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2024 Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong and Macau Regions Competition) fostered youth innovation

The 2024 Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong and Macau Regions Competition) organised by the Hong Kong Science Popularisation and Science Fiction Academy, and co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yau Tsim Mong Youth Society, was successfully held on 2 July at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium. More than 700 teachers, students, parents and stakeholders from the technology and education sectors gathered to watch the competitions of various teams. To enhance the celebratory atmosphere in commemoration of the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the organiser made a special invitation to the Guangdong Guo Qi Hu Wei Dui to perform a National Flag display ceremony and foot drill during the opening ceremony, showcasing the team’s high spirit and confidence. Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked that PolyU has always been committed to cultivating future leaders with innovative spirit and interdisciplinary thinking. By participating in competitions and trainings, students could gain a better understanding of cutting-edge marine science and technology, acquire scientific research methods and skills and develop their interest and ability in interdisciplinary studies. Young people are the pioneers in the innovation and development of the country. PolyU spares no effort to build a platform for the youth to showcase their talents and innovations, laying a solid foundation for their future development. This event attracted over 90 teams from more than 60 primary and secondary schools across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. After over 3 months of professional training and guidance, and passing the preliminary round, the teams demonstrated outstanding comprehensive strength and teamwork at the finals. The selected teams will participate in the national finals, which are scheduled in August.

PolyU contributes to Nation’s Chang’e-6 historic lunar far-side sampling mission and acquires Chang’e-5 lunar soil samples; Leading deep space exploration research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) research team, after developing and manufacturing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, has assisted the Nation in completing the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission. PolyU also recently obtained approval for the lending of lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission from the Lunar Sample Management Office under the China National Space Administration’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre. The PolyU research team has obtained two distinct lunar soil samples: a surface soil sample weighing 400 milligrams, which was collected by PolyU’s Surface Sampling and Packing System; and a subsurface soil sample totalling 42.6 milligrams. The samples are currently stored in the lunar regolith storage and analysis system on the PolyU campus which is a unique state-of-the-art integrated multifunctional system for in-situ analysis, enabling researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the lunar regolith without the need for leaving the storage environment. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, congratulated the team for marking a magnificent chapter in the Nation’s aerospace history and said, “This year, PolyU is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a University. In the recently announced Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings for 2025, PolyU has reached new heights and ranked 57th globally. In addition to achieving this significant milestone, PolyU has successfully obtained approval from the Nation and acquired lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission. The PolyU team will treasure this incredibly precious gift.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific research in driving innovation and positively impacting society. We focus on nurturing young scientific research talents and passing on research experience from one generation to the next. We will continue to collaborate with interdisciplinary experts and contribute to the Nation’s development towards becoming a major player in deep space exploration and scientific innovation.” The Chang’e-5 lunar sample in-depth analysis and research programme is spearheaded by a PolyU team with extensive experience in deep space explorations, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), and Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Associate Director of RCDSE. The research team, which also includes Dr Wang Xing, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Dr Sergey Krasilnikov, Research Assistant Professor of the same department, will delve into “Finding Water in Lunar Soil” through a microstructural analysis of lunar regolith, including its water content and formation process. Their findings will shed insights into the formation of soil on the Moon’s surface and other celestial bodies, as well as lunar water resources induced by solar wind implantation. Prof. Wu Bo said, “We are glad that our team has successfully applied for and received lunar soil samples from the National Astronomical Observatories in Beijing and brought them back to the PolyU campus for further analysis. The samples will provide valuable scientific insights. Our interdisciplinary team has extensive experience in space missions and our research embraces areas that encompass lunar geological research, topographic and geomorphological analysis of landing sites, development and manufacturing of space payloads, in-depth analysis of lunar soil samples, and space resource utilisation. We look forward to leveraging our research strengths to make further valuable contributions to innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and the Nation.” Prof. Yung Kai-leung noted, “The fact that our team designed and manufactured the Surface Sampling and Packing System for the 2020 Chang’e-5 probe, and brought back the youngest lunar samples yet discovered to Earth, which are now being stored on our campus, holds special meaning for our team. We also plan to apply for lunar samples from the Moon’s far side brought back to Earth by Chang’e-6 in order to make further contributions to humanity’s understanding of the Moon and outer space. With the return of the Mars samples and China’s manned lunar landing ranking high among its scientific priorities through 2030, we look forward to continuing to contribute to the Nation in the years ahead.” The lunar soil samples are rare and scientifically valuable, holding immense potential for pioneering scientific discoveries and future utilisation of lunar resources. A single grain of lunar soil may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Moon’s formation, evolution, and dynamic environment. The achievements from lunar sample research can also bring long-term benefits to Earth and benefit humanity. As space exploration evolves, with space resource utilisation now emerging as a priority for future programmes, the Space Resources Laboratory at PolyU’s RCDSE has developed resilient capabilities to store and analyse extraterrestrial samples in high-purity nitrogen protection devices for long-term interdisciplinary research. With a vision for the future, the Laboratory is well poised to handle samples from Mars and asteroids, laying the groundwork for the Nation’s further aerospace development. Led by Prof. Yung Kai-leung (centre) and Prof. Wu Bo (left), both seasoned experts in deep space exploration initiatives, the Chang’e-5 lunar soil analysis research has brought together a distinguished team, including Dr Wang Xing (right), to pioneer research on water trapped in lunar soil. Prof. Wu Bo (left) and Dr Wang Xing (right) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geoinformatics bring together decades of combined research experience in lunar geology, and landing area mapping and analysis. PolyU has successfully acquired lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission, including a 400 mg surface sample(left)and a 42.6 mg deep drill sample(right).The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunar soil sample storage and analysis facility to properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth. The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunarsoil sample storage and analysis facilityto properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth.

