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About

Xiaoqi Bao is a pioneering robotics and aerospace engineer whose career has centered on developing innovative technologies for planetary exploration, robotic manipulation, and advanced actuation systems. Working primarily within NASA's framework of ambitious space exploration initiatives, Bao has made foundational contributions to the design of robots and instruments capable of operating in the extreme, resource-constrained environments of Mars, Europa, Titan, and beyond. Among Bao's most influential achievements is the development of the Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC), a breakthrough sampling technology that eliminates the need for high axial forces and holding torques — longstanding barriers to drilling in low-gravity environments. This work, reflected in multiple highly cited publications accumulating over 100 citations collectively, has directly shaped NASA's subsurface sampling strategies. Bao also contributed significantly to ultrasonic rotary motor design, advancing compact, low-power actuators for telerobotic and space mechanisms. Additional notable work includes the Lemur IIb free-climbing robot for steep terrain access and lightweight piezoelectric robotic manipulators. Spanning nearly three decades, Bao's research portfolio demonstrates a rare combination of mechanical ingenuity and mission-driven practicality, making substantial and lasting contributions to the field of planetary robotics.