Xiaoyan Sun

Old Dominion University, Zhejiang University, China University of Mining and Technology

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About

Dr. Xiaoyan Sun is a pioneering researcher in robotics and intelligent automation, with a career spanning foundational work in medical robotics to cutting-edge autonomous construction. Her key research areas include image-guided surgical robotics, multi-robot coordination, and automated building systems. Dr. Sun’s most impactful contribution is her work on automated dental implantation using image-guided robotics, a 2011 study that has garnered 66 citations and established critical registration techniques for precision surgical procedures. This work laid the groundwork for integrating real-time imaging with robotic manipulation in clinical settings. She also advanced multi-robot systems through her 2004 study on coevolutionary algorithms for path planning, introducing a novel multi-population approach that optimized coordination among autonomous agents—a concept now fundamental to swarm robotics. Most recently, Dr. Sun has pushed boundaries in civil engineering with her 2025 research on robotic motion planning for autonomous in-situ construction of building structures, signaling her continued leadership in applying robotics to real-world infrastructure challenges. Her trajectory from surgical precision to large-scale construction demonstrates a rare versatility, making her a notable figure in both medical and field robotics.