Two PolyU projects receive funding support from RGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding support from the RGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) for two social science projects, which aims to provide insights into human history and individual development. The two awarded projects demonstrate PolyU’s impactful research in connection with human well-being in both the present and historical context. Led by Dr TSUI, Kai Hin Brian, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese History and Culture, the project titled “Bridging Cold War Divides: Perceptions of "New China" in a Decolonizing British Empire” has secured funding support of HK$214,509. The other project led by Dr LU, HuiJing, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, titled “Impact of Environmental Harshness and Unpredictability on Individual Development: A Comprehensive Analysis” has received grant of HK$305,000. Dr TSUI’s project aims to examine the perception of New China in the 1950s as a resource for globally circulating postwar critiques of imperial political, economic and cultural inequalities. The study will explore published materials and archival sources in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, New Delhi, Kent and London. It seeks to reconstruct how China established significant presence among prominent activists in Asia, despite having limited formal diplomatic relations with capitalist bloc states. Dr LU’s project aims to deepen our understanding of how the childhood environment influences individual development by reevaluating the definitions of environmental harshness and unpredictability while exploring alternative ways to measure these concepts. The research will provide valuable insights for creating intervention and policies that target specific environmental factors, ultimately promoting more optimal development trajectories for children and adolescents.

PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies

The more we discover about the natural world, the more we find that nature is the greatest engineer. Past research believed that liquids can only be transported in fixed direction on species with specific liquid communication properties and cannot switch the transport direction. Recently, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have shown that an African plant controls water movement in a previously unknown way – and this could inspire breakthroughs in a range of technologies in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials, including applications that require multistep and repeated reactions, such as microassays, medical diagnosis and solar desalination etc. The study has been recently published in the international academic journal Science. Liquid transport is an unsung miracle of nature. Tall trees, for example, have to lift huge amounts of water every day from their roots to their highest leaves, which they accomplish in perfect silence. Some lizards and plants channel water through capillaries. In the desert, where making the most of scarce moisture is vital, some beetles can capture fog-borne water and direct it along their backs using a chemical gradient. Scientists have long sought to hone humankind’s ability to move liquids directionally. Applications as diverse as microfluidics, water harvesting, and heat transfer depend on the efficient directional transport of water, or other fluids, at small or large scales. While the above species provide nature-based inspiration, they are limited to moving liquids in a single direction. A research team led by Prof. WANG Liqiu, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart and Sustainable Energy, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has discovered that the succulent plant Crassula muscosa, native to Namibia and South Africa, can transport liquid in selected directions. Together with colleagues from the University of Hong Kong and Shandong University, the PolyU researchers noticed that when two separate shoots of the plant were infused with the same liquids, the liquids were transported in opposite directions. In one case, the liquid travelled exclusively towards the tip, whereas the other shoot directed the flow straight to the plant root. Given the arid but foggy conditions in which C. muscosa lives, the ability to trap water and transport it in selected directions is a lifeline for the plant. As the shoots were held horizontally, gravity can be ruled out as the cause of the selective direction of transport. Instead, the plant’s special properties stem from the tiny leaves packed onto its shoots. Also known as “fins”, they have a unique profile, with a swept-back body (resembling a shark’s fin) tapering to a narrow ending that points to the tip of the plant. The asymmetry of this shape is the secret to C. muscosa’s selective directional liquid transport. It all has to do with