Pan Liu

Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Pennsylvania State University

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About

Dr. Pan Liu is a researcher at the intersection of aerospace engineering and bio-inspired robotics, with key contributions in motion prediction for uncontrolled space targets and the development of agile aerial robotic maneuvers. His work on "Motion prediction of an uncontrolled space target" (2018, 11 citations) addresses critical challenges in space debris management and satellite servicing, providing algorithms to forecast the trajectory of tumbling objects in orbit. More notably, Liu has pioneered bio-inspired flight strategies, exemplified by his 2020 study on "Bio-inspired Inverted Landing Strategy in a Small Aerial Robot Using Policy Gradient" (7 citations). This work tackles the demanding aerobatic feat of landing upside down on ceilings—a maneuver that requires precise spatiotemporal coordination of body translation and rotation, inspired by biological fliers like bats and insects. By applying reinforcement learning (policy gradient methods) to achieve this inverted landing, Liu has advanced the capabilities of small aerial robots for applications in surveillance, inspection, and exploration of confined spaces. His research bridges fundamental dynamics with practical robotic design, demonstrating how nature-inspired solutions can solve complex engineering problems. With growing citation impact, Liu’s work continues to influence both space robotics and bio-inspired aerial systems.