Yang Gao

Professor Yang Gao is a Professor of Robotics and Head of the Centre for Robotics Research at King's College London's Department of Engineering. She specializes in robotic sensing, autonomous systems, and biomimetic mechanisms for space and extreme environments. Her work spans space missions like ESA ExoMars and lunar exploration projects, with applications in nuclear, agriculture, and utilities. She leads the international robotics community as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Field Robotics and mentor for UN Space4Women.

Education:

• B.Eng. (First Class Honours), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2000)
• Ph.D., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2003)

Research Interests: Robotic sensing & perception, visual guidance systems, biomimetic mechanisms, and space robotics for extreme environments. Her work bridges AI-driven robotics with real-world applications in space exploration and industrial sectors.

Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles focus on autonomous systems, space robotics, and AI integration. Recent work includes terrain classification for Mars rovers, lunar ice detection, and energy-efficient path planning for mobile robots.

Awards:

• Fellow of Institute of Engineering and Technology (FIET)
• Fellow of Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS)
• Mulan Award (2019)

Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator on £10M+ projects funded by ESA, UK Space Agency, and industry. Founded the STAR LAB and Ai4SPACE Ltd to commercialize robotics tech. Advises on UN space programs and industry initiatives.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Centre for Robotics Research at KCL, previously directed the multi-award winning STAR LAB at the University of Surrey (2004-2023).