Joanna Hodge

About

Dr. Joanna Hodge is a leading researcher at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, whose work is shaping the future of autonomous systems and medical decision-making. Her primary research areas include deep reinforcement learning for drone navigation, AI-assisted medical triage, and robust sensor integration for mobile robotics. Dr. Hodge’s most impactful contribution is her seminal 2020 paper on deep reinforcement learning for drone navigation using sensor data, which has garnered 169 citations and established foundational methods for autonomous UAV operations in complex environments. She is also the driving force behind the development of the Diagnostic AI System for Robot-Assisted Triage ("DAISY"), a pioneering AI system designed to support emergency department triage amid NHS staffing shortages—a work that has already attracted 31 citations since its 2023 publication. Her recent research on robustness requirement coverage for vision-based AI systems addresses critical safety challenges in autonomous vehicles and robots. Dr. Hodge’s work uniquely bridges engineering innovation and clinical application, making her a key figure in the advancement of trustworthy, human-centered autonomous technologies.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Deep reinforcement learning for drone navigation using sensor data

   169 citations · 2020
2. 2
   Medical practitioner perspectives on AI in emergency triage

   31 citations · 2023
3. 3
   Sensors and Data in Mobile Robotics for Localisation

   2 citations · 2023
4. 4
   Robustness Requirement Coverage using a Situation Coverage Approach for Vision-based AI Systems

   2 citations · 2025
5. 5
   Autonomous Emergency Triage Support System

   1 citations · 2023

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links