Dr. Yang Tao is a Fischell Family Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, where he directs the Bio-imaging and Machine Vision (BMV) Labs.  His research focuses on advanced computer vision, AI robotics, and automated inspection, detection, sorting, and online controls for industrial and medical applications. 

He is particularly interested in advancing AI robotics for food and agriculture process automation to enhance labor efficiency and address labor shortages. The BMV Lab is equipped to image and handle both large and small objects, ranging from fruits and vegetables to cells. Dr. Tao was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024.