Websites
Biography
Dr. Tingjun Lei is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at University of North Dakota. He received his Ph. D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Mississippi State University under Dr. Chaomin Luo. Dr. Lei received the Best Paper Awards from 2022 International Conference on Swarm Intelligence and the American Society for Engineering Education (2024 ASEE ECE Division). Dr. Lei serves as Editorial Board Member of Intelligence and Robotics. Dr. Lei has also served on the technical program committee for numerous international conferences, such as IEEE-CEC, IEEE-IJCNN, ICSI, and PRIS, etc. He received the ECE Best Graduate Researcher Award from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University. His two papers have been selected and featured as cover articles on Intelligence & Robotics Journal. His research spans across multiple areas, including bio-inspired artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and autonomous systems, optimization and evolutionary computation, human-autonomy teaming (HAT), intelligent transportation systems, and applied machine learning.
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Bio-inspired Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Optimization and Evolutionary Computation
- Applied Machine Learning / Deep Learning
- Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT), Human Robot Interaction (HRI)
- Intelligent Transportation Systems
JOURNALS
- On the Problems of Drone Formation and Light Shows [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
G.E. Jan, Tingjun Lei, C.-C. Sun, Z.-Y. You and C. Luo, IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, July. 2024, doi:10.1109/TCE.2024.3421516. - Digital Twin-Embedded Multi-Objective Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Approach as Applied in Infrastructure Construction [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, T. Sellers, C. Luo, Lei Cao, and Z. Bi, IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics, Mar. 2024, doi:10.1049/csy2.12110. - Informed Sampling Space Driven Robot Informative Path Planning [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
P. Chintam, Tingjun Lei, B. Osmanoglu, Y. Wang, and C. Luo, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Feb. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.robot.2024.104656. - Bio-Inspired Intelligence-Based Multi-Agent Navigation with Safety-Aware Considerations [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, S.X. Yang, D.W. Carruth, and Z. Bi, IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence, Nov. 2023, doi:10.1109/TAI.2023.3334227. - Graph-Based Robot Optimal Path Planning with Bio-Inspired Algorithms [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, T. Sellers, C. Luo, D.W. Carruth, and Z. Bi, Biomimetic Intelligence and Robotics, vol. 3, no. 3, p. 100119, Sep. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.birob.2023.100119. - A Bio-Inspired Algorithm in Image-Based Path Planning and Localization Using Visual Features and Maps [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
D. Short, Tingjun Lei, D.W. Carruth, C. Luo, Z. Bi, Intelligence and Robotics, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 5103, Jun. 2023, doi:10.20517/ir.2023.14. (Selected and Featured as Cover Paper) - A Convex Optimization Approach to Multi-Robot Task Allocation and Path Planning [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, P. Chintam, C. Luo, L. Liu, G.E. Jan, Sensors, vol. 23, no. 11, pp. 5103, May. 2023, doi:10.3390/s23115103. - Path Planning Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Under Ocean Current Disturbance [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Z. Chu, F. Wang, Tingjun Lei, and C. Luo, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 108-120, Jan. 2023, doi:10.1109/TIV.2022.3153352. - Multi-Task Allocation Framework with Spatial Dislocation Collision Avoidance for Multiple Aerial Robots [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, T. Sellers, Y. Wang, and L. Liu, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, vol. 58, no. 6, pp. 5129-5140, Dec. 2022, doi:10.1109/TAES.2022.3167652. - An Informative Planning-Based Multi-Layer Robot Navigation System as Applied in a Poultry Barn [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, G. Li, C. Luo, L. Zhang, L. Liu, and R.S. Gates, Intelligence and Robotics, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 313-32, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.20517/ir.2022.18. (Selected and Featured as Cover Paper) - A Node Selection Algorithm to Graph-Based Multi-Waypoint Optimization Navigation and Mapping [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, G.E. Jan, and J. Ma, Intelligence and Robotics, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 333-54, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.20517/ir.2022.21. - Deep Learning-Based Complete Coverage Path Planning with Re-Joint and Obstacle Fusion Paradigm [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, G.E. Jan, and Z. Bi, Frontiers in Robotics and AI, vol. 9, p. 843816, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.3389/frobt.2022.843816. - A Bat-Pigeon Algorithm to Crack Detection-Enabled Autonomous Vehicle Navigation and Mapping [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, T. Sellers, and S. Rahimi, Intelligent Systems with Applications, vol. 12, p. 200053, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.iswa.2021.200053.
