He David Zhang

He David Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Governors State University and a Postdoctoral Associate at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Robotics Lab. His research focuses on computer vision, robotics, and assistive technologies for visually impaired individuals.

• Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2018)
• B.S. in Computer Science & Technology, Chinese University of Mining and Technology at Beijing (2009)
• Study Certificate in Computer Architecture, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2010)

Dr. Zhang's research integrates vision-based algorithms with inertial sensors to create robust systems for indoor localization, 3D mapping, and human-robot interaction. Key projects include Smart Cane, CoRobotic Cane (CRC), Wearable Robotic Object Manipulation Aid (W-ROMA), and Quadrupedal Human-Assistive Robotic Platform (Q-HARP), which aim to enhance mobility for the visually impaired and elderly populations.

His recent publications emphasize improving Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) accuracy through depth uncertainty modeling and hybrid perspective-n-point methods. He has contributed to benchmark datasets like VCU-RVI and explored SLAM applications in real-time assistive robotics. Awards include Best Conference Paper honors and competitive recognitions in IROS and 3MT competitions.

• Best Conference Paper Award, IEEE HSI 2019
• 2nd Place, IROS 2020 UZH-FPV VIO Competition
• System Engineering Award for Excellent Ph.D. Student, UA Little Rock (2018)