Research Assistant at RAP Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Research Assistant at RAP Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Currently serving as a Robotics Research Assistant at the Robotics Autonomy and Planning (RAP) Lab at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, supervised by Dr. Zhongqiang Ren. This research position focuses on advanced motion planning and autonomous systems for robotics applications.

Conducting robotics research at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s RAP Lab

Research Focus

Motion Planning & Autonomous Systems

• Multi-Agent Path Finding: Advanced algorithms for coordinated robot navigation
• Optimization Techniques: Implementing efficient pathfinding solutions
• Real-time Systems: Developing responsive autonomous navigation frameworks

Key Research Areas

• Conflict-Based Search (CBS): Optimal multi-agent pathfinding algorithms
• Frontier-Based Exploration: Autonomous environment mapping and navigation
• Machine Learning Integration: AI-enhanced decision making for robotics

Research Projects Completed

Multi-Agent Path Finding with Conflict-Based Search

• Implementation: Complete CBS algorithm with OpenCV visualization
• Performance: Optimal solutions for multi-agent coordination
• Applications: Warehouse robotics, autonomous vehicles, drone swarms
• Publication: Research documentation and open-source release
• Repository: cbs-mapf-public

Autonomous Exploration Robot

• Algorithm: Frontier-based exploration for unknown environments
• Integration: Full ROS ecosystem compatibility
• Simulation: Comprehensive Gazebo testing environment
• Real-time: Live exploration with continuous map updates
• Repository: exploration-preresearch

Technical Skills Development

Algorithm Implementation

• Advanced Robotics Algorithms: CBS, A*, frontier-based exploration
• Modern Frameworks: ROS, Python, C++, OpenCV
• Real-time Systems: Low-latency navigation and control
• Performance Optimization: Efficient algorithm design and implementation

Research Methodology

• Systematic Approach: Structured research process and documentation
• International Collaboration: Working with diverse research teams
• Academic Rigor: Contributing to cutting-edge robotics literature
• Open Source: Community-focused development and knowledge sharing

Software Engineering

• Version Control: Git workflows and collaborative development
• Documentation: Comprehensive technical writing
• Testing: Rigorous validation and benchmarking
• Deployment: Simulation and real-world system integration

Lab Environment

The RAP Lab at SJTU provides:

• State-of-the-art Equipment: Latest robotics hardware and sensors
• Computing Resources: High-performance workstations for simulation
• Collaborative Space: International research team environment
• Academic Support: Access to cutting-edge research publications

Research Impact

Academic Contributions

• Algorithm Development: Novel approaches to multi-agent coordination
• Open Source Software: Tools for robotics research community
• Documentation: Educational resources for students and researchers
• Knowledge Sharing: Presentations and technical discussions

Practical Applications

• Warehouse Automation: Multi-robot coordination systems
• Autonomous Vehicles: Path planning for self-driving cars
• Search and Rescue: Autonomous exploration in disaster scenarios
• Industrial Robotics: Coordinated manufacturing systems

Supervisor

Dr. Zhongqiang Ren

• Assistant Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Expertise: Motion planning, multi-agent systems, autonomous navigation
• Research Focus: Optimal and efficient algorithms for robotics

Duration

August 2025 - Present

• Full-time research position during semester exchange
• Ongoing projects in multi-agent systems and autonomous navigation
• Contributing to lab’s research objectives and publications

Skills Acquired

• Advanced Path Planning: Multi-agent coordination algorithms
• Research Methodology: Systematic approach to robotics research
• ROS Development: Professional-level robotics middleware usage
• Algorithm Optimization: Performance tuning for real-time systems
• Technical Communication: Research documentation and presentation
• International Collaboration: Cross-cultural research teamwork

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This research position is part of my semester exchange program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Learn more about my exchange experience in my SJTU Exchange post.