Two students from the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) achieved first place for their team project in the robot program PK competition at the 9th Pudong New Area Robot Innovation Application and Skills Competition. JI doctoral student Changquan Zhao and master’s student Mengyao Bao, mentored by Professor Yulian He, joined forces with Jiacheng Lu, an undergraduate from SJTU’s Antai College of Economics and Management mentored by Professor Cheng Hua, to form the “Intelligent Chemist” team, which excelled among 40 competing teams in the event held in Shanghai’s Pudong District.
The student team receive the first prize award on stage.
Changquan Zhao presents the team project.
The “Intelligent Chemist” team combined operations research optimization algorithms, artificial intelligence, and catalyst preparation techniques to create innovative solutions that enhance smart decision-making and experimental automation. Their project includes a pioneering catalyst research platform, a cutting-edge chemical database, and advanced characterization methods—all designed to support the global energy transition and improve resource efficiency.
The competition, held under the guidance of the Shanghai Municipal Federation of Trade Unions and organized by institutions including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, attracted 613 participants from over 100 organizations, showcasing the integration of industry, academia, research, and application.
