• Theme: Harnessing Nonlinearity for Transformative Engineering Innovation

We are pioneering a paradigm shift in engineering through the strategic employment of nonlinearity—establishing a groundbreaking theoretical and methodological framework for nonlinear design, analysis, and control. This novel approach has demonstrated profound enhancements in system performance, reliability, and energy efficiency across diverse engineering domains, including vibration suppression, energy harvesting, fault detection, robotic systems, propulsion mechanisms, and sensor technologies.

• Vision and Philosophy

Our central thesis posits that nonlinear dynamics are not merely challenges to be mitigated but powerful assets to be harnessed. We have committed ourselves to uncovering the fundamental principles and developing innovative methodologies that elucidate the intrinsic benefits of nonlinearity and provide actionable strategies for its integration into engineering systems.

This philosophy diverges sharply from conventional design and control paradigms, positioning our work at the forefront of applied nonlinear dynamics. Our contributions are substantiated by over 260 SCI-indexed publications with 7 Springer monographs, accumulating more than 14,000 citations and an H-index of 63 (Google Scholar), and are encapsulated in several authoritative Springer volumes. Several recent high-impact review articles further highlight our influence.

• Key Innovations

A. Nonlinear System Design Theory: 
We have identified and characterized a class of beneficial nonlinearities—nonlinear stiffness, damping, and inertia—that significantly enhance vibration control and other system behaviors. Our generic design methodology, known as the X-structure/mechanism method, enables systematic integration of these nonlinearities, driving continuous innovation and leadership in the field.

B. Nonlinear Analysis and Optimization Framework: 
To facilitate efficient nonlinear optimization, we developed a parametric characteristic approach - the nCOS function method - that directly links structural parameters to objective functions. This methodology represents a radical departure from traditional optimization techniques, offering superior clarity and computational efficiency.

C. Robust Nonlinear Control Theory: 
Our novel vibration control theory (i.e., Energy-saving robust control) achieves up to 80% energy savings without compromising performance, while dramatically reducing computational overhead compared to classical methods such as LQG, MPC, and other optimal control strategies.

D. Advanced Fault Diagnosis Methodology: 
By leveraging nonlinear dynamic features, we have created fault diagnosis techniques that are markedly more reliable and effective---The SOOS. These methods have broad applicability—from satellites and bridges to turbine blades and engines—and were recognized with the HKIE Best Paper Award in 2023.

E. Aquatic Robotics Innovation: 
Applying our nonlinear design principles to robotics, we have developed aquatic robots equipped with nonlinear propulsion systems that deliver superior thrust, agility, and energy efficiency in harsh aquatic environments. These innovations have secured substantial research funding and resulted in multiple patent filings.

I am welcoming R&D talents who share similar research interests to join us as PhD students, research assistants, or postdocs etc.

Robotics

1. Imran Hameed, Xu Chao, David Navarro-Alarcon, and Xingjian Jing*, Deep Reinforcement Learning Enabling a BCFbot to Learn Various Undulatory Patterns, Ocean Engineering, Volume 320, 15 March 2025, 120322 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.120322
2. X Chao, I Hameed, D Navarro‐Alarcon, X Jing*, A controllable nonlinear bistable “fishtail” boosting robotic swimmer with excellent maneuverability and high energy efficiency, Soft Robotics, online Nov 2024 https://doi.org/10.1089/soro.2024.00
3. X Chao, I Hameed, D Navarro‐Alarcon, X Jing*, Performance‐Oriented Understanding and Design of a Robotic Tadpole: Lower Energy Cost, Higher Speed, Journal of Field Robotics, Online on 17 October 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/rob.22452
4. Runze Zheng , Tianxiang Chen , Xinglong Zhang , Zheshuo Zhang , Xingjian Jing , Hui Yin, Offline-to-Online Learning Enabled Robust Control for Uncertain Robotic Systems Pursuing Constraint-Following, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, Online  Nov 2024
5. Z Li, X Chao, I Hameed, J Li, W Zhao, X Jing*, Biomimetic omnidirectional multi-tail underwater robot, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 173, 109056, July, 2022 
6. Dong Guan, Nan Yang, Jerry Lai, Ming-Fung Francis Siu, Xingjian Jing, Chi-Keung Lau, Kinematic Modeling and Constraint Analysis for Robotic Excavator Operations in Piling Construction, Automation in Construction, 126, 103666, June 2021
7. Zhengchao Li, Xingjian Jing*, Bo Sun and Jinyong Yu, Autonomous navigation of a tracked mobile robot with a novel passive bio-inspired suspension, IEEE/ASME Trans on Mechatronics, 25(6), Dec. 2020, DOI:  10.1109/TMECH.2020.2987004 

