Daniel Z. Hao

Dr. Daniel Z. Hao is a Lecturer in AI and Robotics at the University of Leicester's School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. He leads the Dynamics and Neural Intelligence (DANi) Lab and the DriverLeics team, focusing on AI-powered robotics and autonomous systems. As Leicester's PI for the UKSA-funded PLATOR project and Robotics Lead for the ESA/NASA Mars Sample Return DWI Project (affiliated with Space Park Leicester), his work integrates space engineering with advanced AI. He is also a Co-Investigator in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT).

• Education: PhD in Aerospace Engineering (University of Manchester, 2018) specializing in Very Low Earth Orbit Thermospheric Spacecraft Attitude Control; double MSc in Space Sciences and Astronautical Engineering.
• Research Interests: Autonomous GNC for in-orbit servicing, LLM-driven robotics, reinforcement learning for legged space robots, AI-driven robotic manipulation, and AI applications in space sciences.

Dr. Hao oversees the DANi Lab and collaborates with the DriverLeics team on education and research. He actively recruits self-motivated students for projects in his fields, offering potential funding options.