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PolyU research project on climate-resilient coastal infrastructure supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received support from The French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche)/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme (ANR/RGC Joint Research Scheme) - 2023/24 Exercise to conduct an innovative project on enhancing the resilience of coastal infrastructure to mitigate climate change risks such as sea-level rise and storm surges. It is one of three projects awarded funding from among Hong Kong institutions. Global warming is seen to be leading to more frequent occurrences of extreme weather. In the face of this challenge, the project “Smart and Flexible Climate Change Adaptation of Coastal Infrastructure”, led by Dr You DONG , Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, has been granted HK$2.45 million under the ANR/RGC Joint Research Scheme for a period of 48 months. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Edgar Emilio Bastidas Arteaga of La Rochelle University in France. Prof. Christina WONG, PolyU Director of Research and Innovation, said, “As an innovative world-class university excelling in diverse disciplines, PolyU has established extensive global partnerships for academic and research collaboration. With a mission to address complex global issues and tackle scientific challenges, we will continue to work closely with our partners to leverage our research strengths, drive innovation across a broad spectrum of cutting-edge research initiatives, and achieve a lasting global impact.” The funded project will focus on robust and intelligent adaptation of high-risk coastal building structures in Hong Kong and France to withstand compounded coastal flooding and sea level rise caused by global warming, storm surges resulting from tropical cyclones, and heavy rainfall. The intensity and frequency of these events are expected to increase due to climate change. A physics-informed data-driven approach is proposed to predict the occurrence and intensity of future flood hazards. Fluid-structure-interaction models will be developed to explore flood-related damage and failure mechanisms of coastal buildings in a life-cycle context. In addition, physics-guided deep learning will be utilised to develop multivariate vulnerability and risk models that focus on different building archetypes in the area under investigation and to form a framework for community-level vulnerability and resilience assessment. The research results are expected to generate technologies and knowledge that will contribute to the upgrading of climate-resilient infrastructure in Hong Kong and globally in the near-future. The ANR/RGC Joint Research Scheme aims to strengthen collaboration between French and Hong Kong research communities, and both basic and applied research proposals of high academic merit in all areas are invited under the Scheme. The assessment criteria include technical and scientific quality, quality of project management and methodology, global impact and the quality of synergies between the partners.

PolyU joins hands with Hangzhou and Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province to build innovation platforms for advancing technologies and cultural tourism

