After getting the B.S. in Automation Control from the University of Science and Technology of China, Professor Zhang Wei further studied in the USA and succeeded earning the M.S. in Statistics and the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering both from Purdue University. During his PhD period, Pro. Zhang won Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad; after obtaining the Doctor’s degree, he became a Postdoctoral Researcher at UC Berkeley. He served as an Assistant Professor since 2011 and then an Associate Professor (with tenure) of Electrical and Computer Engineering in June 2017 at the Ohio State University. After this, Pro. Zhang has been officially hired as a professor since May, 2019 in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering and the leader of Control & Learning for Robotics and Autonomy Lab (CLEAR Lab) at SUSTech.

Zhang’s research interests include control and optimization theory, machine learning, motion planning, and their applications in robotics and autonomous systems. While working in America, he received 5 projects from NFS and more than 10 projects from the U.S. National Laboratory, as well as many projects subsidized by NASA and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. He is also a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and the Lumley Research Award at the Ohio State University. As a former editor of IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, an authoritative journal in power system, and a former deputy editor of Editorial Board of IEEE Control Systems Society, Zhang now is currently a Senior Member of IEEE and an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Control System Technology.

 
——Spirit of scientific research：Explore Profound Truths, and Discover Hidden Secrets
It is believed that many SUSTech-ers have their own scientific research Dreams, and long for the sacred palace of scientific research. But what exactly is the scientific research? In Zhang’s eyes, the genuine scientific research is more than offering solutions. More importantly, it’s a process to dig into the solution’s strengths and reasonableness, to consider as many situations as possible, and to keep exploring the question’s edges, which therefore, must be time-consuming.

“In my scientific research work, it often only takes a few months to get some visible results, such as developing a new set of algorithm. But to clearly illustrate the advantages of that algorithm, it needs two years or even more time.” Pro. Zhang explained.

For those really fond of scientific research, this work is not boring or dull at all. Because every issue is full of challenges, which otherwise turn the scientific research into a process full of fun and joys. Different from completing a common mission, scientific research usually has no fixed answer, and the point is to find a valuable question and try to put forward some reasonable solutions.  

“You might feel confused and even do not know what to do during the scientific research; but it is the process of keeping trying and keeping challenging that brings you the charm of scientific research. As a result, you might can’t help pondering over those problems even when you eat or sleep, and even though it may lead to little progress for the time being.” Pro. Zhang’s words not only demonstrate his great passion for scientific research, but also give us a new understanding of scientific research: Explore Profound Truths, and Discover Hidden Secrets. Only through our complete devotion to research, continuously profound analysis on the truth as well as the relentless and persistent efforts can the innovation and breakthrough be achieved.

Of course, not everyone is suitable for scientific research. Pro. Zhang advises that, whether deciding to conduct scientific research or get employed, all students should make an integrated choice after considering his/her interests, capacity and current opportunities. People suitable for doing research usually have unlimited enthusiasm for it, and hold a strong thirst for knowledge: they prefer finding and solving problems independently instead of simply performing tasks assigned by others; they love going to the root of the matter and finding the truth instead of being satisfied with figuring something out or meeting some fixed standards.
 
  
Especially for those undergraduates, four-year study in college is a key period to make choices for the future. One comes to realize his or her interest in something only after the real personal experience. Therefore, Pro. Zhang suggests that undergraduates may engage in lab works in advance to determine whether they are interested in doing research.

“For undergraduates, working in lab is more of a process for learning and practicing. You may not make any eyes-catching achievements, but you can take advantage of this opportunity to know and get involved in research, and make preparation for the future, which as I believe, is of benefits.”

In the end, Pro. Zhang shares with us the most influential person on his road of scientific research.

“My PhD supervisor is the person who influenced me the most on my path for scientific research. In my mind, he is very strict, earnest and of great talents and intelligence. He makes me feel the quality of scientific research which was acquired after long-term training. He showed me various ‘Wow Factors’ in scientific research, and led me into a totally different field.”
 
