News

PolyU Aviation Researcher Supported by Google to Advance Urban Positioning and Navigation Technologies

Urban navigation has undergone substantial technological advancements in recent decades, enhancing smart living environments while improving human life. With his ongoing research in this impactful field covering location-based services and navigation and positioning technologies, Dr HSU Li-Ta, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, and Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received an unrestricted grant from Google to advance research in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and sensor fusion technologies. Titled “Research on 3D Mapping Aided GNSS Precise Positioning for Vehicular Applications,” Dr Hsu's awarded project centers on a novel urban positioning and navigation method to be used in mobile phones and intelligent vehicles. In densely built-up urban areas with skyscrapers like Hong Kong, GNSS positioning may be inaccurate as satellite signals are reflected off buildings. The new method utilizes 3D mapping technology to calculate the length and strength of the reflection of signals, thereby achieving a remarkable lane-level positioning accuracy in urban areas.  Dr Hsu has previously worked with Google’s Android Location Team in Mountain View, California as a visiting research scientist. During his visiting, he collaborated closely with industry leaders to enhance mobile positioning technologies by improving the accuracy and reliability of GNSS and sensor fusion. The outcome of his research has been applied to location services on Android devices, benefitting a large number of phone users worldwide. The grant aims to encourage leading researchers in advancing technology with innovation. It willprovide support for Dr Hsu’s pioneering work into GNSS and sensor fusion technologies, addressing the evolving demands for precise and trustworthy positioning technology for better user experiences, and exploring new opportunities for urban applications. Dr Hsu said, “It is a profound honour to receivethis grant. I am grateful for the invaluable experience and support provided by my colleagues at PolyU and collaborators at Google. Working with the experiences I obtained in Android Location Team, in particular, presented me with a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of mobile positioning technology. With the support of this grant, I hope to explore new solutions that can make GNSS technology more robust and accessible for users worldwide.” Dr Hsu was a two-time winner of the PolyU President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement, in the category of Knowledge Transfer in 2021 and of Teaching in 2023 respectively. The grant further highlights his outstanding research as well as PolyU’s contribution to global urban navigation and mobile positioning technologies.   Reposted from Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Original post]

Dr Hailong HUANG's Team Won the Best Presentation Award at the 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference

We are delighted to announce that Dr Hailong HUANG's team has been awarded the Best Presentation Award at the 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC 2024). This conference is the flagship event for research students at PolyU, offering both research postgraduates and undergraduate researchers the chance to showcase their innovative work. The award-winning paper, titled "Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Trash Collection Robot with Speech Recognition, Dynamic Control, and YOLO Object Detection" was part of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS). It was authored by Dr Hailong HUANG, Xianzhe CHEN, Zian WANG, and Hengyu WU, with technical support provided by Guanzhong ZHOU. This achievement reflects the dedication, creativity, and technical expertise of our talented students. Congratulations to the winning team! We look forward to their continued success and valuable contributions to the field of aerospace engineering.   About Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (Click to learn more) URIS is structured as a two-year programme that provides integrated undergraduate research training, covering aspects of enquiry-based learning, research competence, and research dissemination through a range of activities and components of the programme. The programme enables students to develop sound research and high-order thinking skills and to acquire latest theoretical and practical knowledge. Key components include: URIS Research Project CURI Workshop and Seminar Series PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC) CURI Residential College (RC)  

Aerospace Innovation Research Summit: Insights on LEO Satellites, Rocket Engineering, and the Emerging Low Altitude Economy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus on 19 November 2024, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings.   In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications.   Experts Illuminate LEO Satellites and Rocket Engineering Hosted by the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), the “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets” session brought together experts from governmental and private sectors to explore cutting-edge technologies and developments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and rocket engineering. Key presentations about rocket engineering included Mr Li Bin, Vice President of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, discussing advancements in liquid rocket engines, and Mr Wang Yingcheng, Head of the CAS Space Innovation Center, on China’s commercial rocket initiatives. Prof. Sean Shan Min Swei, Director of the Space Technology and Innovation Lab and Professor of Practice at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, introduced a CubeSat-based solution for sustainable LEO access. Mr Wang Lei, CEO of ADA Space Co. Ltd., showcased ADA Space's AI satellite network, while Dr Xu Bing, Assistant Professor at the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University presented a new paradigm in satellite navigation. A dedicated student team from AAE also shared their ongoing rocket research efforts.   The session highlighted innovative solutions and collaborative efforts shaping the future of aerospace engineering.   Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating.   In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.”   RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations.

PolyU and COMAC sign agreement to establish Research Institute for Large Aircraft

On November 12, 2024, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) signed an agreement to jointly establish the COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft. The COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft aims to promote the development of the large aircraft industry. Leveraging the academic strengths of PolyU and Hong Kong’s technological innovation resources, the Research Institute will focus on key tasks such as tackling challenges in domestically-produced commercial aircraft technology and exploring future new technologies. It will bring together regional industry and research capabilities to foster collaborative innovation, providing strong support for the development of the large aircraft industry.   Reposted from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Original post]

Dr Li-Ta Hsu Honored for Authoring 2023's Most Cited Paper in NAVIGATION Journal

Dr Li-Ta Hsu has been recognized at the ION GNSS+ 2024 conference (Baltimore, Maryland) for authoring the most cited paper in 2023 in the esteemed NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation. The paper, titled "Factor Graph Optimization for GNSS/INS Integration: A Comparison with the Extended Kalman Filter," co-authored by Dr Weisong Wen, Dr Tim Pfeifer, and Dr Xiwei Bai, has garnered significant attention and acclaim in the field of navigation and positioning technologies. Published in the 2021 issue of NAVIGATION (Volume 68, Issue 2, Pages 315-331), the paper explores innovative methodologies in GNSS/INS integration through factor graph optimization, offering a comprehensive comparison with the traditional extended Kalman filter approach. This work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding and application of navigation systems, influencing both academic research and practical implementations. Dr Hsu's recognition at the ION GNSS+ 2024 in Baltimore highlights the significant impact of his research within the global navigation community. This prestigious annual conference, hosted by the Institute of Navigation, serves as a key platform for experts and innovators to exchange insights on the latest advancements in positioning, navigation, and timing technologies. Dr. Hsu's achievement not only reflects his dedication to the field but also showcases our department's commitment to advancing cutting-edge research.

