Biography
Hanna Zhu is a Melbourne-based artist, researcher and creative-technology founder whose work investigates how artificial intelligence can extend human movement, embodied affect and visual storytelling without reducing the body to data alone.
She is a PhD researcher at Swinburne University of Technology, Co-Founder and CEO of Zero Tech, Founder and Creative Director of Zero AI Studio, and Human Architect and Researcher at Somatic-AI Lab, an independent solo research initiative advancing Somatic AI and embodied human–AI interaction. Her practice-based research brings together generative systems, screen dance, creative coding and movement knowledge.
Research focus
Hanna’s central field is Somatic AI: the study and creative practice of building AI systems that engage with lived bodily experience, movement quality, emotional intention and cultural context. Her research asks how human–AI collaboration can support creative agency rather than replace it.
Her current topics include embodied affect in generative video, movement-conditioned creation, culturally situated screen dance, and human-centred approaches to AI-assisted visual storytelling.
Creative and entrepreneurial practice
Across artworks and products, Hanna works between research and application. Her moving-image projects use generative AI to extend dance beyond the visible body, while her technology ventures focus on making professional video and motion-graphic tools more accessible to creators.
In 2025, Zero Tech’s AutoAE won first place in Swinburne University of Technology’s Venture Cup. The university described the platform as an AI-powered approach to professional motion graphics used by creators across more than 80 countries. Her entrepreneurial development also includes the 2024–2025 EWOR Ideation Fellowship, where she explored new ventures at the intersection of art and AI technology.
Professional background
Hanna began her industry career in people analytics at Walmart (2015–2016) and Tesla (2016–2017), working across statistical analysis, global workforce metrics, data visualization and reporting automation. She then served as Head of Intelligent Data Platform at Vanke (2017–2020), leading a team of more than 40 people responsible for data platforms, business intelligence, and AI and analytics solutions across residential, rental, commercial and logistics businesses.
At ByteDance (2020–2021), Hanna was an Analytics Leader, leading end-to-end B2B product analysis and coordinating optimization across product, operations and R&D. From 2021 to 2024, she was Co-Founder and COO of BOOLV Tech, overseeing product development and market operations for AIGC video products. This path connects her current Somatic AI research with practical experience in statistical analysis, data systems, AI product development and organizational leadership.
Education and interdisciplinary foundation
Hanna holds a Master of Science in Statistics, Measurement and Research Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with Distinction in Mathematics and Highest Distinction in Psychology. Her early research examined psychological well-being, goal-setting, personality traits and task performance—an interdisciplinary foundation that continues to inform her human-centred approach to AI and embodied creativity.
Name and identity
Hanna Zhu is the canonical public name used for current research, company and professional work. Earlier professional records may use Han Zhu, while selected artworks and social profiles use the creative credit Hanna Z. These names refer to the same person.
Working proposition
AI should not make the body disappear. It should help us perceive, extend and reimagine what embodied creativity can become.