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Posts
🎾 Consolation Champion — Labor Day Tennis Tournament
Published:
🎾 September 2026: Summer Zhao won the consolation championship in Intermediate Open Singles at the Champaign Park District Labor Day Tennis Tournament. Congratulations!
Olympiad Medalist – 2025 Olympiad in Engineering Science
Published:
Tianyu Ren, Xiayu (Summer) Zhao, and Dr. Houtan Jebelli were among six Olympiad Medalists across engineering fields at the 2025 Olympiad in Engineering Science, at the University of Stavanger in Norway, for “Autonomous Drone-based System for Precision, Non-contact Surface Finishing in Construction.”
First Place – ASCE 2025 Global Robotics and Automation Competition
Published:
Xiayu (Summer) Zhao and Dr. Houtan Jebelli won First Place at the 2025 ASCE Global Robotics and Automation Competition at the ASCE Computing Conference in New Orleans, hosted by the ASCE Computing Division, for “Module-enhanced Slope-Adaptive and Hazard-Aware Hexapod Robotic System for Safe Roof Inspection.”
Journal Cover Feature – Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
Published:
The paper by Xiayu (Summer) Zhao and Houtan Jebelli on “A Computational Method for Real-time Roof Defect Segmentation in Robotic Inspection” has been featured as the cover image of Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering.
portfolio
Portfolio item number 1
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Portfolio item number 2
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publications
Research Progress and Current Applications of 3D Printing Construction Technology
A review of research progress and current applications of 3D printing construction technology.
Citation for Research Progress and Current Applications of 3D Printing Construction Technology
Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2021). "Research Progress and Current Applications of 3D Printing Construction Technology." Chinese & Overseas Architecture, 10, 7-13.
Simulation Algorithm Based on Weathered Rock Morphology and Optimization Algorithm for Design Applications
Simulation of weathered rock morphology and optimization algorithms that translate natural processes into architectural forms.
Citation for Simulation Algorithm Based on Weathered Rock Morphology and Optimization Algorithm for Design Applications
Ye, W., Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2022). "Simulation Algorithm Based on Weathered Rock Morphology and Optimization Algorithm for Design Applications." The International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication, 110-121.
Porous space—biomimetic of tafoni in computational design
Computational design methods translate tafoni (honeycomb-like rock formations) into porous architectural spaces.
Citation for Porous space—biomimetic of tafoni in computational design
Ye, W., Chen, S., Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2022). "Porous space—biomimetic of tafoni in computational design." Architectural Intelligence, 1(1), 18.
Adaptive Intelligence for Robot Navigation Efficiency with a Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Cyber-Physical System
A deep-reinforcement-learning cyber–physical system integrates real-time sensing, decision-making, and control to improve robot navigation efficiency in construction.
Citation for Adaptive Intelligence for Robot Navigation Efficiency with a Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Cyber-Physical System
Zhao, X., Ren, T., Jebelli, H. (2024). "Adaptive Intelligence for Robot Navigation Efficiency with a Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Cyber-Physical System." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 831-840.
Grounding Large Language Models in Robot Control: Facilitating Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction
Large language models translate natural-language commands into robot actions, making human–robot collaboration in construction more intuitive and accessible.
Citation for Grounding Large Language Models in Robot Control: Facilitating Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction
Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2024). "Grounding Large Language Models in Robot Control: Facilitating Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 933-941.
Improving Heat Strain Prediction in Construction Workers: A Transfer Learning Approach to Overcome Variability Challenges
Transfer learning addresses individual variability to improve heat-strain prediction across construction workers and environmental conditions.
Citation for Improving Heat Strain Prediction in Construction Workers: A Transfer Learning Approach to Overcome Variability Challenges
Ojha, A., Zhao, X., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2024). "Improving Heat Strain Prediction in Construction Workers: A Transfer Learning Approach to Overcome Variability Challenges." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 877-886.
Understanding the Impact of an Exoskeleton System on the Metabolic Cost of Workers during Common Repetitive Construction Tasks
An investigation of exoskeleton effects on metabolic cost during repetitive construction tasks, examining physiological impacts and ergonomic benefits and limitations.
Citation for Understanding the Impact of an Exoskeleton System on the Metabolic Cost of Workers during Common Repetitive Construction Tasks
Ojha, A., Gautam, Y., Zhao, X., Sharifironizi, A., Jebelli, H., Martin, A. (2024). "Understanding the Impact of an Exoskeleton System on the Metabolic Cost of Workers during Common Repetitive Construction Tasks." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 646-655.
