Dynamics, Astronautics & Neural Intelligence Lab
Advancing AI-Powered Robotics and Space Technology
Our lab is a collaborative, curiosity-driven space where robotics and AI innovation thrive. We value openness, equality, and a supportive environment. For PhD and visiting opportunities, please contact Dr Hao (d.hao at leicester dot ac dot uk).
Research Interests
Spatial & Embodied Intelligence for Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing
Disciplines:
- World Models and Spatial Intelligence
- Vision–Language–Action (VLA) Systems
- Reinforcement Learning & Generative AI
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Autonomous Systems
Applications:
- Intelligent Agents for Future Manufacturing
- Advanced Robotic Systems for Space
- In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)
Our Team
We are actively looking for self-motivated talents to join DANiLab.
Postdoc:
Dr Umer Masood Chaudry – Space Metallurgy and ISAM
PhD students:
Hanxing Zhang – VLA for Human-Robot Handover
Abdulqader Dhafer – AI for Robotic Manufacturing
Gemma McLean – Vision-tactile Robotic Grasping
Ansel Ong – World Model for Digital Manufacturing
Mingshuo Xu (co-supervision) – Small Target Detection and tracking
Lin Qi (co-supervision) – Swarm Robot Vision
Tom Buteux (co-supervision) – Space Target Tracking
Alumni:
Dr Roin (Lijia) Deng – AI Computer Vision Based Counting
Dr Hengde Zhu – Gen. AI for Affective Computing
Our PG and UG Students DriverLeics Team: https://driverleics.github.io/
*Dr Hao’s research funders:
PI (Leicester) – NSTP PLATOR with Surrey Space Centre
