as the current market demand and usage status. It emphasizes the specific methods of UAVs from technical reserves to product development, from standardized products to market sales, and demonstrates the application scenarios and promotion practices of the author's UAV products in domestic and international markets. Furthermore, it looks forward to the hot areas and potential markets for UAV application and promotion in the future. This lecture has certain reference significance and practical value for units and personnel engaged in technical research and development, product transformation, market promotion, industrial planning, etc. in the field of low-altitude economy and UAVs.