Yue Cao

Research Interests

Our research group develops AI-enabled methods for the design of complex engineered systems. We are particularly interested in enabling computational systems to understand engineering models, reason over design knowledge, and support engineers in system design and decision-making. Our current research interests include:

(1) Knowledge Graph-Based Model Digital Thread

Complex product development often involves heterogeneous models, distributed data, intricate dependencies, and frequent design changes. To address these challenges, we investigate model digital thread methods based on knowledge graphs. By integrating ontology reasoning, large language models, and automated model analysis techniques, our research focuses on model data integration, traceability relationship discovery, and change impact propagation. The goal is to establish a coherent representation of model relationships and their evolution throughout the design process, supporting multidisciplinary collaboration and cross-domain engineering design.

(2) AI-Enabled Model-Based Systems Engineering

We investigate AI-enabled methods for model-based systems engineering, with a particular focus on the application of large language models, knowledge graphs, and ontology reasoning to complex engineered systems. Our research aims to support requirements understanding, SysML model generation and analysis, design knowledge reasoning, model traceability, and automated system architecture design. By combining the generative capabilities of large language models with structured engineering knowledge, we seek to improve the efficiency, consistency, and intelligence of model-based system design.

Prospective students with interests in knowledge graphs, ontology reasoning, large language models, model-based systems engineering, and AI-assisted engineering design are welcome to contact us.

Biography

I am a Lecturer in the College of Computer Science and Technology at Zhejiang University of Technology. My research focuses on AI-assisted engineering design, model-based systems engineering, knowledge graphs, ontology reasoning, and model-based product line engineering.

I have led three research projects, including a Young Scientists Fund project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and exploratory projects funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province. I have also participated as a key member in several projects funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. I have published more than 20 papers and been granted four patents.

I maintain long-term collaborations with the State Key Laboratory of CAD&CG at Zhejiang University and Hangzhou Huarwang System Technology Co., Ltd. I have also been involved in research projects with affiliated institutions of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China North Industries Group Corporation, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. These experiences have shaped my research at the intersection of scientific investigation and engineering practice.

Education and Professional Experience

‍

2020/04–Present
Lecturer, College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology

2015/09–2020/03
Ph.D., State Key Laboratory of CAD&CG, College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University

2011/04–2015/08
Software Testing Engineer, MicroStrategy China Technology Center

2008/09–2011/03
M.S., State Key Laboratory of CAD&CG, College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University

2007/12–2008/05
Visiting Student, Institute of Data Science, School of Computing, National University of Singapore

2004/09–2008/07
B.Eng. in Software Engineering, School of Software Technology, Zhejiang University

Selected Publications

[1] Mao Jinna, Cao Yue, Deng Yangdong, et al. Domain knowledge-enhanced bottom-up extraction of feature models from system structure models in SysML [J]. Journal of Engineering Design, 2025. (SCI, Q2)

[2] Cao Yue, Liu Yusheng, Qin Xujia*. A hybrid approach to system verification in early design for complex mechatronic systems based on formal functional semantics [J]. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 2023, 58: 102201. (SCI, Q1 Top)

[3] Cao Yue, Liu Yusheng*, Ye Xiaoping, et al. An automated approach for execution sequence-driven software and physical co-design of mechatronic systems based on hybrid functional ontology [J]. Computer-Aided Design, 2021, 131: 102942. (SCI, Q2)

[4] Cao Yue, Liu Yusheng*, Ye Xiaoping, et al. Software-physical synergetic design methodology of mechatronic systems based on formal functional models [J]. Research in Engineering Design, 2020, 31(2): 235–255. (SCI, Q3)

[5] Cao Yue, Liu Yusheng*, Wang Hongwei, et al. Ontology-based model-driven design of distributed control applications in manufacturing systems [J]. Journal of Engineering Design, 2019, 30(10–12): 523–562. (SCI, Q2)

Granted Patents

[1] Cao Yue; Mao Jinna. Method and apparatus for extracting feature models from SysML architecture models. Granted on June 6, 2025. China, ZL 2025 1 0130593.1.

[2] Cao Yue; Shi Huangkuan. Method and apparatus for semantic relation reasoning in SysML model knowledge graphs. Granted on November 8, 2024. China, ZL 2024 1 1099819.8.

[3] Cao Yue. Method for automatically selecting working principles based on functional execution sequences. Granted on November 22, 2024. China, ZL 2020 1 0879049.4.

[4] Liu Yusheng; Cao Yue. Ontology-based method for automatically generating control software models. Granted on December 1, 2020. China, ZL 2019 1 0458320.4.

Book

Liu Yusheng, Cao Yue, Yuan Wenqiang. Model-Based Systems Engineering: Modeling and Model-Driven Technologies [M]. Science Press, 2025.