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has teamed up with Hangzhou and Wenzhou, two major cities in Zhejiang Province, to build innovation platforms for advanced technology and innovation, as well as cultural tourism, with a view to deepening their collaborations with Hong Kong. The signing and unveiling ceremony of the PolyU-Wenzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute) was held at the Wenzhou People’s Congress Hall on 9 November, marking the official landing of the Institute in Wenzhou. The Institute strives to foster technological innovation, talent cultivation, and research and development (R&D), developing Wenzhou into an innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Separately, PolyU signed agreements with the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government and the Administration Committee of Wenzhou Bay New Area. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Mr ZHANG Zhenfeng, Secretary of Wenzhou Municipal Party Committee; Mr GE Yiping, Director of the Standing Committee of Wenzhou Municipal People’s Congress; and Mr CHEN Zuorong, Chairman of the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Political Consultative Conference, the agreement at the municipal level was signed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr WANG Zhenyong, Vice-Mayor of Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government; while at district level it was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr ZHOU Yi-fu, Secretary of the Longwan District Committee of Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government. PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to collaborate with Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government in setting up a technology and innovation research institute in Wenzhou. The Institute aims to promote I&T development in the Southeastern coastal region, in response to the industrial development needs of Wenzhou and Zhejiang Province specifically, and the Nation more broadly. The Institute will engage in close collaborations with local key industries in the areas of marine engineering equipment and technology, flexible electronics, and ultra-precision manufacturing to advance their core technologies, outcome transformation, talent development, and innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting the high-quality economic development of the cites. In his speech, Dr LAM Tai-fai emphasised that PolyU values research and innovation, actively promoting the transformation of research outcomes into practical applications, and believes the joint establishment of the Institute holds great promise. With its strong research capabilities and a pool of world-class scholars, the University provides a solid foundation for deep collaboration between Hong Kong and Wenzhou, which has a thriving private economy with a solid industrial foundation with hardworking and innovative talents. PolyU will further leverage its advantages in talents, academia, research, and internationalisation, while captalising on Wenzhou’s industrial clusters, innovation, talent cultivation, and R&D services to explore new methods, concepts, and perspectives in research for accelerating the transformation and application of research achievements as well as driving industrial upgrading. This innovation platform will serve as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with various stakeholders in Wenzhou in terms of talent attraction, innovation ecosystem, cultural inheritance and exchange, making greater contributions to high-quality regional development. Mr ZHANG Zhenfeng stated that innovation is in Wenzhou’s genes. In recent years, Wenzhou has always kept in mind the earnest instructions from General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping to continue writing the history of innovation. Wenzhou is determined to take the path of innovation-driven development by enhancing its capabilities for innovation, developing strategic innovation platforms and introducing university-industry research collaboration platforms. The cooperation with PolyU is perfectly timed, at the right place and with the right people. The Institute will become a powerful engine to develop Wenzhou into a nationally innovative city, a new force in fostering two industrial clusters with output valued at the trillion-yuan level, and a bridge to connect to global innovation resources. It will help enhance Wenzhou’s competitiveness in technological innovation, shape new trends in industrial development, and attract innovative international talents. Wenzhou will do its best to provide efficient services to ensure the smooth operation and development of the Institute. The PolyU delegation not only introduced the Institute’s development plan and presented a research showcase of the latest technology achievements for local enterprises, but also made visits to local universities. Moving forward, the two parties will stive to strengthen cooperation in technology, as well as promote academic and cultural exchanges between Wenzhou and Hong Kong to achieve a win-win outcome. Previously, the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute was also officially launched with a signing and unveiling ceremony on 7 November, in Hangzhou. The Institute aspires to promote advanced technology in the fields of Grand Canal culture and tourism, intelligent transportation and medical aesthetics, and will initially establish three research centres, namely the Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Research Center, Intelligent Rail Transit Center, and Digital Medical Aesthetics Research Center. These centres will collaborate with Hangzhou’s key industries and university research institutes in information technology and internet, cultural tourism, smart cities, biomedicine, and high-end equipment manufacturing, providing exchange platforms for researchers, technology innovation services for local enterprises, as well as application scenarios for cutting-edge PolyU technologies. Identified as one of the important provinces for national panning, Zhejiang province has been committed to promoting the coordinated development of education, technology and the economy. The establishment of the two new research institutes aims to build closer ties between Hong Kong and the two cities, bringing together innovative talents and resources. It also seeks to strengthen industry-university research collaborations and connect local industries with international markets, so as to develop Zhejiang into a dynamic and innovation-driven hub and make a meaningful contribution to the Nation’s technological innovation and cultural tourism development.

PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, deepening industry-academia-research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hangzhou Gongshu People’s Government held a signing cum unveiling ceremony on 7 November in Hangzhou, marking the official establishment of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute). In order to promote Hangzhou’s innovation and technology development, the Institute will conduct collaborative in-depth industry-academia-research, leveraging the advantages of Hangzhou and Hong Kong in research innovation, smart cities, as well as industrial and international cooperation and innovation. The Institute will focus on key areas including Grand Canal culture and tourism, intelligent transportation and medical aesthetics, and will initially establish three research centres, namely the Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Research Center”, Intelligent Rail Transit Center, and Digital Medical Aesthetics Research Center. These centres will collaborate with Hangzhou’s key industries and university research institutes in the areas of information and internet technology, cultural tourism, smart cities, biomedicine and high-end equipment manufacturing, providing enterprises with a technological research and development service, striving to make Hangzhou a world-class smart digital and innovative city, and the world’s best city to visit. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Prof. NI Yiqing, Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as Mr ZHOU Hong, Zhejiang Representative of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Mr FANG Yi, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee, Member of the Leading Party Members' Group of Hangzhou Municipal Government, Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou; Mr LI Zhilong, Communist Party Secretary of Gongshu District; Mr LU Wenge, Level II Bureau Rank Official of the Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province; Mr LOU Xiuhua, Director of the Hangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, and Mr HUANG Fei, Member of the Standing Committee and Executive Deputy District Mayor of the Gongshu District, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr SHEN Jianli, Vice District Mayor of Gongshu District. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated in his speech that Hangzhou is a city that integrates tradition with innovation. As a globally top-ranked institution with 86 years of history, PolyU will fully leverage its strengths in research, education and talent development to accelerate the industrial development of Hangzhou in the fields of Grand Canal culture and tourism, intelligent transportation and medical aesthetics, with a view to promoting technological innovation and facilitating the transformation of research outcomes to make greater contributions to the high-quality development of Gongshu district, Hangzhou and the Nation. In his speech, Mr Li Zhilong said that Hangzhou strives to capitalise on its advantages in technological innovation to promote urban development. The city is actively developing itself as a global innovation hub, talent pool and prioritised destination for technology transfer and commercialisation. Gongshu District will fully utilise its geographical location and resources, and environmental benefits to create a favourable environment for technological innovation. The government-academia collaboration with PolyU will definitely increase synergies between Hangzhou and Hong Kong to enhance the competitiveness of technological innovation and pave a new way for advancement. With its solid industrial foundation, Hangzhou has a sound innovation and entrepreneurship environment in the areas of internet technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Going forward, PolyU will leverage its strengths in interdisciplinary studies, talent cultivation, research and innovation, and international cooperation to accelerate the sustainable development of Hangzhou and facilitate talent exchange between the two regions through the Institute’s innovation and technology platform.