AAE PhD Student Receives Best Paper Award at 2024 China National Symposium on Combustion

Mr Yu Liao, a PhD student under the supervision of Dr Guan Yu at Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, won the Best Paper Award at the 2024 China National Symposium on Combustion, organized by the China section of The Combustion Institute. This year’s symposium saw a record-breaking turnout, attracting nearly 2,000 participants from across the globe. Mr Liao's award-winning paper, titled “Open-Loop Control of Thermoacoustic Oscillations in Lean-Premixed Hydrogen-Enriched Turbulent Combustors,” was selected from a competitive pool of 314 accepted papers. The research, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, tackles the critical issue of thermoacoustic instability in gas turbine combustors powered by hydrogen-enriched fuels. This work aligns with the Hong Kong Government’s commitment to decarbonization and its recently released “Strategy of Hydrogen Development” in June 2024. The successful research collaboration between Dr Yu Guan’s team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Professor Kyutae Kim’s group at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology highlights the importance of international academic cooperation. This partnership not only enhances research outcomes but also paves the way for future joint projects and talent development between the two institutions. Congratulations to Mr Liao for this outstanding achievement!

Celebrating Excellence: AAE’s Research Postgraduate Student Wins Student Paper Award at the 37th ION GNSS+ 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Mr Penggao Yan, one of our dedicated research students and an esteemed awardee of the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), has been honored with the Student Paper Award at ION GNSS+ 2024, the 37th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation. His paper, titled “Jackknife Test for Faulty GNSS Measurements Detection Under Non-Gaussian Noises,” was presented at the conference held during 16 – 20 September 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Student Paper Awards recognize outstanding contributions from emerging scholars, and this year, only four students were selected from a competitive pool of submissions. The awardees were chosen based on the technical content and clarity of their manuscripts, evaluated by a panel of recognized experts from the industry and academia. Alongside Mr Yan, this year's winners are from York University, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and National Cheng Kung University. ION GNSS+ is renowned as the world’s largest technical meeting dedicated to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, products, and services. This prestigious event gathers international leaders in GNSS and related fields, providing a platform for the presentation of ground-breaking research, discussions on current policy, demonstrations of innovative products, and the exchange of ideas. We congratulate Mr Yan on this significant achievement and his contributions to advancing research in GNSS technology. His work not only reflects his dedication but also enhances the reputation of our department on a global stage.  

AAE Undergraduate Student Presents at the ION GNSS+ 2024 Conference

We are pleased to share that Md Sahat Mahmud, a Year 3 undergraduate student, had the remarkable opportunity to present his research at the ION GNSS+ 2024 conference in Baltimore, USA—recognized as the world’s largest technical meeting and showcase of GNSS technology, products, and services. Sahat presented his paper titled "LSTM-driven Prediction of Orbital Parameters for Accurate LEO Opportunistic Navigation." In his presentation, he introduced a novel recurrent neural network-based orbit prediction algorithm for Low Earth Orbit satellites. Attending the conference proved to be an inspiring experience, allowing him to engage with leading GNSS experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Reflecting on this opportunity, Sahat noted, “Presenting my work at ION GNSS+ 2024 has been a pivotal moment in my academic journey. I am grateful for the chance to learn from experts and to be part of such a significant event. It has truly motivated me to further pursue research in Satellite Navigation and Positioning.” Sahat also extended his heartfelt thanks to the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) and PolyU GEO for their support, as well as to his supervisor, Dr Bing Xu, whose guidance was instrumental in this achievement. This experience marks a significant milestone in Sahat's academic journey, further igniting his passion for exploration in satellite navigation and positioning technology. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and look forward to his ongoing contributions to the GNSS community. Congratulations, Sahat, on this impressive achievement!

AAE Scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists

Seven PolyU AAE scholars are ranked the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in 2024. This prestigious acknowledgment, compiled and announced annually by researchers at Stanford University, USA, is determined by citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in various authorship positions, and a composite indicator. Congratulations to our academic staff for their unwavering dedication to achieving research excellence! This recognition highlights their significant contributions and influence within their respective fields of expertise. Prof. Wen Chih Yung Prof. Yu Simon Dr Hsu Li Ta Dr Huang Hailong Dr Liu Wei Dr Shen Xi Dr Wen Weisong Data available at Elsevier: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7 Published: 16 September 2024|Version 7|DOI:10.17632/btchxktzyw.7

Empowered by Opportunities: Mr. Ang Jershon Ainsleigh Entote's Journey with The HKIE Scholarship 2022

Mr Ang Jershon Ainsleigh Entote has been awarded the HKIE Scholarship 2022/23 in recognition of his exceptional achievements. This prestigious award has provided him with additional opportunities to grow and enhance his skills as an engineer. The below video highlights Mr. Ang's dedication and leadership, showcasing his significant involvement in the engineering field as a student. His commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to his peers and underscores the importance of innovation and hard work in engineering.   Read more about Jershon's achievement and the award presentation ceremony: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/aae/news-and-events/news/2023/13mar-aae-student-awarded-hkie-scholarships-202223/. Watch the video of his learning path with HKIE in 2022/23 at https://polyu.hk/GLVXf.