Curriculum Vitae
Last updated: April 2026
Research Interests
AI and machine learning algorithms for seamless human-robot collaboration; Computer vision techniques for automated inspection tasks; Construction robotics; Robotic control and navigation.
Education
- PhD Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Spring 2024 - present
- Advisor: Dr. Houtan Jebelli
- GPA: 3.91/4.00
- Master of Computer Science, Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- 2025 - 2027
- Research fields: Vision, Graphics, Interaction, and Robotics
- GPA: 4.00/4.00 (Fall 2025 - present)
- Courses taken: CS598 (Deep Learning for Robotic Manipulation) A, CS547/IE534 (Deep Learning) A+, ECE470 (Introduction to Robotics) A, CS598 (Advanced Computational Topics in Robotics) A-, CS443 (Reinforcement Learning) B+, Ordered Data Structures (Coursera, provided by UIUC), Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++ (Coursera, provided by UIUC)
- Master of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- 2019 - 2021
- Research fields: Robotic Construction, 3D Printing, Computational Design
- GPA: 3.97/4.00
- Bachelor of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- 2014 - 2019
- Research fields: Computational Design
- GPA: 3.85/4.00
Academic Appointments
- Graduate Student Research Assistant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, U.S.
- Spring 2024 - present
- Supervisor: Professor Houtan Jebelli
- Graduate Student, Icon Lab, Penn State University, Fall 2023
- Robotic Construction Safety Training Prototype with Immersive Technology (VR)
| Role: Team Leader | Supervisor: Professor John Messner | TA: Saleh Alghamdi |
- Team: Tessa Beauchat, Islam Gharaibeh, Fangxiao Li
- Connected ROS (Robot Operating System) with Unity 3D to control robot arm mounted UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) in immersive simulation environments
- Developed an interactive, game-based prototype specifically for collision-avoidance safety training, targeted at workers involved in human-robot collaborative construction scenarios
- Research Assistant, DAIC (Digital Architecture and Robotic Construction) Lab, Tsinghua University
- Jul. 2021 - Apr. 2023
- Supervisor: Professor Weiguo Xu
- Extracted design information to program and control robot arms for large-scale 3D printing
- Developed software plug-ins for robotic construction, including 3D printing, metal cutting, wood cutting, wall painting, etc.
- Master’s Thesis and Graduation Design, Spring 2021
| Large-Scale Multi-Robots 3D Printing Construction Planning | Instructor: Professor Weiguo Xu |
- Student Assistant, Built Environmental Virtual Reality Lab, Tianjin University, 2016 - 2017
- Instructor: Professor Sinan Yuan
- Sponsor: National Natural Science Foundation
- Related Methods: Field research, Data Collection, 3D Modeling, Data Input, Data Visualization using a Game Engine, VR Experience for Volunteers, Analysis of Statistical Results, Spatial morphology, and Human Spatial Cognition Mechanisms
Teaching and Mentoring
- Teaching Assistant, Robotic Construction Research Series, Robotic Construction Group, Tsinghua University
- Sep. 2022 - Apr. 2023
- Supervisor: Professor Weiguo Xu
- Advising master students with their graduation projects related to robotic construction
- Research topics involved plastic 3D printing, wood cutting, and foam cutting with KUKA robot arm
- Teaching Assistant, Tsinghua University Parametric Design Workshop 2019, Jul. 2019
- Tutor: Casey Rehm
- Project Title: Artificial Intelligence Architectural Design – 2D and 3D Generative Neural Network Techniques for Design Biomorphism
- Teaching Assistant, Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA) Workshop 2018, May 2018
- Tutors: Shajay Bhooshan, Vishu Bhooshan, Henry Louth, Leo Claudius
- Project Title: Developable Funicular Skeletons with Tensioning Membranes
Professional Experiences
- Research Engineer, Institute of Future Human Habitats, Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS)
- 2021 - 2023
- Developed large-scale robotic construction technology based on composite consumables and practical building materials with an interdisciplinary team
- Developed software interface to streamline input and control
- 3D Concrete Printing Specialist, Heqing Digital Building Technology Co.
