Houxiang Zhang

Professor Houxiang Zhang holds a faculty position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), serving as a Professor in Mechatronics and Deputy Research Leader (Nestleder forskning) at the Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. He joined NTNU in 2011 after completing a Habilitation in Informatics at the University of Hamburg (2011). His research focuses on biological robotics, modular robotics, virtual prototyping, and maritime mechatronics, with over 300 publications and multiple best-paper awards.

Academic memberships include the Academy of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters (DKNVS), Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA), and IEEE Senior Member. He has led significant projects such as the EU Horizon-RIA Project "Robotic Safe Adaptation in Unprecedented Situations" and the NFR Research Infrastructure Program "The Digital Ocean Space-Møre Ocean Lab."

Research interests span marine automation, AI applications, and hybrid modeling. Notable achievements include pioneering work in digital twin technology for maritime systems and contributions to offshore mechatronics. His lab, the Intelligent Systems Lab, focuses on integrating advanced technologies for marine operations and automation.

Recent awards include the 2024 Best Paper Award from IEEE RAS and multiple finalist recognitions at robotics and automation conferences. Current research emphasizes autonomous ship systems, environmental modeling, and data-driven decision support for maritime safety and efficiency.