Sensor Fusion and Hierarchical Inspection Strategy for Aerial-Ground Multi-robot System
Sensor fusion and a hierarchical inspection strategy coordinate aerial–ground robot teams for construction and inspection.
Citation for Sensor Fusion and Hierarchical Inspection Strategy for Aerial-Ground Multi-robot System
Zhao, X., Ren, T., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2025). "Sensor Fusion and Hierarchical Inspection Strategy for Aerial-Ground Multi-robot System." 42nd International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2025).
Adaptive kinematic and dynamic control for hexapod robots in complex construction environments
Adaptive kinematic and dynamic control enables reliable hexapod operation in complex construction environments.
Citation for Adaptive kinematic and dynamic control for hexapod robots in complex construction environments
Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2025). "Adaptive kinematic and dynamic control for hexapod robots in complex construction environments." Proc., 42nd Int. Symp. on Automation and Robotics in Construction. Montreal, Canada: Concordia University.
Machine Learning-Based Optimization for Modular Robotic Systems in Construction: A Review
A review of machine learning methods for optimizing modular robotic systems in construction.
Citation for Machine Learning-Based Optimization for Modular Robotic Systems in Construction: A Review
Liu, J., Ping, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, X. (2025). "Machine Learning-Based Optimization for Modular Robotic Systems in Construction: A Review." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 851-860.
Autonomous Drone-Based System for Precision, Non-contact Surface Finishing in Construction
An autonomous drone-based system for precision, non-contact surface finishing in construction.
Citation for Autonomous Drone-Based System for Precision, Non-contact Surface Finishing in Construction
Ren, T., Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2025). "Autonomous Drone-Based System for Precision, Non-contact Surface Finishing in Construction." Olympiad in Engineering Science, 580-591.
A Pneumatic Sensor-Equipped Hexapod Landing Gear and Gripper System for Gentle Drone Contact with Building Envelopes and Energy Assets
Pneumatic sensors integrated with hexapod landing gear and a gripper enable gentle drone contact with building envelopes and energy assets.
Citation for A Pneumatic Sensor-Equipped Hexapod Landing Gear and Gripper System for Gentle Drone Contact with Building Envelopes and Energy Assets
Zhao, X., Ren, T., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2025). "A Pneumatic Sensor-Equipped Hexapod Landing Gear and Gripper System for Gentle Drone Contact with Building Envelopes and Energy Assets." Olympiad in Engineering Science, 592-609.
Advanced Sensor Integration for Enhanced Flight Control in UAV-Based Construction Automation
Advanced sensor integration improves flight control for UAV-based construction automation.
Citation for Advanced Sensor Integration for Enhanced Flight Control in UAV-Based Construction Automation
Ren, T., Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2025). "Advanced Sensor Integration for Enhanced Flight Control in UAV-Based Construction Automation." Proceedings of the 42nd International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), Montreal, QC, Canada, 28-31.
A computational method for real-time roof defect segmentation in robotic inspection
RRD-SegNet uses deep learning for real-time roof defect detection and segmentation, improving the efficiency and accuracy of robotic inspection.
Citation for A computational method for real-time roof defect segmentation in robotic inspection
Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2025). "A computational method for real-time roof defect segmentation in robotic inspection." Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 40(23), 3596-3623.
Module-Enhanced Slope-Adaptive and Hazard-Aware Hexapod Robotic System for Safe Roof Inspection
A module-enhanced hexapod combines slope adaptation and hazard awareness for safe, reliable roof inspection.
Citation for Module-Enhanced Slope-Adaptive and Hazard-Aware Hexapod Robotic System for Safe Roof Inspection
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2025). "Module-Enhanced Slope-Adaptive and Hazard-Aware Hexapod Robotic System for Safe Roof Inspection." ASCE OPEN: Multidisciplinary Journal of Civil Engineering, 3(1), 04025011.
ConstrucSim: A Reproducible Platform for Dexterous Humanoid Robot Perception, Planning, and Contact in Construction
A reproducible construction simulation platform for dexterous humanoid robot perception, planning, and contact.
Citation for ConstrucSim: A Reproducible Platform for Dexterous Humanoid Robot Perception, Planning, and Contact in Construction
Ren, T., Hasan, I., Zhao, X., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2026). "ConstrucSim: A Reproducible Platform for Dexterous Humanoid Robot Perception, Planning, and Contact in Construction." Construction Research Congress 2026, 45-55.