CONFERENCES
- Optimal Multi-Target Navigation via Graph-Based Algorithms in Complex Environments [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
B. Black, T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, and D.W. Carruth, 33rd International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE), Ulsan, Republic of Korea, 2024, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ISIE54533.2024.10595682. - Enhancing Human-Robot Cohesion through HAT Methods: A Crowd-Avoidance Model for Safety Aware Navigation [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, L. Liu, and D.W. Carruth, 4th IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems (ICHMS), Toronto, ON, Canada, 2024, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICHMS59971.2024.10555725. - Multi-Robot Navigation Using Improved RRT*-Smart With Digital Twin Technology [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
E. Riser, T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, P. Chintam, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE, Autonomous Systems: Sensors, Processing, and Security for Ground, Air, Sea, and Space Vehicles and Infrastructure 2024, Vol. 13052, pp. 114-125. SPIE., doi: 10.1117/12.3013872. - Centroid-based Cell Decomposition Robot Path Planning Algorithm Integrated with a Bio-Inspired Approach [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
H. Rogers, T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, C.R. Hudson, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE, Unmanned Systems Technology XXVI, Vol. 13052, pp. 1305507-1. SPIE., doi: 10.1117/12.3013866. - Synergizing Graph-Based Methods With Biologically Inspired Algorithms For Enhanced Robot Path Planning Efficiency [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, D.W. Carruth, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE 13500, Unmanned Systems Technology XXVI, Vol. 13055, pp. 52-64. SPIE., doi: 10.1117/12.3013870. - Multi-Robot Path Planning Using Potential Field-Based Simulated Annealing Approach [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
S. Alarabi, Tingjun Lei, M. Santora, C. Luo, and T. Sellers, Proc. SPIE 13500, Unmanned Systems Technology XXVI, Vol. 13055, pp. 102-117. SPIE., doi: 10.1117/12.3013871. - Autonomous Multi-Robot Allocation and Formation Control for Remote Sensing in Environmental Exploration [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, H. Rogers, D.W. Carruth, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE 12540, Autonomous Systems: Sensors, Processing and Security for Ground, Air, Sea, and Space Vehicles and Infrastructure, 125400U, Orlando, FL, USA, 2023, doi: 10.1117/12.2663894. - Sensor-Based Multi-Waypoint Autonomous Robot Navigation with Graph-Based Models [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
H. Rogers, T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, D.W. Carruth, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE 12540, Autonomous Systems: Sensors, Processing and Security for Ground, Air, Sea, and Space Vehicles and Infrastructure, 125400T, Orlando, FL, USA, 2023, doi: 10.1117/12.2663830. - Deep Learning-Based Heterogeneous System for Autonomous Navigation [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, H. Rogers, D.W. Carruth, and C. Luo, Proc. SPIE 12539, Autonomous Air and Ground Sensing Systems for Agricultural Optimization and Phenotyping VIII, 125390F, Orlando, FL, USA, 2023, doi: 10.1117/12.2665844. - Human-Autonomy Teaming-Based Robot Informative Path Planning and Mapping Algorithms with Tree Search Mechanism [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, P. Chintam, D.W. Carruth, G.E. Jan, and C. Luo, 2022 IEEE 3rd International Conference on Human-Machine Systems (IEEE ICHMS), Orlando, FL, USA, 2022, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICHMS56717.2022.9980708. - Multi-Robot Directed Coverage Path Planning in Row-Based Environments [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, P. Chintam, C. Luo, and S. Rahimi, 2022 IEEE 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Engineering (IEEE AIKE), Laguna Hills, CA, USA, 2022, pp. 114-121, doi: 10.1109/AIKE55402.2022.00025. - A Bio-Inspired Neural Network Approach to Robot Navigation and Mapping with Nature-Inspired Algorithms [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, T. Sellers, C. Luo, and Li Zhang, 2022 13th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI 2022), Xi’an, China, July 15–19, 2022, Proceedings, Part II (pp. 3-16). Cham: Springer International Publishing, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-09726-3_1. (Best Paper Award) - Multi-Objective Optimization Robot Navigation Through a Graph-Driven PSO Mechanism [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
T. Sellers, Tingjun Lei, G.E. Jan, Y. Wang, and C. Luo, 2022 13th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI 2022), Xi’an, China, July 15–19, 2022, Proceedings, Part II (pp. 66-77). Cham: Springer International Publishing, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-09726-3_7. - A Nature-Inspired Algorithm to Adaptively Safe Navigation of a Covid-19 Disinfection Robot [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, T. Sellers, S. Rahimi, S. Cheng, and C. Luo, 2021 14th International Conference on Intelligent Robotics and Applications (ICIRA 2021), Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 13015, pp. 123-134. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-89134-3_12. - Immune System Algorithms to Environmental Exploration of Robot Navigation and Mapping [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
E. Jayaraman, Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, and S. Chen, 2021 12th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI 2021), Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 12690. pp. 73-84. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-78811-7_7. - A Graph-Based Ant-like Approach to Optimal Path Planning [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, J.E. Ball, and S. Rahimi. 2020 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (IEEE CEC 2020), Glasgow, UK, 2020, pp. 1-6, doi:10.1109/CEC48606.2020.9185628. - Trace-guided Safety-aware Robot Navigation [ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, J.E. Ball, and Z. Bi, IEEE SoutheastCon 2020. - Variable Speed Robot Navigation by an ACO Approach [ Link ][ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, G.E. Jan, and K. Fung, 2019 10th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI 2019), Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 11655, pp. 232-242. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-26369-0_22.
