Imperial's Professor Guang-Zhong Yang has been appointed Editor of Science Robotics, the latest offering from Science publisher, AAAS.

The journal, which launches this year, will publish cutting-edge research into robotics.

Professor Yang is Director of the Hamlyn Centre, where he develops innovative medical technology using cutting-edge robotics, imaging and sensing. His team’s discoveries have enabled surgeons to utilise ultra-flexible and affordable robotic instruments, including snake robots and micro-surgical robots that help to treat patients with unprecedented accuracy during operations.  

Professor Guang-Zhong Yang

As Editor, Professor Yang will be in charge of disseminating the results of robotics research carried out in human health, space, ocean, land, atmosphere, industrial, and service environments.

The next breakthroughs to be reported by the journal could be in artificial intelligence, systems design, materials science, new sensors, power systems, propulsion systems, advanced actuators, enhanced reliability and durability, or human-robot interfaces and interactions.

Professor Yang said: “This is a very exciting time for robotics researchers and I’m glad to be supporting the growth and development of the field in this way. The time is right for robotics to be covered by a top-tier journal from Science.   

“My own work focuses on the intersection of robotics, sensing and imaging with medical applications. Robotics has already transformed many areas of our lives, such as manufacturing and healthcare, and the field is expected to grow exponentially over the coming years. 

“In my role as Editor of Science Robotics I look forward to working with the editorial board and receiving submissions from the global robotics community in all its diversity, and playing a part in sharing the most promising breakthroughs in the field.” 

Science Robotics will be launched on July 2016.