Harbin University of Science and Technology | China
Prof. Yan-Jiang Zhao is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in the field of mechanical engineering and medical robotics, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Engineering Graphics at Harbin University of Science and Technology, China. With extensive international research exposure, including postdoctoral training at Thomas Jefferson University, USA, he has established a strong interdisciplinary research program that bridges mechanical engineering, robotics, and medical applications. Prof. Zhao’s primary research interests encompass medical robotics, flexible and steerable needle insertion systems, multi-fingered dexterous robotic hands, composite filament winding technologies, and TRIZ-based mechanical system innovation. His work focuses on integrating mechanics-based modeling, multimodal sensing, and intelligent control strategies to improve precision, safety, and adaptability in robotic systems, particularly for minimally invasive medical procedures. His recent research efforts include variable-curvature flexible needle insertion, multimodal perception frameworks, and advanced control methods for medical robotic platforms. Throughout his academic career, Prof. Zhao has led or participated in more than 20 competitive research projects, including eight national-level grants such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) General and Young Scientist Funds, alongside multiple provincial and enterprise-funded projects. These projects have resulted in the development of functional robotic prototypes, innovative mechanical designs, and industry-ready technologies. In parallel, he has completed several consultancy and industry collaborations, contributing to composite material structural component development and industrial product design optimization. Prof. Zhao has an impressive scholarly output, having published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, with more than 30 indexed in SCI and EI databases. His research has appeared in leading international journals including Expert Systems with Applications, IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, IEEE Access, Medical Engineering & Physics, Physics in Medicine & Biology, and the International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer-Assisted Surgery. According to the Web of Science Core Collection, his indexed publications have received over 90 citations, with an h-index of 6 (2025).
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