Work experience

• 2019 - now: Researcher
  • Ghent University, Flanders Make @ UGent - ISyE
  • Research Fields: Semantic Interoperability, Virtual Commissioning, Digital Twin, 3D-based Emulation, Discrete Event Simulation, AutomationML, Collada, Core Manufacturing Simulation Data, Data Exchange.
• 2014 - 2019: Engineer
  • China Academy of Space Technology
  • Research Fields: Digital Product Design and Manufacturing.

Education

• Ph.D in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Ghent University, 2025
  • Research Topic: Semantic Interoperability for 3D Virtual Commissioning Applications.
  • Supervisors: prof. El-Houssaine Aghezzaf and prof. Johannes Cottyn.
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 2014
• B.S. in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation, Tianjin University, 2011

Publications

Semantic Interoperability for 3D Virtual Commissioning Applications

Zhao, J. (2025). Semantic interoperability for 3D virtual commissioning applications. Ghent University. Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent, Belgium.

An extension of the Core Manufacturing Simulation Data standard to enhance the interoperability for discrete event simulation

Zhao, J., Aghezzaf, E. H., & Cottyn, J. (2024). An extension of the Core Manufacturing Simulation Data standard to enhance the interoperability for discrete event simulation. Procedia CIRP, 130, 1632-1637.

Interoperability performance evaluation for discrete event simulation models: A step towards multi-level data exchange

Zhao, J., Aghezzaf, E. H., & Cottyn, J. (2024). Interoperability performance evaluation for discrete event simulation models: A step towards multi-level data exchange. Procedia CIRP, 128, 72-77.

An AutomationML extension towards interoperability of 3D virtual commissioning software applications

Zhao, J., Aghezzaf, E. H., & Cottyn, J. (2024). An AutomationML extension towards interoperability of 3D virtual commissioning software applications. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 37(10-11), 1194-1213.

A framework for evaluating a generic virtual commissioning data model

Zhao, J., Aghezzaf, E. H., & Cottyn, J. (2023). A framework for evaluating a generic virtual commissioning data model. Procedia CIRP, 119, 284-289.

AutomationML in industry 4.0 environment : a systematic literature review

Zhao, J., Schamp, M., Hoedt, S., Aghezzaf, E. H., & Cottyn, J. (2021). AutomationML in industry 4.0 environment: A systematic literature review. In Advances in Automotive Production Technology–Theory and Application: Stuttgart Conference on Automotive Production (SCAP2020) (pp. 162-169). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.