Hybrid UAV-UGV System with Interchangeable Ground Modules for Multi-Terrain Construction Site Inspection
A hybrid UAV–UGV uses interchangeable ground modules for robust inspection across construction-site terrains.
Citation for Hybrid UAV-UGV System with Interchangeable Ground Modules for Multi-Terrain Construction Site Inspection
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2026). "Hybrid UAV-UGV System with Interchangeable Ground Modules for Multi-Terrain Construction Site Inspection." Computing in Civil Engineering 2025: Resilient, Robotic, and Educational Systems, 462-472.
Open-Vocabulary, Context-Aware Robot Navigation on Construction Sites: Integrating LLM-Driven Value Map Composition with Hierarchical Scene Graphs
Open-vocabulary construction-site navigation combines LLM-driven value maps with hierarchical scene graphs.
Citation for Open-Vocabulary, Context-Aware Robot Navigation on Construction Sites: Integrating LLM-Driven Value Map Composition with Hierarchical Scene Graphs
Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2026). "Open-Vocabulary, Context-Aware Robot Navigation on Construction Sites: Integrating LLM-Driven Value Map Composition with Hierarchical Scene Graphs." Construction Research Congress 2026, 227-237.
Tactile-Aware Soft Hexapod UAV Gripper for Multi-Modal Aerial Manipulation in Construction
A tactile-aware soft hexapod UAV gripper for multimodal aerial manipulation in construction.
Citation for Tactile-Aware Soft Hexapod UAV Gripper for Multi-Modal Aerial Manipulation in Construction
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., Driggs-Campbell, K., Jebelli, H. (2026). "Tactile-Aware Soft Hexapod UAV Gripper for Multi-Modal Aerial Manipulation in Construction." Construction Research Congress 2026, 196-206.
Dynamic Robotic Control Strategies for UAV Stability with Rotatory Payload
Dynamic robotic control maintains UAV stability with rotatory payloads in construction and inspection.
Citation for Dynamic Robotic Control Strategies for UAV Stability with Rotatory Payload
Ren, T., Zhao, X., Jebelli, H. (2026). "Dynamic Robotic Control Strategies for UAV Stability with Rotatory Payload." Computing in Civil Engineering 2025: Resilient, Robotic, and Educational Systems, 452-461.
LLM-Driven Safe Robotic Navigation in Construction Sites: A Prompt Engineering Framework with Terrain-Adaptive Path Planning
An LLM-driven framework combines prompt engineering and terrain-adaptive path planning for safe construction-site navigation.
Citation for LLM-Driven Safe Robotic Navigation in Construction Sites: A Prompt Engineering Framework with Terrain-Adaptive Path Planning
Zhao, X., Ren, T., Jebelli, H. (2026). "LLM-Driven Safe Robotic Navigation in Construction Sites: A Prompt Engineering Framework with Terrain-Adaptive Path Planning." Computing in Civil Engineering 2025: Computational and Intelligent Technologies, 57-67.
Toward engineering AGI: Benchmarking the engineering design capabilities of LLMs
Benchmarks of large language models’ engineering design capabilities toward engineering artificial general intelligence.
Citation for Toward engineering AGI: Benchmarking the engineering design capabilities of LLMs
Guo, X., Li, Y., Kong, X., Jiang, Y., Zhao, X., Gong, Z., Zhang, Y., Li, D., et al. (2026). "Toward engineering AGI: Benchmarking the engineering design capabilities of LLMs." Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 38.
A soft pneumatic UAV landing and perception platform for gentle contact-based infrastructure inspection via visual-tactile-spatial multimodal sensing
A soft pneumatic UAV landing and perception platform combines visual, tactile, and spatial sensing for gentle contact-based infrastructure inspection.
Citation for A soft pneumatic UAV landing and perception platform for gentle contact-based infrastructure inspection via visual-tactile-spatial multimodal sensing
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., Jebelli, H. (2026). "A soft pneumatic UAV landing and perception platform for gentle contact-based infrastructure inspection via visual-tactile-spatial multimodal sensing." Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 100104.
talks
Talk 1 on Relevant Topic in Your Field
Published:
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Conference Proceeding talk 3 on Relevant Topic in Your Field
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teaching
Teaching experience 1
Undergraduate course, University 1, Department, 2014
This is a description of a teaching experience. You can use markdown like any other post.
Teaching experience 2
Workshop, University 1, Department, 2015
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