Yunan Cao

Beihang University, Beijing Jiaotong University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Yunan Cao is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on the critical intersection of energy efficiency and motion precision in autonomous systems. Her most influential contribution, "Staying-alive and energy-efficient path planning for mobile robots" (2008, 30 citations), addresses a fundamental challenge in mobile robotics: battery-powered operation limits. By introducing a dynamic energy-evaluation scheme, Cao developed a path planning approach that helps robots minimize energy consumption, effectively extending their operational lifespan—a concept she terms "staying-alive." This work has been foundational for researchers tackling energy constraints in field robotics and autonomous navigation. In her subsequent research, "A new method for high speed and smooth transfer of robot motion trajectory" (2016, 8 citations), Cao tackled the practical problem of trajectory vibration caused by sharp directional changes. She proposed a novel method for high-speed, smooth motion transfer that reduces mechanical wear and improves robot longevity. Together, these contributions demonstrate Cao's commitment to making robots both more autonomous and more durable, bridging theoretical optimization with real-world mechanical constraints. Her work continues to inform energy-aware path planning and trajectory smoothing in industrial and service robotics.