Event
Drone Delivery Seminar: Innovations and Applications in Aerial Logistics Networks
Thursday, October 9, 2025
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
A.V. Williams Building
Darcy Long
301 405 3114
dlong123@umd.edu
https://ece.umd.edu/event/20312/mrc-and-ece-special-seminar---yinian-mao-ece-phd-06
Speaker: Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President of the Meituan Group
Title: Innovations and Applications in Aerial Logistics Networks
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
In-person location: A.V. Williams Bldg, 8223 Paint Branch Dr, College Park, MD 20740
Link to join virtually: https://umd.zoom.us/j/96208306096?pwd=XGBHaQjxiKDsdrVUXxYhKwSlK2ta1v.1
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.
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 and this report by the MIT Technology Review.
