Event
MRC and ECE Special Seminar - Yinian Mao (ECE Ph.D. '06)
Thursday, October 9, 2025
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Darcy Long
301 405 3114
dlong123@umd.edu
Speaker: Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President - Meituan Group
Title: Innovations and Applications in Aerial Logistics Networks
Abstract: Drone delivery can offer faster delivery time, lower emissions, and better accessibility to poorly connected areas. However, many challenges lie ahead, including regulatory hurdles, safety risks, noise concerns, and lack of infrastructure. This talk introduces innovations and applications in drone delivery, based on real-world practices of one of the leading drone delivery teams, the Meituan Drone Delivery. In particular, the talk will discuss how technological and operational innovations can pave the way for better user experience and regulatory compliance, and will shape the future use of drone delivery in many application scenarios.
Speaker's Bio: Dr. Mao received his Bachelor's degree from Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China, and Ph.D. degree from the University of Maryland, USA, both in Electrical Engineering. He brings 20 years of experience from world-leading technology companies, including Meituan and Qualcomm. He began his career at Qualcomm Research in San Diego, CA, where he served as an R&D Manager. In 2015, Dr. Mao founded Airlango Technologies, a tech start-up company focused on perception and intelligence for drones. Recognizing the potential of drone technology in logistics, Dr. Mao joined Meituan in 2018 and led the Meituan Drone Delivery Team from early-stage exploration to one of the world’s leading technology innovators, solution providers, and commercial operators for drone delivery. Dr. Mao has over 450 granted patents worldwide. He has also published 30+ peer-reviewed papers in the areas of robotics, signal processing, and information security.
Learn more about Dr. Mao from this ECE article <https://ece.umd.edu/news/ story/ece-alum-yinian-mao-is- breaking-new-ground-in-drone- delivery>, and a report by the MIT Technology Review <https://www.technologyreview. com/2023/05/23/1073500/drone- food-delivery-shenzhen- meituan/>. Dr. Mao will also be a panelist with other 2025 ECE Distinguished Alumni Awardees at a panel discussion on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 3:30pm, 1110 Kim Bldg.
Speaker's Bio: Dr. Mao received his Bachelor's degree from Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China, and Ph.D. degree from the University of Maryland, USA, both in Electrical Engineering. He brings 20 years of experience from world-leading technology companies, including Meituan and Qualcomm. He began his career at Qualcomm Research in San Diego, CA, where he served as an R&D Manager. In 2015, Dr. Mao founded Airlango Technologies, a tech start-up company focused on perception and intelligence for drones. Recognizing the potential of drone technology in logistics, Dr. Mao joined Meituan in 2018 and led the Meituan Drone Delivery Team from early-stage exploration to one of the world’s leading technology innovators, solution providers, and commercial operators for drone delivery. Dr. Mao has over 450 granted patents worldwide. He has also published 30+ peer-reviewed papers in the areas of robotics, signal processing, and information security.
Learn more about Dr. Mao from this ECE article <https://ece.umd.edu/news/
Host: Dr. Min Wu <minwu@umd.edu>.