manipulating the meniscus – the curved surface on top of a liquid. Specifically, the key lies in subtle differences between the fin shapes on different shoots. When the rows of fins bend sharply towards the tip, the liquid on the shoot also flows in that direction. However, on a shoot whose fins – although still pointing at the tip – have a more upward profile, the direction of movement is instead to the root. The flow direction depends on the angles between the shoot body and the two sides of the fin, as these control the forces exerted on droplets by the meniscus – blocking flow in one direction and sending it in the other. Armed with this understanding of how the plant directs liquid flow, the team created an artificial mimic. Dubbed CMIAs, for ‘C. muscosa-inspired arrays’, these 3D-printed fins act like the tilted leaves of C. muscosa, controlling the orientation of liquid flow. Cleverly, while the fins on a natural plant shoot are immobile, the use of a magnetic material for artificial CMIAs allows them to be reoriented at will. Simply by applying a magnetic field, the liquid flow through a CMIA can be reversed. This opens up the possibility of liquid transport along dynamically changing paths in industrial and laboratory settings. Alternatively, flow could be redirected by changing the spacing between fins. Numerous areas of technology stand to benefit from CMIAs. Prof. Wang said, “There are foresee applications of real-time directional control of fluid flow in microfluidics, chemical synthesis, and biomedical diagnostics. The biology-mimicking CMIA design could also be used not just for transporting liquids but for mixing them, for example in a T-shaped valve. The method is suited to a range of chemicals and overcomes the heating problem found in some other microfluidic technologies.”

PolyU and AELIS Couture forge innovative partnership for Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is excited to announce its partnership with the esteemed Paris fashion house AELIS Couture (AELIS) for the Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection that was showcased during the haute couture week in Paris on 27 June 2024. Created by the legendary haute couture designer Sofia Crociani, the Collection introduces sustainable metal-coated textiles developed by PolyU, blending cutting-edge technology with luxury fashion. This innovative textile technology was developed by the research team led by Prof. Kinor JIANG, Professor of the School of Fashion Textiles at PolyU, using developed metallising technology to place ultra-thin, nano-scale metal films onto textiles. Without discharging any polluted water or chemicals, the non-aqueous process results in textiles that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable. For this collection, the PolyU team created a precious gold and silver coated sustainable silk organza with a metallic pearly sheen while maintaining the comfort and flexibility of traditional textiles. The collaboration with AELIS, renowned for its artful designs and sustainable approach to fashion, reflects PolyU’s commitment to advancing textile technology and its applications in the fashion industry. The integration of PolyU’s metal-coated textiles into AELIS Couture’s designs reveals a collection that embodies both style and state-of-the-art technology. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “We are thrilled to partner with AELIS for their Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection. The collaboration with AELIS Couture is a shining example of how PolyU’s research can be translated into real-world applications, bridging the gap between technology and artistry in fashion. We are proud to see our sustainable innovations contribute to the creation of couture that is as technologically advanced as it is beautiful.” Sofia Crociani, Founder of AELIS, expressed her excitement at the partnership, “For AELIS Couture, the project with PolyU, born after a cycle of ‘sustainable lectures’ jointly organised by PolyU and the French Consulate in Hong Kong, is the result of a wonderful effort to advance in the ecological and technological research field. Working with PolyU has been an inspiring journey. Their precious metal-coated textiles have allowed us to explore new dimensions of design and sustainability. We are proud to present a collection that reflects the synergy between PolyU’s technological expertise and our commitment to eco-conscious couture.” Through this international collaboration, PolyU joins hands with AELIS to make a bold statement in the fashion world, showcasing the potential of merging sustainability with luxury art-to-wear. The AELIS Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Fashion Show that took place during the “haute couture week” in Paris represents an event where innovation meets grace and elegance, setting a new standard for the future of couture.

