Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Zhenyu Liao is a robotics researcher whose work bridges assistive technology and industrial automation, with a focus on enhancing human-robot interaction for real-world applications. His primary research areas include robotic guidance systems for visually impaired individuals, autonomous inspection robotics, and deformable object manipulation. Dr. Liao’s most impactful contribution is the development of a haptic-feedback robotic guidance system that enables visually impaired users to run outdoors safely—a novel application that has garnered 12 citations and addresses a critical gap in accessible sports technology. He further advanced this work with a sensory augmentation approach for running guidance (7 citations), demonstrating a sustained commitment to inclusive design. In industrial robotics, Dr. Liao designed an auto-detection system for high-voltage insulator inspection robots (11 citations), integrating FPGA control to improve automation efficiency. His recent work on garment manipulation (2 citations) introduces a human-guided approach combining real-time body tracking and impedance control, tackling the challenging domain of deformable objects. Through these contributions, Dr. Liao has established himself as a researcher dedicated to making robotics more adaptive, accessible, and impactful across both assistive and industrial domains.