Zitao Zhang

Zitao Zhang is a doctoral candidate at the Chair of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-time Systems at the Technical University of Munich, supervised by Prof. Alois Knoll since 2024. He previously earned his M.Eng. degree from Sun Yat-sen University under Prof. Kai Huang.

His research focuses on bio-inspired robotics, particularly on achieving autonomous locomotion in quadrupedal robots using reinforcement learning and soft actuated spine mechanisms. Key areas include dynamic balance optimization, adaptive gait planning, and compliant actuation.

Recent publications highlight his work on rat-inspired robots, with advancements in environmental interaction, hierarchical learning frameworks, and lateral spine flexion techniques. His projects leverage CPG controllers and model-free reinforcement learning to enhance locomotion adaptability.

Interested students can contact him at zitao.zhang@tum.de for potential thesis collaborations in robotic systems.