Xiaoou Li

About

Xiaoou Li is a robotics and control systems researcher whose work spans human-robot interaction, exoskeleton design, and intelligent control algorithms. Best known for his contributions to upper limb exoskeleton technology, Li played a central role in developing the EXO-UL7 system at UC Santa Cruz, pioneering a dual-level PID admittance control architecture that simultaneously manages internal and contact forces — work that has accumulated over 100 citations and remains a foundational reference in rehabilitation robotics. His systematic and iterative approaches to PID tuning for robot manipulators further cemented his reputation as a rigorous control theorist, with multiple papers on the subject collectively drawing nearly 50 citations. Beyond classical control, Li has embraced machine learning, contributing notable research on multi-agent reinforcement learning for redundant robot control in task-space, which has garnered over 80 citations and reflects the field's pivot toward data-driven methods. His work on trajectory generation using Hidden Markov Models and Lloyd's algorithm, alongside smartphone-based human-machine interfaces for remote robot operation, demonstrates a consistently practical orientation — bridging theoretical elegance with real-world applicability. Collectively, Li's research reflects a career dedicated to making robotic systems more intuitive, adaptive, and accessible.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   PID admittance control for an upper limb exoskeleton

   103 citations · 2011
2. 2
   Multi-agent reinforcement learning for redundant robot control in task-space

   81 citations · 2020
3. 3
   Modular design and control of an upper limb exoskeleton

   25 citations · 2016
4. 4
   A systematic tunning method of PID controller for robot manipulators

   25 citations · 2011
5. 5
   A novel PID tuning method for robot control

   24 citations · 2013
6. 6
   Robot trajectory generation using modified hidden Markov model and Lloyd's algorithm in joint space

   23 citations · 2016
7. 7
   Neural PID admittance control of a robot

   19 citations · 2013
8. 8
   Optimum design of a parallel robot using neuro-genetic algorithm

   13 citations · 2021
9. 9
   Tele-manipulation of robot arm with smartphone

   11 citations · 2013
10. 10
    Smartphone-Based Human Machine Interface with Application to Remote Control of Robot Arm

    11 citations · 2013

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links