Energy saving robust control

1. Z Zhou, M Zhang, D Navarro-Alarcon, X Jing*, Predefined-Time Fault-Tolerant Control for Active Vehicle Suspension Systems With Reference X-Dynamics and Conditional Disturbance Cancellation, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 25(11), 18661-18672 , Nov 2024
2. Zengcheng Zhou, Menghua Zhang, Haiping Liu, Xingjian JING*, Fixed-Time Safe-by-Design Control for Uncertain Active Vehicle Suspension Systems with Nonlinear Reference Dynamics, IEEE/ASME Trans. On Mechatronics, 2023 Dec (IF6.1, 9/180 Mech. Engin.)
3. M Zhang, X Jing*, L Zhang, W Huang, S Li, Toward a Finite-Time Energy-Saving Robust Control Method for Active Suspension Systems: Exploiting Beneficial State-Coupling, Disturbance, and Nonlinearities, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 53 (9), 5885-5896, 2023
4. Menghua Zhang, Xingjian Jing*, Energy-saving robust saturated control for active suspension systems via employing beneficial nonlinearity and disturbance, IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 52(10), October 2022 
5. Menghua Zhang, Xingjian Jing*, Switching Logic-Based Saturated Tracking Control for Active Suspension Systems Based on Disturbance Observer and Bioinspired X-Dynamics, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 155, 107611, June 2021
6. Menghua Zhang, Xingjian Jing*, A bioinspired dynamics-based adaptive fuzzy SMC method for half-car active suspension systems with input dead zones and saturations, IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, Volume: 51, Issue: 4, April 2021 
7. Jingying Li, Xingjian Jing*, Zhengchao Li and Xianlin Huang, Fuzzy Adaptive Control for Nonlinear Suspension Systems Based on A Bio-inspired Reference Model with Deliberately Designed Nonlinear Damping. IEEE Trans on Industrial Electronics, 66 (1) Nov 2019 
8. Huihui Pan, Xingjian Jing*, Weichao Sun, and Huijun Gao, A Bio-inspired Dynamics-Based Adaptive Tracking Control for Nonlinear Suspension Systems, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 26(3), 903-914, MAY 2018

The X-structure/Mechanism method

1. XJ Jing*, The X-Structure/Mechanism Approach to Beneficial Nonlinear Design in Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 08 June 2022 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10483-022-2862-6
2. XJ Jing*, YY Chai, X Chao, J Bian, In-situ adjustable nonlinear passive stiffness using X-shaped mechanisms, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 170, 1 May 2022, 108267
3. C Liu, X Jing*, X-mechanism guided topological design on Quasi-Zero stiffness Meta-Ring, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 234, 112814, 2025
4. X Geng, Z Zhao, Y Guo, J Wang, H Ding, X Jing*, A generic design motif for metamaterials with controllable nonlinearity & guided deformation, Composite Structures 338, 118125, 2024 
5. X Jing*, Z Zhu, Y Guo, S Liu, Nonlinear inertia and its effect within an X-shaped mechanism–Part II: Nonlinear influences and experimental validations, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 200, 110591, 1 Oct 2023 
6. Z Zhu, Y Wang, Y Wang, X Jing*, Nonlinear inertia and its effect within an X-shaped mechanism–Part I: Modelling & nonlinear properties, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 200, 110590, 1 Oct 2023 
7. Y Chai, X Jing*, Low-frequency multi-direction vibration isolation via a new arrangement of the X-shaped linkage mechanism, Nonlinear Dynamics, 1-33, 8 May 2022
8. YY Chai, XJ Jing*, Y Guo, A Compact X-shaped mechanism based 3-DOF anti-vibration unit with enhanced tunable QZS property, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 168, 108651, 2022
9. Jing Bian. Xingjian Jing*, A nonlinear X-shaped structure based tuned mass damper with multi-variable optimization (X-absorber), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, Vol 99, Aug 2021, 105829  
10. Jing Bian. Xingjian Jing*, Analysis and design of a novel and compact X-structured vibration isolation mount (X-Mount) with wider quasi-zero-stiffness range, Nonlinear Dynamics, 101(4): 2195-2222, Sep 2020 
11. Guoqing Jiang, Xingjian Jing*, Yingqing Guo, A novel bio-inspired multi-joint anti-vibration structure and its nonlinear HSLD stiffness properties, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing,  138, 106552, April 2020
12. Yu Wang, Xingjian Jing*, YQ Guo, Nonlinear analysis of a bio-inspired vertically-asymmetric isolation system under different structural constraints, Nonlinear Dynamics, January 2019, Volume 95, Issue 1, pp 445–464
13. Xiao Feng and Xingjian Jing*, Human Body Inspired Vibration Isolation: Beneficial Nonlinear Stiffness, Nonlinear Damping & Nonlinear Inertia, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 117: 786-812, 15 Feb 2019
14. Bian J, Jing XJ*, Superior Nonlinear Passive Damping Characteristics of the Bio-inspired Limb-Like or X-shaped Structure, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 125, 21-51, 15 June 2019
15. Wu Z, Jing XJ*, Bian J, Li F, and Allen R, Vibration isolation by exploring bio-inspired structural nonlinearity, Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 10 (5), 056015-056015, 2015

