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His exceptional contributions have been celebrated with numerous accolades, including the Canada Research Chair, Research Excellence Awards, the Tier 1 York Research Chair, Lassonde Innovation Awards for Established Researchers, and the Early Researcher Award from the Ministry of Research and Innovation of Ontario. He has also held fellowships with the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME), underscoring his significant contributions to engineering and research.

Professor Zhang's dual appointments as a Canada Research Chair in Advanced Robotics and Automation underscore his leadership and innovation in the field. The Early Researcher Award from the Province of Ontario, along with his roles as the Kaneff Professor and Tier 1 York Research Chair in Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics at York University, highlight his outstanding global reputation and contributions to his areas of specialisation.

His seminal contributions to Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKM) have been instrumental in advancing computational control for machining applications, as elaborated in his publication "Parallel Robotic Machine Tools." Professor Zhang's pioneering work in modelling manipulator stiffness, with an emphasis on flexible links and joints, has facilitated real-time control and the prediction of system stiffness, marking a significant milestone in the field. Beyond the confines of academia, Professor Zhang has translated his research into tangible innovations, securing over 40 Chinese patents and contributing to national standards. His inventions, including a PKM for precision machining and a bio-inspired robot designed for mine rescue operations, underscore his dedication to leveraging his expertise to address real-world challenges. Professor Zhang's distinguished record of research, leadership, and mentorship has not only propelled academic and industrial R&D programs to new heights in the field of robotics but has also left an indelible mark on the global stage. His visionary work continues to inspire and catalyse innovation in robotic technology and its diverse applications, shaping the future of the field.