BOOK CHAPTERS
- A Hybrid Fireworks Algorithm to Navigation and Mapping [ Link ] [ ResearchGate ]
Tingjun Lei, C. Luo, J.E. Ball, and Z. Bi. Handbook of Research on Fireworks Algorithms and Swarm Intelligence, pp. 213-232, December, 2019. IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-1659-1.ch010.
- 2024 Best Paper Award ("Enhancing Student Learning in Robot Path Planning Optimization through Graph-Based Methods", 2024 ASEE Annual Conference, Electrical and Computer Engineering Division)
- 2023 Poster Presentation Winner (Arkansas Engineering Forum: Southeast Symposium on Contemporary Engineering Topics, SSCET 2023)
- Paper Selected and Featured as Cover Article ("A Bio-Inspired Algorithm in Image-Based Path Planning and Localization Using Visual Features and Maps", Intelligence and Robotics Journal, vol. 3, no. 2)
- 2023 Bagley College of Engineering Student Hall of Fame Finalist (Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University)
- 2022 - 2023 ECE Best Graduate Researcher Award (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University)
- 2022 - 2023 Graduate Research Symposium, Oral Session Winner (Graduate Student Association, Mississippi State University)
- 2022 - 2023 ECE Research Symposium Winner (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University)
- 2022 Paper Selected and Featured as Cover Article ("An Informative Planning-Based Multi-Layer Robot Navigation System as Applied in a Poultry", Intelligence and Robotics Journal, vol. 2, no. 4)
- 2022 Projects Featured with the Data Science Program (Graduate Student Research, Mississippi State University)
- 2022 Research Travel Award (International Autumn School on Situation Awareness in Cognitive Technologies 2022, ISACT’ 2022)
- 2022 Student Research Travel Award (Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University for IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, IEEE ICHMS’ 2022)
- 2022 Invited Best Student Paper Presentation
- 2022 Best Paper Award ("A Bio-Inspired Neural Network Approach to Robot Navigation and Mapping with Nature-Inspired Algorithms", 2022 13th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence, ICSI’ 2022)
- 2021 - 2022 Graduate Research Symposium, Poster Session Winner (Graduate Student Association, Mississippi State University)
Journal Editor
- Intelligence & Robotics, Editorial Board Member
Conference Program Committee
- 2025 5th Asia Conference on Information Engineering (ACIE 2025)
- 2025 International Conference on Advanced Machine Learning and Data Science (AMLDS 2025)
- 2025 9th International Conference on Machine Learning and Soft Computing (ICMLSC 2025)
- 2024 International Conference on Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Applications (CSAIA 2024)
- 2024 15th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI’ 2024)
- 2024 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (IEEE CEC 2024)
- 2024 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN 2024)
- 2024 5th International Conference on Control, Robotics and Intelligent System (CCRIS 2024)
- 2024 Industrial Electronics and Intelligent Systems Conference (IEISC 2024)
- 2024 6th International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems (PRIS 2024)
- 2024 8th International Conference on Machine Learning and Soft Computing (ICMLSC 2024)
- 2023 4th International Conference on Control, Robotics and Intelligent System (CCRIS 2023)
- 2023 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN 2023)
- 2023 14th International Conference on Swarm Intelligence (ICSI' 2023)
- 2023 5th International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems (PRIS 2023)
- 2023 Industrial Electronics and Intelligent Systems Conference (IEISC 2023)
- 2022 4th International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems (PRIS 2022)
Multiple Ph.D. Assistantship Positions are Available:
Multiple new fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND). Highly motivated students for research with a strong mathematical background and proficiency in computer programming/simulation are welcome. Please contact Dr. Lei for more information (Interested students are encouraged to send your resume and unofficial transcripts with your TOEFL and GRE scores).