PolyU research seizes BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) research has been honoured with the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK) Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2023 (STIP) for its exceptional accomplishments in the fields of “Advanced Manufacturing” and “FinTech”. Since the inception of this prestigious award last year, PolyU has reinforced its position as the leading institution in Hong Kong, securing a total of four awards. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, congratulated the three laureates and said, “PolyU takes pride in being home to such a distinguished group of scholars. These exceptionally talented researchers are driven by their passion for scientific breakthroughs and innovation. They strive to develop cutting-edge technologies and make ground-breaking discoveries that contribute to the betterment of the community, and which will have a lasting impact on the world. PolyU remains committed to supporting its researchers in their pursuit of research that not only benefits Hong Kong, but also the country and the world.” The three award-winning PolyU scholars: Prof. CHEUNG Chi Fai Benny, Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), is recognised in the “Advanced Manufacturing” field. His pioneering ultra-precision nano multi-ring machining technology has successfully been applied in the research and development of a novel and high-efficacy nano multi-ring defocus incorporated spectacle lens for myopia control, which has the potential to benefit myopic schoolchildren globally. A novel magnetic field-assisted batch superfinishing technology and equipment have also been developed for mass superfinishing surgical tools that can reduce wound trauma during bio-medical applications. His innovative research on the next generation of in-situ precision three-dimensional surface metrology not only supports manufacturing of high-precision products but also can be used under various manufacturing or measurement scenarios in the context of Industry 4.0 to realise smart precision manufacturing. Prof. Cheung has made outstanding contributions with his innovative research into new methods, new processes and new equipment for ultra-precision machining, precision metrology and smart precision manufacturing. Prof. AU Man Ho Allen, Professor of the Department of Computing is recognised in the “FinTech” field. His ground-breaking research focuses on the design and analysis of privacy-enhancing and quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to address security, privacy and scalability needs in real-world blockchains. His research advances blockchain technology and spearheads the Web3 revolution through innovative approaches and transformative solutions, paving the way for secure, interoperable and scalable applications in the next generation of decentralised protocols and applications. Many of his inventions have been recognised and adopted by leading IT companies and blockchain platforms. Prof. Au’s recent research on zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is noteworthy. ZKP is widely regarded as a breakthrough technology that enables data privacy protection, efficiency improvement and scalability of transparent systems such as blockchains. He developed innovative solutions that reduce the computation cost of ZKP. His team optimised ZKP using distributed computing and GPU acceleration, winning US$550,000 at ZPRIZE organised by the Web3 community. Prof. LUO Xiapu Daniel, Professor of the Department of Computing, is also recognised in the “FinTech” field. His innovative work in the field of cybersecurity has been instrumental in identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities and defending against cyber-attacks that pose significant risks to critical infrastructures, including blockchain systems, smart contracts, smartphones, IoT devices and automobiles. His research findings have been recognised by prominent blockchain platforms and leading IT companies. Prof. Luo’s research contributes to strengthening the robustness of blockchain technologies, advancing the security and privacy of mobile and IoT devices and enhancing network security measures. His work has led to ten best/distinguished paper awards, including the ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award at ISSTA 2022, ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award at ICSE 2021 and Best Paper Award at INFOCOM 2018, as well as several awards from industry. The STIP, established by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by BOCHK, is a non-governmental merit-based award. It aims at facilitating the development of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong by rewarding outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to science and technology innovation in Hong Kong. A cash prize of HK$2 million is awarded for each field. PolyU achieved remarkable success in last year’s STIP 2022 in the areas of “Advanced Manufacturing” and “Life and Health”, with the prestigious awards being bestowed upon Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing.