Energy harvesting

1. MAA Abdelkareem, Y Choy, X Jing*, Bio-Inspired Tridirectional Energy Harvesting System for Efficient Ultralow-Frequency Self-Powered Monitoring, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, May 2025 
2. T Yang, Z Huang, J Xie, J Liu, S Li, B Jiang, G Zhu, X Jing*, Dynamic analysis and energy harvesting of double nonlinear stiffness vibration isolator, Engineering Structures 332, 120028, 2025
3. Yingxuan Cui, Hongchun Luo, Tao Yang, Weiyang Qin, and Xingjian Jing*, Bio-inspired structures for energy harvesting self-powered sensing and smart monitoring, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Volume 228, 1 April 2025, 112459 
4. Meng Li; Xingjian Jing*, A bistable X-structured electromagnetic wave energy converter with a novel mechanical-motion-rectifier: design, analysis, and experimental tests, Energy Conversion and Management, 244, 114466, Sep 2021  
5. LI Meng, Jing Xingjian*, Novel tunable broadband piezoelectric harvesters for ultralow-frequency bridge vibration energy harvesting, Applied Energy, 255, 113829, Dec 2019 

Sensors

1. Pan HH, Jing X.J.*, Sun W, Analysis and design of a bio-inspired vibration sensor system in noisy environment, IEEE/ASME Trans Mechatronics, 23(2): 845-855, Apr 2018 
2. Li Zhengchao; Xingjian Jing *; Jinyong Yu, Fault Detection Based on a Bio-inspired Vibration Sensor System, IEEE Access, 2017 DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2017.2785406 
3. Jing X.J.*, Wang Y, Li QK, Sun X.T., 'Design of a Quasi-Zero-Stiffness based Sensor System for Measurement of Absolute Vibration Displacement of Moving Platforms, Smart Materials and Structures, 25(9), 2016 
4. Sun X.T., Jing X.J.*, Xu J., Cheng L., A Quasi-Zero Stiffness based Sensor System in Vibration Measurement, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 61(10), 5606 – 5614, 2014

Frequency domain theory for nonlinear analysis and design

1. M Li, X Jing*, A parametric frequency domain approach to analysis and design of critical design parameters of nonlinear energy harvesting systems: Parametric output spectrum and power generation functions, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 181, 109506, 1 Dec, 2022 
2. Jing XJ*, Xiao ZL, On Convergence of Volterra Series Expansion of a Class of Nonlinear Systems, Asian Journal of Control, 19 (3), 1089-1102, Mar 2017 
3. Xiao Z.L., Jing X.J.*, A Novel Characteristic Parameter Approach for Analysis and Design of Linear Components in Nonlinear Systems, IEEE Trans on Signal Processing, 64(10), 2528-2540, 2016 
4. Xiao Z.L., Jing X.J.*, An SIMO Nonlinear System Approach to Analysis and Design of Vehicle Suspensions, IEEE/ASME Trans on Mechatronics, 20 (6), 3098 – 3111, 2015 
5. Jing X.J., Nonlinear characteristic output spectrum for nonlinear analysis and design, IEEE/ASME Transaction on Mechatronics, 19(1), 171 - 183, 2014 
6. Xiao Z.L., Jing X.J.*, Cheng L., Parameterized Convergence Bounds for Volterra Series Expansion of NARX Models, IEEE Transaction on Signal Processing, 61 (20), 5026 – 5038, 2013 
7. Xiao Z.L., Jing X.J.*, Cheng L., The Transmissibility of Vibration Isolators with Cubic Nonlinear Damping under Both Force and Base Excitations, Journal of Sound and Vibration, 332(5), 1335–1354, 4 March 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2012.11.001
8. Jing X. J., Truncation Order and its Effect in a Class of Nonlinear Systems, Automatica, 48(11), 2978-2985, November 2012 (doi:10.1016/j.automatica.2012.08.004) 
9. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Nonlinear influence in the frequency domain: Alternating series, Systems and Control Letters, 60 (5), 295-309, 2011 
10. Jing X.J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Output Frequency Properties of Nonlinear Systems, International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics, 45(7), Sep 2010, p 681-690
11. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Determination of the analytical parametric relationship for output spectrum of Volterra systems based on its parametric characteristics. Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 351, 694-706, 2009 
12. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Magnitude bounds of generalized frequency response functions for nonlinear Volterra systems described by NARX model. Automatica, 44, 838-845, 2008 
13. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Output Frequency Response Function based Analysis for Nonlinear Volterra Systems. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 22, 102–120, 2008 
14. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z.Q. and Billings S.A., Mapping from parametric characteristics to generalized frequency response functions of nonlinear systems. International Journal of Control, Vol. 81, No. 7, 1071–1088, July 2008 
15. Jing X. J.*, Lang Z. Q., Billings S. A. and Tomlinson G. R., The parametric characteristic of frequency response functions for nonlinear systems. International Journal of Control, Vol. 79, No. 12, December 2006, 1552–1564