PolyU and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital co-host seminar on immunotherapy’s new frontier with a clinical focus

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI) and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital have collaborated to organize a seminar that aims to delve into the new frontier of immunotherapy, with a specific focus on its clinical application. The conference centered around discussions in four areas: precise targeted disease diagnosis and treatment, immune cell regulation for disease treatment, cell metabolism research in immunotherapy, and nanomedicine. Interactive sharing and engaging discussion also took place with the guests.  Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Director of SZRI stated that PolyU was committed to cultivating top-tier talent and conducting both fundamental and applied research, as well as promoting world-class innovation and entrepreneurship. The stem cell engineering and immunotherapy research platform being developed by SZRI would become the twelfth research institute under PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. It would also be the first interdisciplinary research platform established outside of the University's main campus, reflecting PolyU's commitment to integrating local medical research and clinical practice, and accelerating the transfer and application of research results.  

PolyU unveils novel smart solar-powered freezer truck

The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong, accounting for 19% of total emissions. Supporting the development of green transport can help reduce air pollutant emissions. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research into green technologies to support Hong Kong’s goal of reducing the City’s total carbon emissions from the 2005 level by half before 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. A research team led by Prof. Eric Cheng, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, received support from the “Innovation and Technology Support Programme (Mid-stream, theme-based)” funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government last June for the research project “Smart Refrigeration Truck Development Programme - Power, Solar and Intelligence Method for Logistics and Storage”. The project is aimed at promoting the transformation of freezer trucks from traditional fuel driven freezer system to smart electric driven and strengthening the wider adoption of solar energy. After one year, the PolyU team has successfully developed a novel freezer truck that supports a solar-powered freezer system and features vehicle-connected power storage and sharing technology. The project has received staunch support from the government, academia and industry, including from Sunlight Eco-tech Limited, Advanced Sunlight Pty Limited from Australia, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 freezer trucks in Hong Kong, and this number is expected to double in the next few years. These vehicles are all powered by fuel engines, which produce a significant amount of exhaust gas and noise when running or idling. In fact, the technology used in conventional freezer trucks is relatively outdated, with the freezer system relying on the vehicle’s internal combustion engine for power. Even when the vehicle is stationary, to maintain operation of the freezer system the engine cannot be turned off. In addition, the temperature of the freezer system is typically maintained at around -20 degrees Celsius, limiting the types of food that can be refrigerated. If each vehicle consumes one to three litres of diesel per hour, it will produce 2.7 to 8.1 kg of carbon dioxide, resulting in annual emissions of approximately 16 tonnes. To offset these carbon emissions, about 760 trees need to be planted. The smart solar-powered freezer truck developed by PolyU provides flexible energy input options. Key highlights are as follows: Extensible solar photovoltaic (PV) panels: Installed on the roof, these PV panels can be extended to increase the truck’s power output, enhancing its energy efficiency. The truck is equipped with an energy storage device that captures and stores the electric energy generated, providing additional energy for the vehicle’s freezer system. Onboard lithium-ion battery: In addition to the solar energy storage, the truck also has an onboard lithium-ion battery that can be connected to standard electric vehicle charging facilities for recharging. When the solar energy storage is filled, and the battery is fully charged, they can power the freezer system for up to four hours. Users also have the option to expand the number and capacity of batteries to further extend operation time as needed. Powerful and versatile freezer system: The onboard refrigeration system can maintain temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius. Moreover, it can continue operating even after the electric engine is turned off, effectively transforming the vehicle into a mobile freezer unit. This can help address the shortage of freezer warehouses in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the freezer truck can connect to other vehicles of the same type for charging and energy sharing. With the vehicle’s smart energy management system, users can not only monitor and control the maximum output power of the PV panels to enhance efficiency of different energy sources, but also optimise the freezer performance, and prolong the life of the onboard battery. Prof. Eric Cheng said, “The HKSAR government has implemented several policies in recent years to promote the popularisation of electric vehicles, including setting a target to cease new registration of fuel-propelled private cars in 2035 or earlier. However, for freight vehicles, the adoption rate of new energy vehicles is relatively slow. We aspire for this research project to take a leading role in encouraging the transport sector to embrace green technologies more readily and contribute more to reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.” The PolyU smart solar-powered freezer truck is now ready for commercialisation, with the expectation that similar vehicles will be launched in the near-future.

