Dr. Hubin Zhao

Dr Hubin Zhao is an Associate Professor in Medical Technology and the Founding Director of HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN, www.hubinresearch.com), at the Aspire Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (acting as one of leading PIs), Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UCL. He is also a Co-Lead of DOT-HUB, at the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, UCL. Hubin has strong background in Electronic Engineering & Neural Engineering, and his research group is working at the intersection of Innovative Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Engineering, and Medical Technologies. So far, he has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. His work has also led to several international patents and book chapters.

Email: hubin.zhao@ucl.ac.uk

Research Interests

Wearable and Interventional Medical Imaging, Sensing and Health Monitoring Technologies
Technology Developments & Applications for Human-Robot Interaction/Brain-Computer Interface, Neuromodulation, Rehabilitation, etc.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hardware for Medical and Healthcare Applications
Innovative Medical Electronics and Devices for Healthcare

Selected Publications

Gao, S., Chen, J., Xia, Y. et al.,and Zhao H,“Wearable technologies for assisted mobility in the real world.” Nat Commun 16, 10988 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67126-4
Y. Zhao, U. Dolinsky, H. Zhao and S. Yang, "A Novel Optimization Framework for fNIRS: Enhancing Brain Image Reconstruction for Neurorehabilitation," in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 33, pp. 3409-3420, 2025, doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2025.3602894.
A. Das, P. Soni, H. Zhao, M. -C. Huang and W. Xu, "Optimizing Deep Neural Networks for EEG-Based Speech Recognition: A Multimodal Approach to Assistive Communication," in IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 8735-8742, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2025.3618998.
T. Yao et al.,and Zhao H, "Advancing Embodied Intelligence in Robotic-Assisted Endovascular Procedures: A Systematic Review of AI Solutions," in IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering, vol. 19, pp. 248-266, 2026, doi: 10.1109/RBME.2025.3641383.
C. Tang et al.,and Zhao H, "An AI-Driven Multimodal Smart Home Platform for Continuous Monitoring and Assistance in Post-Stroke Motor Impairment," in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 34, pp. 300-312, 2026, doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2025.3645093.
Kang M, Hu Y, Wang N, et al.,and Zhao H, "Deep Learning Prediction of Childhood Myopia Progression Using Fundus Image and Refraction Data." JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(1).
Song, X.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, H.; Tang, C.; Yao, B.; Zhao, H.; Occhipinti, L.G.; Nathan, A.; Zhai, C.; Gao, S. "Integrating Multi-Task Eye Tracking and Interpretable Machine Learning for High-Accuracy Screening of Amblyopia in Pediatric Populations." J. Eye Mov. Res. 2026, 19, 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr19020026
Y. Xia et al., "A Deep-Learning Empowered, Real-Time Processing Platform of fNIRS/DOT for Brain Computer Interfaces and Neurofeedback," in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 33, pp. 1220-1230, 2025.
J. Chen et al., "Simultaneous Mental Fatigue and Mental Workload Assessment With Wearable High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography," in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 33, pp. 1242-1251, 2025.
J. Chang, J. Li, J. Ye et al., "AI-Enabled Piezoelectric Wearable for Joint Torque Monitoring," Nano-Micro Lett. 17, 247, 2025.
Xia Y, Wang K, et al., and Zhao H, "Low-cost, smartphone-based instant three-dimensional registration system for infant functional near-infrared spectroscopy applications", Neurophotonics, 2023.
Zhao H, Brigadoi S, et al., "A wide field-of-view, modular, high-density diffuse optical tomography system for minimally constrained three-dimensional functional neuroimaging", Biomedical Optics Express, 2020. (Editorial Pick, and one of Top Downloads of the Year).
Ercan R, Xia Y, et al., and Zhao H, "An ultralow-power, real-time machine learning based fNIRS motion artefacts detections", IEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration Systems, 2024.
Zhou X, Xia Y, et al., and Zhao H, "Review of recent advances in frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy technologies", Biomedical Optics Express, 2023 (Invited Review).
Zhao H, Frijia E, et al., "Design and validation of a mechanically flexible and ultra-lightweight high-density diffuse optical tomography system for functional neuroimaging of newborns", Neurophotonics, 2021.
Vidal E, Zhao H, et al., "Evaluating a new generation of wearable high-density diffuse optical tomography technology via retinotopic mapping of the adult visual cortex", Neurophotonics, 2021.
Zhao H, and Cooper R, "Review of recent progress toward a fiberless, whole-scalp diffuse optical tomography system", Neurophotonics, 2018.
Zhao H, Soltan A, et al., "A scalable optoelectronic neural probe architecture with self-diagnostic capability", IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, 2018 (Best Paper of BioCAS).