——Get the Point, and Make Rational School Plans

For schoolwork, Pro. Zhang advises that students should focus on being intensive and deep rather than massive and extensive.
“Certain emphasis should be pointed out when choosing courses. You may not need to choose many classes, but you should master the basic courses and those related to your study directions well.”
Robotics is an inter-discipline. Just like a big tree, it consists of the trunk, the most important part, i.e. Machine Design, Kinematics, Perception, Driving Power, Control, etc. and branches such as soft robots, mobile robots, quadruped robots, underwater robots and micro/nano robots, etc. But all those branches are, in their essence, applications and deep exploration of basic knowledge.

Pro. Zhang also emphasizes the essential roles of mathematics and physics, “Learning mathematics and physics is critical to fostering abstract thought, which is a vital difference between human being and animals, as the former has abstract thought but the later has not. For undergraduates, interactions with teachers in class is an integral part of basic courses such as mathematics and physics, and such chances will be rare after graduation. Therefore, students must attach high attention to basic courses learning.”  
   
Moreover, Pro. Zhang also points out, “In addition to the acquisition of basic knowledge, it is very important to cultivate the thoughts and abilities to analyze problems, and to practice one’s own ‘Muscle’. Remember, besides learning, never forget to foster such capacity and thought.”

——Explore the Future Path, and Set Objectives-Oriented Plans for College Life
his/her own planning for college life. Some students may pay much attention to learning and purchase excellent grades; some may actively participate in various club activities and social work, making their college life colorful; others may concentrate on engaging in lab work and showing their talents in scientific research.

“There’s no fixed model for college life. You can participate in whatever you want, no matter it is course-learning, lab work, club activities or social work. Comprehensive development is the best, but you should set the emphasis according to your future plan. For example, a student aspiring to study abroad should make more efforts on course marks, lab experiences and overseas experiences. Of course, for those who have no clear goal yet, you can try different fields to decide what you really want. It should be especially noted that, for most students, academic performance is important and cannot be left behind.” Pro. Zhang says.
 
——From the Technology to Scientific Principles, is a Critical Capacity for Robot-Researchers

In some people’s eyes, learning and researching Robotics means hands-on practices, or in other words, endowing robots with some specific functions with the help of various technology. But for Professor Zhang Wei, it is far from enough for a Robotics researcher to just integrate the existing techs; he/she should perceive those scientific research principles behind. “Let me give you one example, I once saw a portrait robot, which took pictures of people’s faces first, and then succeeded drawing vivid portraits within two minutes. Such technology is promoted as advanced AI technology, but in essence, it is similar to printing.” Therefore, it is important that robot-researchers should equip themselves with improved ability of critical thinking, of distinguishing technology in appearance and principles in essence. As Pro. Zhang said, “a robot-researcher should not just be a ‘looker-on’.”
  
At the end of the interview, Pro. Zhang recommends two books for undergraduates. The first one is Robot Modeling and Control compiled by scholars including Mark Spong. This one, as the textbook for Robot Modeling and Control, gives a wonderful and comprehensive overview of modern robots’ operation and control. Pro. Zhang holds that students can get a basic understanding of Robot Modeling and Control----one of the cores in Robotics after reading this book. The other book is Freakonomics co-authored by Steven D. Levitt and Steven Dubner. Pro. Zhang believes that the good critical thinking skill is helpful in both interacting with others and professional works, while economics will do great help in cultivating such ability. Freakonomics is an interesting and easy-to-read book. It teaches people how to see through the appearance to perceive the essence, and can help foster critical thinking.

Wang Guo-wei once suggested in his Poetic Remarks on the Human World: “People with great achievements and recondite knowledge, both contemporary and hereditary, must possess three ching-chieh (state).” The first one is to make up your mind; the second is to keep persistent; and the last one is to enjoy success after times of failure. Pro. Zhang’s pursuit of excellence in scientific research just perfectly illustrates those three states. For SUSTech-ers, such spirit is what they should possess no matter what they choose to do in the future. As a Chinese saying goes, grinding a chopper will not hold up the work of cutting firewood. We believe that Pro. Zhang’s  advice will bring students instructive influences and inspirations, stimulate them to think, and help them achieve success on their life courses.

Interview by Xiang Yan-zhen
Article by Xiang Yan-zhen, Liu Yan-jing
Picture by Deng Su