PolyU showcases research and innovations at its first overseas exhibition “Flying High” in France

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is hosting its inaugural “Flying High” exhibition in Paris, France, from now until 1 July 2024. This marks the University’s first international showcase, featuring a diverse array of research and innovations across disciplines from fashion to technology and sustainable materials. At the opening reception, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) remarked, “PolyU is thrilled to bring our research and innovations to Paris, a city that resonates with creativity and innovation, reflecting our own values. ‘Flying High’ is not just an exhibition, it is a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact through our research and knowledge transfer activities. We are excited to share our achievements and to foster international collaborations for a better and sustainable future.” The “Flying High” exhibition is not only witness to PolyU’s commitment to fostering global innovation and excellence in research, but also provides an exchange platform for researchers, industry experts, fashion editors and others. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, highlighting the importance of international dialogue and exchange in advancing scientific and cultural understanding. The exhibition comprises two main themes “Style in Motion” and “Sustainability in Innovation”, with 10 projects as follows:   Project Principal Investigator(s) Style in Motion Tai-Chi, Sports and Olympics 2024 This Tai Chi-inspired sportswear collection blends the essence of the East with the electrifying spirit of the Games’ four selected disciplines: breaking, skateboarding, surfing and climbing. Each piece is meticulously engineered to capture the spirit of these vibrant sports, analysing the fluidity and strength required to excel in each. It complements an athlete’s form and improves their performance. Dr Tsai-Chun HUANG, Assistant Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles AI-assisted Personal Training Gear AI-enhanced, wearable sensor-based training gear helps monitor posture, muscle activity and fatigue in real-time during workouts, providing immediate feedback to improve physical performance and minimise the risk of injury. Prof. YIP Yiu-wan Joanne, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Sport-specific Sports Bra Designs from Analysis of Human Dynamic Motion An anatomically tailored sports bra employs analysis of 4D scans to enable bra design to provide precise support for the unique demands of each sport and comfort for women of all ages and sizes. Prof. Kit-Lun YICK, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Sustainability in Innovation Carbon Neutral Construction Materials New technologies elevate construction projects to champion carbon neutrality, including CarbAggre, a carbon-negative and customisable material developed from construction and demolition waste, and a carbonation concrete coating technology that improves concrete durability. Prof. C.S. POON, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering; Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials; Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Sustainable Design from Biochar-concrete Newly developed biochar-concrete merges sustainability with aesthetics, revolutionising traditional concrete construction and combating carbon emissions, and so paving the way for a greener world. Dr Brian LEE, Associate Professor, School of Design “Building Clothing” Using Textile Waste “Building Clothing”, developed from textile waste, is a sustainable building envelope for thermal insulation and radiative cooling to revolutionise construction projects and help tackle the challenges of textile waste recycling. Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Assistant Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Metal-coated Textiles with Unique Visual Effects These textiles fuse fashion and sustainability through sputtering coating technology. They are the very first to integrate material science, engineering and manufacturing for lustrous new textiles without any discharge or pollution. Prof. Kinor JIANG, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Food Waste-derived 3D Printing Material Harnessing the power of 3D printing technology, novel sustainable composite materials have been developed for indoor furnishings by combining spent coffee grounds or tea leaves with polylactic acid. Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director, Research Institute for Future Food Anti-stain and Antiviral Vegan Leather The world’s first vegan leather boasts both anti-stain and antiviral properties. It leverages structural color technology to ensure whiteness at 90/100 without use of pigment, dye or bleaching agent, and uses silicone that avoid microplastic issues. Prof. Chris K.Y. LO, Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies   Prof. KAN Chi-wai, Associate Dean (Strategic Planning and Development) and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Intelligent Textiles for Interiors, Fashion and Rehabilitation Utilising computer vision and illuminating optical fibres, the intelligent textiles are developed to recognise hand and body gestures to customise colour illuminations instantly, thereby transforming conventionally passive fabrics into interactive textiles. Prof. Jeanne TAN, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles; Centre Assistant Director, Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design   The “Flying High” exhibition features a diverse array of PolyU’s research and innovations across disciplines from fashion to technology and sustainable materials.   Project images are available here. To learn more about the “Flying High” exhibition, please visit: https://polyu.hk/CZYFn.