PolyU scholar shares at THE Innovation and Impact Summit 2023

Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU was invited to be one of the honourable speakers of THE Innovation and Impact Summit 2023 in Shenzhen on 7 November 2023. The Summit aims at examining the importance of universities in supporting the creation of new cities and new regional economies such as Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. Prof. Wong delivered an informative and insightful presentation which shed light on the importance of sustainability and how we can enhance cities’ resilience to better cope with the impact of climate change. The Summit, themed ‘Universities and cities: Advancing sustainable innovation’, explored how universities can create and sustain cities that are innovation hubs.

PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated Joining force with Mainland enterprises to cultivate industry-academia-research collaborations and propel I&T development in the Yangtze River Delta

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Wuxi Municipal People’s Government of Jiangsu Province have jointly established the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute (The Institute), and an Inauguration Ceremony cum Industry-University-Research Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony was held on 2 November. Located in Wuxi, the Institute serves as a platform to drive advanced research and innovation, as well as nurture innovation and technology (I&T) talents. It has entered into agreements with ten high-tech enterprises in Mainland China to foster industry-university-research collaborations, driving the Yangtze River Delta’s I&T development. A delegation led by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) visited Wuxi and met with Mr DU Xiaogang, Communist Party Secretary of Wuxi; Mr ZHOU Changqing, Member of the Wuxi Party Committee Standing Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department; Mr QIN Yongxin and Mr ZHOU Wendong, Vice Mayors of Wuxi; and Mr CUI Rongguo, Party Chief of Wuxi National Hi-tech District and Party Secretary of Xinwu District. They had an in-depth exchange on reinforcing cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, along with leaders of various levels from the Wuxi Municipal Government and representatives from domestic companies. PolyU is the first Hong Kong tertiary institution to establish a research institute in Wuxi and participate in the Yangtze River Delta’s I&T drive. The Institute will focus on three key areas: building an internationally high-end research and innovation platform in the fields of aviation and aeronautical engineering, advanced manufacturing, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, new materials and telecommunications networks; establishing an incubation base to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions; and cultivating outstanding engineers and technopreneurs with a global perspective through PolyU’s leading engineering doctorate and postdoctoral fellowship programmes. The Institute will leverage PolyU’s global networks and impact to attract technology companies to the Wuxi High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, organise industry and academic exchange activities, and expand channels for international exchange and collaborations. To facilitate the translation of research achievements, the Institute signed agreements with ten domestic high-tech enterprises in Wuxi, namely Wuxi Hyatech Co., Ltd; Jiangsu Asia-pacific Aviation Technology Co., Ltd; Xiangsheng Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd; Jiangsu Sanlian Bioengineering Co., Ltd; Wuxi International Life Science Innovation Campus; Wuxi Autowell Technology Co., Ltd; Hymson Laser Technology Group Co., Ltd; Tonghe Carbon Materials Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd; Loulan Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd; and GRG Metrology & Test (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. The Institute will serve as a platform to facilitate knowledge transfer and support enterprises in achieving technological advancement by leveraging PolyU’s expertise in innovation and research. Dr Lam Tai-fai, remarked, “By capitalising on its expertise in talent development, academic and research innovations, and global network, PolyU will collaborate with Wuxi’s industries to enhance R&D services, expedite the translation of research outcomes into practical applications, and promote industrial upgrading. By pooling our efforts, we can unlock the powerful synergy between government, industry and academia enabling us to open a new chapter for the I&T development of Jiangsu, Hong Kong and the Nation.” During the visit, the PolyU delegates also introduced to the Wuxi Municipal Government and enterprise representatives the University’s engineering doctorate programmes, research achievements in biomedical engineering through industry-academic-research collaborations, as well as the Institute’s future development and talent development plans. Moving forward, the Institute will continue to join hands with Wuxi’s higher education institutions and enterprises in building an innovation ecosystem that will contribute to the high-quality development of Wuxi, Hong Kong and the Nation.

