Professor Peter (Weiliang) Xu is a distinguished scholar and leader in the field of mechatronics and robotics engineering at the University of Auckland. He joined the institution on February 1, 2011, as Chair in Mechatronics Engineering, bringing extensive expertise that has significantly advanced the university's engineering programs. His academic foundation includes a B.E. degree in manufacturing engineering and an M.E. degree in mechanical engineering from Southeast University, which established the basis for his interdisciplinary approach to engineering challenges. Professor Xu has maintained a prominent position in the academic community through his leadership in research and educational initiatives within the engineering faculty.
Professor Xu's groundbreaking research in robotics and mechatronics has significantly advanced the fields of control systems and automation technology, with his scholarly work accumulating over 7,396 citations according to Google Scholar. His innovative contributions to cyber physical systems and robotic control have enabled more sophisticated integration between mechanical components, electronic systems, and computational algorithms in modern applications. Through his extensive publication record, he has developed novel approaches that enhance precision and reliability in industrial automation settings across multiple sectors. The practical impact of his research extends to manufacturing processes and robotic implementations worldwide, demonstrating the real-world significance of his theoretical contributions to the engineering discipline.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Xu has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of engineers through his teaching and supervision activities at the University of Auckland, as documented in his faculty profile. His leadership extends to international collaborations and contributions to the advancement of mechatronics engineering as a globally recognized discipline. As a full professor with expertise spanning automation technology, control systems, robotics, and production engineering, he continues to explore emerging areas at the intersection of mechanical engineering and computational intelligence. Professor Xu's ongoing work focuses on advancing next-generation automation technologies that promise to transform industrial applications and improve manufacturing efficiency worldwide through integrative engineering solutions.