Speakers

Prof. Wenwu Yu, Southeast University, China

Young ChangJiang Scholar

Speech Title: Theories and Applications of Distributed Optimization in Networks

Abstract:Distributed optimization is solved by the mutual collaboration among a group of agents, which arises in various domains such as machine learning, resource allocation, location in sensor networks and so on. In this talk, we introduce two kinds of distributed optimization problems: (i) the agents share a common decision variable and local constraints; (ii) the agents have their individual decision variables but that are coupled by global constraints. This talk comprehensively introduce the origin of distributed optimization, classical works as well as recent advances. In addition, based on reinforcement learning, shortest path planning, and mixed integer programming, we build the distributed optimization framework of distributed optimization, and also discuss their applications. Finally, we make a summary with future works for distributed optimization.

Bio: Wenwu Yu received the B.Sc. degree in information and computing science and M.Sc. degree in applied mathematics from the Department of Mathematics, Southeast University, Nanjing, China, in 2004 and 2007, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree from the Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, in 2010. Currently, he is the Dean in the School of Mathematics. He is also a Full Professor with the Endowed Chair Honor in Southeast University, China. Professor Yu is also the Executive Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Networked Collective Intelligence, the Vice Director of the Key Laboratory of Measurement and Control of Complex Systems of Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, the Head of the Information Mathematics Discipline in the Research Center for Mathematical and Physical Fundamentals, Purple Mountain Laboratories, the Executive Director of the Jiangsu National Center of Applied Mathematics in Southeast University, and the Huawei-Southeast University Networked Collective Intelligence Joint Innovation Lab.Dr. Yu held several visiting positions in Australia, China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the USA. His research interests include multi-agent systems, complex networks and systems, disturbance control, distributed optimization, machine learning, game theory, cyberspace security, smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, big-data analysis, etc. 

Prof. Xiwang Dong, Beihang University, China

Speech Title: Cooperative Control Theory for Swarm Systems and Its Applications in Aircraft Swarm

Abstract: Swarm Intelligence: A Key Research Area in Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence. Aircraft represent a quintessential platform in swarm systems, demonstrating vast application potential in both military and civilian domains. Cooperative control serves as the foundation and pathway for achieving intelligent emergent behaviors in swarm systems. Swarm systems, exemplified by aircraft clusters, exhibit distinctive features such as large-scale deployment, open architecture, high dynamic adaptability, and strong robustness. These characteristics enable the distributed implementation of cooperative control algorithms for swarm systems. This report focuses on three core technologies in swarm cooperative control: Distributed Time-Varying Formation Control, Formation Tracking Control, Formation-Encirclement Integrated Control. The effectiveness of these proposed technologies is validated through systematic flight experiments on UAV swarms. Furthermore, we demonstrate their practical application using the dense formation speed traversal competition from the PLA Air Force's "Unmanned Edge" Intelligent UAV Swarm System Challenge, where our team achieved consecutive championships. Finally, we outline potential future research directions in this field.

Bio:Dong Xiwang is a Blue Sky Distinguished Professor (Level II) and doctoral supervisor at Beihang University. He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Unmanned Systems at Beihang University, Deputy Chief Engineer for Artificial Intelligence at Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute of AVIC, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Institute of Command and Control. Recognized as a national leading talent, he has been honored with prestigious titles including Outstanding Young Scholar from MIIT, Beijing Outstanding Young Scholar, and National Excellent Young Scientist. His research focuses on swarm intelligence, cooperative guidance & control, collaborative decision-making, and aircraft swarm systems. Bridging theory and practice, he has developed UAV and UGV-based swarm intelligence verification platforms that supported three consecutive championship wins in fixed-wing swarm events at the PLA Air Force UAV Cluster Challenge, achieving record-breaking speed traversal missions. With over 100 SCI papers published in top journals including IEEE TAC, TCST and Automatica, his work has garnered 5,000+ citations. He has been consistently listed among Elsevier's Highly Cited Chinese Researchers and the Top 2% of Global Scientists. His academic contributions include 3 English monographs published by Springer and Taylor & Francis, along with 30+ authorized/applied national invention patents.

His distinguished honors include: First Prize in Military Technological Invention, Third Prize in National Defense Technology Invention, First Prize in Technological Invention from Chinese Institute of Command & Control, First Prize in Scientific & Technological Progress (CICC), Wu Wenjun AI Excellent Youth Award, First Prize in Technological Invention from China Invention Association, Youth Scientist Award from CICC.