Young PolyU scientist lauded in MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Assistant Professor Dr Kathy K. LENG from the Department of Applied Physics, has been named by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review as one of the “Innovators Under 35” (TR35) in the Asia Pacific region in 2023. This prestigious recognition highlights Dr Leng’s outstanding achievements and advancements in science and technology innovation. Dr Leng is actively engaged in research focused on discovering new physics in the emerging field of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites. She has developed a set of nanotechnology tools and methods for investigating these materials at the molecular level and harnessing their potential for multifunctional smart device applications. Currently, her team is focusing on the large-scale growth of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskite films and exploring their novel spintronic device applications. She is the first scholar to observe the atomic structure of molecularly thin hybrid perovskites and correlate it to their optoelectronic properties. She discovered that very thin perovskites undergo structural relaxation, resulting in changes to their optical properties, which can be reversibly controlled by light or strain. This breakthrough has enabled her to fabricate the first monolayer perovskite photodetector that converts light to electricity with very high efficiency. The capability to tune the optoelectronic properties of these materials through external stimuli enables applications in intelligent and multifunctional devices. This research outcome will play a significant role in advancing the field of flexible optoelectronics and fundamental physics in the future. Dr Leng said, “Throughout my research journey, I have been inspired and encouraged by my peers and senior colleagues. Some of them have served as my mentor and role model, while others have collaborated with me and provided advice. Being part of this supportive and collaborative research network gives me much inspiration and encouragement. Recognition through impactful publications, grants, and conference presentations also spurs me on to work harder.” Based on her niche area of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites, Dr Leng has recently received several awards in recognition for her outstanding achievements, including the Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) from the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2023. She was also the recipient of a Young Innovative Researcher Award 2023 from PolyU. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU has consistently dedicated itself to nurturing exceptional young scientists, providing ample resources to cultivate a vibrant environment for innovation and technology, and advocating for groundbreaking research. We take great pride in honouring PolyU’s talented scholars as they shine globally through their remarkable scientific research capabilities and impactful contributions.” MIT Technology Review identifies the TR35 annually from diverse technical fields, including biotechnology and medicine, energy and material, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and telecommunications, and intelligent manufacturing. This recognition is given to 35 top-notch young innovators who have demonstrated significant impact, leading capabilities, and ground-breaking achievements in their respective research areas.