- 2020 - Apr. 2023
- Participated in several on-site robotic construction projects in China and the US, including designing the shape, designing the print path, writing the print program, operating the robot arm on-site, post-maintenance, etc.
- Intern Architect, Zaha Hadid Architects
- Jun. - Sept. 2020
- Project Director: Satoshi Ohashi
- Participated in the design stage of the final winning bid – competition – design of Tower C of Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters
- Participated in the Preliminary design of the Unicorn Island project in Sichuan
- Intern Architect, China Architecture Design & Research Institute
- Jun. - Sept. 2018
- Project Director: Professor Xinggang Li
- Participated in the design of the National Sliding Center in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in the Yanqing District
- Co-designer, Model Slicing and Toolpath Plug-in Development for Robotic Construction
- Mar. - Apr. 2023
- Project Leaders: Chenwei Sun, Weiguo Xu
- Principal Designer, Rotatable Fine Extrusion Print Head Design for 3DCP Decorative Panels
- Oct. 2021 - Feb. 2022
- Partners: Zilu Guo, Qi Liu, Chenwei Sun
- Associate Project Manager, Wooden House Renovation with Multi-Robots 3D Printed Walls
- Jul. - Aug. 2022
- Project Leaders: Weiguo Xu, Chenwei Sun
- Sponsor and Co-designer: University of Hong Kong, Prof. Lin John C.H.
- Principal Designer, Factory Facade Design Based on Style Transfer Machine Learning
- 2022
- Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
- Lead Designer, Robot 3D Concrete Printed Model House for Low-income People in Africa
- 2020
| Project Leader: Weiguo Xu | Wuxi, Zhejiang, China |
- Designer and Engineer, Wujiazhuang Multi-Robots 3D Concrete Printed Farmhouse
- 2020
| Project Leaders: Weiguo Xu, Yuan Gao, Chenwei Sun | Wujiazhuang, Hebei, China |
Publications
Zhao, X., Ren, T., and 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.
Ren, T., Zhao, X., and Jebelli, H. (2026). "Dynamic Robotic Control Strategies for UAV Stability with Rotatory Payload." Computing in Civil Engineering 2025: Resilient, Robotic, and Educational.
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., and 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.
Guo, X., Li, Y., Kong, X., Jiang, Y., Zhao, X., Gong, Z., Zhang, Y., Li, D., Sang, T., et al. (2025). "Toward engineering AGI: Benchmarking the engineering design capabilities of LLMs." arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.16204.
Ren, T., Zhao, X., and Jebelli, H. (2025). "Advanced Sensor Integration for Enhanced Flight Control in UAV-Based Construction Automation." ISARC. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction.
Liu, J., Ping, Y., Wang, Y., and Zhao, X. (2025). "Machine Learning-Based Optimization for Modular Robotic Systems in Construction: A Review." Computing in Civil Engineering 2024, 851-860.
Zhao, X. and 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.
Zhao, X., Ren, T., Liu, Y., and 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).
Zhao, X., Liu, Y., and 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.
Zhao, X. and 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.
Ojha, A., Gautam, Y., Zhao, X., Sharifironizi, A., Jebelli, H., and Martin, A. (2024). "Understanding the Impact of an Exoskeleton System On Metabolic Cost of Workers During Common Repetitive Construction Tasks." 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. (Accepted).
Ojha, A., Zhao, X., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., and Jebelli, H. (2024). "Improving Heat Strain Prediction in Construction Workers: A Transfer Learning Approach to Overcome Variability Challenges." 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. (Accepted).
Zhao, X., and Jebelli, H. (2024). "Grounding Large Language Models in Robot Control: Facilitating Human-Robot Collaboration in Construction." 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. (Accepted).
Zhao, X., Ren, T., and Jebelli, H. (2024). "Adaptive Intelligence for Robot Navigation Efficiency with a Deep-Reinforcement-Learning-Based Cyber-Physical System." 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. (Accepted).
Ye, W., Chen, S., Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2022). "Porous Space — Biomimetic of Tafoni in Computational Design." Architectural Intelligence, 18 (2022).
Ye, W., Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2022). "Simulation Algorithm Based on Weathered Rock Morphology and Optimization Algorithm for Design Applications." in Hybrid Intelligence: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2022). Online and Global, 2022.
Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2021). "Research Progress and Application Status of 3D Printing Construction Technology." Chinese & Overseas Architecture, 10(2021):7-13.
You can also find my publications on Google Scholar.
Awards and Honors
Academic Awards
- Olympiad Medalist – All Engineering Field, 2025 Olympiad in Engineering Science (2025)
- Held at the University of Stavanger, Norway
- Submission: Autonomous Drone-based System for Precision, Non-contact Surface Finishing in Construction
- Team: Tianyu Ren, Xiayu Zhao, Houtan Jebelli
- First Place – ASCE 2025 Global Robotics and Automation Competition (2025)
- 2025 ASCE Computing Conference, New Orleans, hosted by the ASCE Computing Division
- Submission: Module-enhanced Slope-Adaptive and Hazard-Aware Hexapod Robotic System for Safe Roof Inspection
- Team: Xiayu Zhao, Houtan Jebelli
- Journal Cover Feature – Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (2025)
- Paper: A Computational Method for Real-time Roof Defect Segmentation in Robotic Inspection
- Outstanding Graduate Award (2019)
- Outstanding Graduation Design Award (2019)
- Tianjin University’s Outstanding Student Award (1/1000) (2019)
- Outstanding Project Assignment in National Higher Education Institutions (2017)
- Honorable Mention – Skyscraper Competition (eVolo) (2018)
- Team: Jiangchen Hu, Yining Bei, Mingwen Zhang
- China Architecture Newcomers Competition – Top 100 Award (2017)
- 4th National Tournament of Green Building Innovation – First Prize (2015)
- Team: Adela Wei, Mark Wang, Mason Yang, Yu Zhao
- Sponsor: The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Academic Scholarships
- University Graduate Fellowship, Pennsylvania State University (2023)
- College of Engineering Scholarship, College of Engineering, PSU (2023)
- China National Scholarship (1/101) (2018)
- China National Scholarship (1/97) (2016)
- China National Scholarship (1/94) (2015)
- Sponsor: Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China
Professional Leadership & Service Activities
Journal & Conference Reviewer (Selected)
Journal Reviewer
- Developments in the Built Environment
- ASCE Open Journal
Conference Reviewer
- ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE 2024)
- ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE 2025)
- ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE 2026)
- 42nd International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2025)
- 43rd International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2026)
- 12th International Conference on Industrial Ecology (ISIE 2025)
- CI & CRC 2026 Joint Conference
Leadership and Activities
- Student Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Fall 2023 - present
- Cat Foster Volunteer, Vermilion County Animal Shelter, 2025 - present
- Team Leader, Data Forum Center, Tsinghua University Student Union, Fall 2020
- Activity Manager, Sports Department of Graduate Student Union, Tsinghua University, Fall 2019
- Event Organizer, Purple (LGBTQ+ Community), Tsinghua University, Fall 2019 - Spring 2021
- Team Member, Women’s Soccer Team, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, 2019 - 2020
Exhibitions and Invited Speeches
- Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture 2022, Apr. 2022 - Jan. 2023
- Title: Assembled 3D Printed Concrete Urban Miniature Garden
| Role: Lead Exhibit Designer | Kingway Brewery, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
- Design as Solution: Shenzhen Design Week 2021, Dec. 2021
- Title: Robotic 3D Printed Concrete Construction Works
| Role: Keynote Speaker & Lead Exhibit Designer | UpperHills, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
- Future-Home: Beijing Urban Architecture Biennale 2021, Oct. 2021
| Role: Exhibit Designer | Zhangjiawan Design Town, Beijing Urban Vice Center |
Skills
Computer Skills
Robot Programming/OS: ROS, Industrial Robot Language (URScript), C#
Programming: Matlab, Python, R, C++
Simulation Software: Unity, Unreal Engine
Statistical Analysis Software: IBM-SPSS
Drawing and Building Information Modeling: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Sketch-Up, SolidWorks, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
General Software/Platform: MS-Office, LaTeX, Google Colab, Jupyter Notebook
Languages
- English: Professional proficiency
- Chinese: Native
References
Available upon request.