PolyU showcased innovations at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 and joined Tianjin-Hong Kong exchange activities

PolyU researchers recently participated in World Intelligence Expo 2024 held at the Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Center, showcasing their technological innovations and engaging in exchange activities. With the theme of "Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver", the Expo is jointly hosted by the Tianjin Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and brings together government, scientific researchers, and corporate guests. It attracted over 550 exhibiting companies and institutions, and business guests from 49 countries and regions. As an Innovation Partner, PolyU showcased several intelligent scientific research projects. Among them, the "Human-machine Collaborative Manufacturing System Based on Mutual Cognition" project by Dr. Zheng Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been awarded "Outstanding Cases for FIND Intelligent Technology Innovation and Application". In addition, the PolyU team visited Tiankai Higher Education Innovation Park and Tiankai Xiqing Park, and participated in discussions and exchanges with enterprises in the new energy industry and the Tianjin-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Conference to explore opportunities for collaboration. It was a collaborative opportunity and gain a deeper understanding of Tianjin's latest progress and development in technological innovation.

Empowering navigation for the visually impaired through Augmented Reality

Vision loss and visual impairment have long been a significant concern for human well-being amid an increasingly aging population. In a collaborative effort by researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The University of Waterloo, they have invented a groundbreaking device that utilises Augmented Reality (AR) technology, revolutionising navigation for visually impaired individuals on their world. This device offers them a newfound sense of independence and freedom. The research project “Augmented Reality Obstacle Detection” (ObstAR), is led by Prof. Allen Cheong, Associate Head (National and International Engagement) and Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU, and Deputy Director of Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), in collaboration with Prof. Ben Thompson, University Research Chair and Professor, School of Optometry and Vision Science, the University of Waterloo, and Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of CEVR. The research aims to develop an AR-based navigation device that allows visually impaired individuals to minimise their dependence on conventional assistive tools, like walking canes or assistance from others. CEVR is a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo, operating under the Health@InnoHK cluster. Prof. Cheong said, “Individuals with visual impairments may encounter various forms of vision loss, which can be attributed to neurological or ocular disorders or even the natural ageing process. Tailored route navigation solutions are required to meet the needs of people.” Prof. Cheong specialises in geriatric and vision rehabilitation, leading the Vision Rehabilitation Clinic of PolyU Optometry Clinic. Clinical research for practical applications The research combines a clinical study that examines behaviour of visually impaired patients and healthy participants when navigating familiar and unfamiliar obstacles, with the practical implementation of a navigational aid built using AR glasses and an artificial intelligence recognition algorithm. To enhance the ability to recognize the environment and avoid obstacles, the device integrates a suite of advanced algorithms, including obstacle avoidance navigation, object recognition and segmentation, scene recognition, text recognition, and gesture recognition. This comprehensive approach aims to meet the diverse navigation needs of patients, ensuring safe navigation and heightened environmental awareness. One key research focus is identifying specific areas of interest (AOIs), such as traffic lights, zebra crossings, sharp turns, and large banners. This personalised guidance can greatly benefit users who frequently traverse the same routes, as the system can offer customised support based on their familiarity with the environment. Navigating a new frontier The distinguishing design of ObstAR lies in the development of an innovative algorithm for image segmentation and information fusion, using RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and depth cameras to enable real-time obstacle avoidance navigation. This advancement allows the identification of more distant navigable paths within the camera's capture area, while also enabling more accurate recognition of obstacles that are difficult to identify using traditional image segmentation techniques. Also, the team aims to incorporate real-time text-to-speech instructions to supplement areas not covered by the AR, ensuring comprehensive support for users. Notably, ObstAR stands at the forefront of assistive technology, offering a transformative solution for visually impaired individuals. It was awarded the prestigious “Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury” at the 49th Geneva Inventions Expo. Prof Cheong said, "The advancements in AR and its growing acceptance provide an ideal platform to introduce this new form of assistive technology. This project fully demonstrates the immense potential of technology to enhance the quality of life for the visually impaired. It promises to open up new possibilities for the mobility freedom and social inclusion of the visually impaired." Prof Cheong’s research interests focus on the psychophysical, behavioural, and clinical aspects of ageing and low vision research. Her primary goal is to use different interventions to improve patients’ functional performance in daily activities, such as reading, mobility and navigation. The research also aims to establish cost effective vision rehabilitation models to enhance patients’ quality of life. Prof Cheong believes that ObstAR's has a profound potential impact. Users could gain confidence in tackling daily challenges, thereby enhancing their functional performance and overall well-being. “We are on a mission to redefine independence for those living with vision loss. It is not just about creating an innovative product, but about bringing change and improvement to their lives," she said.