Dr. Jinzhu Shen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Donghua University | China
Jinzhu Shen is a PhD candidate in Fashion Design at Donghua University, specializing in soft robotics, machine vision, and intelligent manufacturing for garment automation. With a strong academic foundation from Jiangnan University, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she has advanced her expertise in integrating cutting-edge robotics with apparel production. Currently, Jinzhu is also a visiting researcher at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, further expanding her global research perspective. Her career bridges engineering and design, with hands-on industry experience as an R&D engineer at Rouchu Robotics, where she has contributed to the development of soft-robotic grippers, intelligent sewing systems, and fabric-handling technologies. She has published extensively in leading journals, presented at international conferences such as TIWC, and is an inventor on multiple patents. Jinzhu’s research combines creativity with innovation, aiming to revolutionize garment production processes through automation, precision, and artificial intelligence, making her a rising talent in textile engineering.
Profile
Education
Jinzhu Shen educational background reflects a strong commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary research in fashion technology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Fashion Design at Donghua University, focusing on robotic automation and AI-driven garment manufacturing systems. During her doctoral studies, she participated in an international visiting research program at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where she expanded her expertise in soft robotics and advanced textile engineering. Prior to this, Jinzhu earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fashion Design from Jiangnan University, where she gained comprehensive knowledge in garment engineering, textile science, and design technology. Her studies laid a strong foundation in apparel production methods, computational modeling, and product innovation. Throughout her academic journey, Jinzhu has combined engineering principles with design thinking, demonstrating strong analytical and creative skills. Her international exposure and advanced research training have positioned her at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into the textile and fashion industry.
Experience
Jinzhu Shen has developed a unique blend of academic and industry experience, contributing significantly to textile automation and robotics innovation. She currently serves as an R&D engineer at Suzhou Rouchu Robotics, where she has worked on advanced soft robotic fingers, intelligent sewing systems, and machine vision algorithms for fabric handling. Her research and engineering efforts focus on designing robotic solutions to improve garment manufacturing efficiency, precision, and sustainability. Jinzhu’s contributions include simulation of robotic gripping forces, development of autonomous sewing strategies, and integration of AI-based vision systems. She has also led and contributed to multiple funded projects, collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners. In addition to her engineering role, her doctoral and visiting researcher positions have enabled her to publish in top-tier journals, present at prestigious conferences, and secure patents. Her experience demonstrates a deep understanding of fashion design, robotics, and automation, positioning her as an innovative leader in textile engineering.
Awards and Honors
Jinzhu Shen has received multiple awards and scholarships in recognition of her academic excellence, research innovation, and contributions to textile technology. She was awarded the prestigious Taicang YIDAO Clothing Scholarship for two consecutive years, highlighting her leadership in garment automation research. Earlier, she earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the Apparel Science and Technology Academic Exchange Conference, showcasing her impactful contributions to apparel robotics. Throughout her studies at Jiangnan University, Jinzhu consistently demonstrated excellence, earning several academic scholarships, including second- and third-class honors. She was also recognized as a merit student, reflecting her strong academic performance and leadership. Her achievements extend beyond academics, with multiple patents credited to her name, underscoring her role as an innovator in robotic garment handling systems. These honors collectively illustrate her dedication to pushing boundaries in apparel engineering, her growing influence in textile research, and her commitment to advancing the intersection of robotics, AI, and fashion design.
Research Focus
Jinzhu Shen research focuses on revolutionizing garment production through soft robotics, machine vision, and intelligent manufacturing systems. Her work integrates engineering precision and design innovation, aiming to fully automate the fabric handling and sewing process. She has developed robotic grippers and AI-driven vision systems capable of manipulating delicate textiles, addressing long-standing challenges in apparel manufacturing. Her doctoral studies emphasize the synergy between robotics and textiles, with a focus on fabric alignment, smoothness evaluation, and deep-learning-based automation strategies. She also investigates sustainable approaches to garment production by optimizing industrial workflows through robotics. Jinzhu’s contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications, patents, and presentations at international conferences, demonstrating her ability to translate theoretical research into practical applications. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans computational modeling, product innovation, and industrial collaboration, positioning her as a pioneer in transforming the traditional fashion supply chain into a technology-driven ecosystem. Her research bridges design, engineering, and AI to shape the future of apparel manufacturing.
Publications
Title: Intelligent and Precise Textile Drop-Off: A New Strategy for Integrating Soft Fingers and Machine Vision Technology
Year: 2025
Title: A study on the formulation of process parameters for soft finger-assisted fabric stitching
Year: 2024
Title: A novel evaluation method of Chinese female lower body shapes based on machine learning
Year: 2024
Title: Research progress of automatic grasping methods for garment fabrics
Year: 2023
Conclusion
Jinzhu Shen exceptional research achievements, spanning academic and industrial innovation, make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work in soft robotics and automated garment manufacturing demonstrates a rare blend of creativity, technical depth, and practical application. With continued global engagement and leadership development, she is poised to become a transformative figure in intelligent manufacturing and fashion technology research.