MATRIX
Manufacturing Analytics, Tracking, and Real-time Intelligence for eXecution
Ir. Prof. Zhiheng Zhao (Billy)
Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Zhiheng Zhao (Senior Member, IEEE) received the Ph.D. degree from The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR in 2017. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has been the Principal Investigator of multiple research projects, including those funded by RGC, NSFC, ITF, NSF-Guangdong, NSF-Jiangsu with a total research funding exceeding HKD 25 million. His main research interests include industrial spatial-temporal intelligence, digital twins, smart manufacturing and logistics, and construction informatics.
About us
The MATRIX Research Team focuses on advancing next-generation AI-enabled spatial-temporal intelligence across manufacturing, logistics, and construction systems. As industries evolve toward increasingly complex, distributed, and dynamic operations, there is a critical need to move beyond isolated optimization toward real-time, execution-oriented intelligence. MATRIX addresses this challenge by developing foundational theories, enabling technologies, and deployable systems that bridge data acquisition, decision-making, and operational execution.
Openings | Welcome to join us!
Ph.D Positions
4-6 Ph.D positions are available in Fall 2026 to Spring 2027. Applicants should hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Automation, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Construction Engineering, Robotics, Electronic Engineering or related fields. All admitted Ph.D students will be fully supported either by Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)/PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme or PolyU Research Postgraduate Scholarship (PRPgS). More information can be found here: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/prospective-students/fellowship-scholarship-schemes/
Prospective PhD students are encouraged to email us with your CV and transcripts.
Our research focuses on AI-enabled spatial–temporal intelligence across manufacturing, logistics, and construction, including topics such as:
- Intelligent sensing and tracking (BLE, mmWave radar, IoT)
- Embodied intelligence for smart manufacturing, logistics, and construction
- AI-driven planning, scheduling, and execution
Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants/Associates Positions
We also have openings for Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants/Associates in related research areas. Candidates with strong backgrounds in AI, optimization, or cyber-physical systems are particularly encouraged to apply.
Contact
Room CF411, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
[email protected]
+852-27666630