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About

Xudong Niu is a leading researcher in non-destructive evaluation and robotic inspection, with a primary focus on acoustic and ultrasonic techniques for infrastructure monitoring. His most impactful contribution is the comprehensive review "Acoustic and ultrasonic techniques for defect detection and condition monitoring in water and sewerage pipes," which has garnered 205 citations and serves as a foundational resource for the field. Niu’s core research advances the integration of guided acoustic wave sensors with mobile robots, enabling high-resolution defect detection and precise localization in pipelines. His 2023 paper on pipe inspection using mobile robots demonstrates this approach, achieving successful identification of multiple defects with superior accuracy. In his 2022 work, Niu explored strategic frameworks for deploying robot collectives to enable continuous, autonomous monitoring of large-scale structures—addressing the limitations of manual inspections. Most recently, his 2025 paper introduces a dual-resolution acoustic-sensing robot for autonomous in-pipe inspection, pushing the boundaries of real-time, adaptive sensing. Through these innovations, Niu is shaping the future of smart infrastructure maintenance, offering scalable solutions that improve safety, reduce costs, and extend the lifespan of critical water and sewerage systems.