PolyU develops first-of-its-kind multimodal robot empowering post-stroke ankle-foot telerehabilitation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved another breakthrough in rehabilitation device development. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is the first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation specifically designed for stroke patients with hemiplegia, which helps improve the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the device enables telerehabilitation for remote management of patients’ rehabilitation progress and allows them to undertake self-help rehabilitation exercises at home. Therapists can remotely monitor the rehabilitation progress of multiple patients. In recent years, Hong Kong has seen around 50,000 new cases of stroke annually, with 85% of patients experiencing varying degrees of impaired physical mobility. Regular, repeated and intensive rehabilitation training is critical for restoring the physical mobility of stroke patients, thereby alleviating post-stroke symptoms such as disability. However, due to overwhelming demand, access to daytime outpatient rehabilitation services in local hospitals and rehabilitation clinics is challenging. Consequently, stroke patients are often unable to undergo timely and routine rehabilitation exercises. Common functional impairments among stroke patients include foot drop and inversion, which significantly disrupt their daily lives. Developed by a research team led by Dr Hu Xiaoling, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is an innovative multimodal wearable robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation that integrates the advantages of exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscles, tactile sensory feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation technology in one system. The device can not only correct foot drop and foot inversion effectively, but also improve the gait of stroke patients. Additionally, it can help improve balance while walking and contribute to rehabilitative neuroplasticity in the long term. Stroke patients with hemiplegia generally have weakened muscle strength and discoordination at their affected lower limb, especially in the foot and ankle. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton can automatically detect patients’ gait events including the standing state, heel strike, heel off and toe off. The multimodal assistance from the device can help a patient stand firm on their affected foot with mechanical support from the exoskeleton and soft pneumatic muscles, learn to balance the plantar pressure and exert propelling force when walking with the vibration tactile feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and improve foot drop with the neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton features a lightweight design weighing about 400g which, together with its sportswear features, makes it more suitable for the hemiplegic patients to wear it unilaterally on their own. This device also has the advantage of low power consumption and can be used continuously for four hours with a 9V rechargeable battery, enabling patients to practice anytime, anywhere – at home, outdoors, or indoors. Other exoskeleton lower-limb robots available on the market, which rely solely on external force to assist patients in walking, they are of very limited value in improving ankle joint and muscle coordination for stroke patients with hemiplegia. These robots are also limited to use in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics due to their high weight and power consumption. As for conventional ankle-foot orthoses, these are prone to causing muscle atrophy and interference to patients regaining voluntary motor control over the ankle of the affected leg. Dr Hu stated, “Combining the research capabilities of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Centre, School of Fashion and Textiles and Department of Computing, the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is a testament to PolyU’s exceptional strength in interdisciplinary research. This research achievement provides stroke patients a better option for lower limb rehabilitation training, incorporating the training into their daily activities. It also enables therapists to provide tele-supervision of the rehabilitation progress of multiple patients. We hope such flexible self-help training can effectively supplement traditional outpatient rehabilitation services, helping stroke patients achieve more efficient rehabilitation progress.” Dr Hu’s research team is collaborating with several local and Mainland hospitals and rehabilitation clinics to conduct clinical studies on the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton. Research studies have confirmed that rehabilitation training for stroke patients using the device is 40% more effective for stroke rehabilitation than applying external mechanical forces alone. Among the 12 patients participating in the clinical studies who completed a 1.5-month training programme consisting of 20 one-and-a-half-hour sessions, ankle dorsiflexion improved from an initial five degrees to 10 degrees without equipment assistance, approaching the normal level of 15 degrees. In addition, more than 90% of the patients successfully corrected their foot inversion. The research team also utilised IoT technology to record patients’ rehabilitation progress via a mobile app. This approach, incorporating functions such as real-time monitoring and progressive evaluation, as well as personalised guidance and reminders, enables patients to effectively engage in rehabilitation training even without the physical presence of a therapist, thereby improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes. The rehabilitation progresses of multiple patients can be matched to each other via the app for fostering mutual support and companionship throughout their training journey. It also enables therapists to provide remote monitoring and supervision on the progress of multiple patients, ensuring that rehabilitation proceeds smoothly. Dr Hu’s research team plans to commercialise the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton next year. In 2021, she co-founded the startup Thecon Technology (HK) Limited, which has been supported by the Incu-Bio Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. Last year, the startup successfully launched a mobile exoneuromusculoskeleton for upper limb rehabilitation, the “Mobilexo Arm”, onto the market. This product has been adopted by a number of local and Mainland hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.

PolyU and Rhein-Koester to set up joint lab on intelligent manufacturing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Rhein-Koester have agreed to launch the "PolyU-Rhein-Koester Joint Laboratory Project on Intelligent Manufacturing" during the signing ceremony of the 2nd Shandong-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Fair. Dr Zheng Pai, Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU and Mr Cui Zhi, the General Manager of Rhein-Koester, attended the signing ceremony as representatives. PolyU is an innovative, world-class university that has excelled in professional education and applied research, consistently striving to promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer. Rhein-Koester is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to digital factory, technology transfer, and cultivating professional technical talents in the field of intelligent manufacturing in China and Germany. Through the joint laboratory, both parties will leverage their expertise and advantages to focus on technological research and development in digitalised intelligent production and human-machine collaborative manufacturing systems. They will also establish a training centre and jointly develop a talent cultivation system targeting the future industry, aiming to achieve a deep integration of industry and education.  

PolyU and Hefei Luyang People’s Government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government have reached an agreement to jointly establish the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute), with the aim of fostering in-depth and effective collaboration in industry, academia and research and cultivating talents. The establishment of the Research Institute contributes to enhancing and facilitating research development, academic exchange, nurturing of talent and knowledge transfer in various fields, including biomedical and sensing precision technology, and aerospace information. By leveraging the research and academic excellence of PolyU, these collaborations support the development of a top-notch innovation platform in Hefei. Hefei is one of the national core areas for comprehensive technological innovation development. It has the first batch of national laboratories and is one of the cities with the most large-scale scientific facilities in the Mainland. The cooperation will also focus on creating a sustainable incubator for start-ups, driving innovation in emerging industries, developing key core technologies, and promoting their application based on the needs of Hefei’s economic development. The agreement was signed in Heifei city on 25 October in Hefei city by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHI Kun, Executive Vice-Head of the Luyang District Government. The signing was witnessed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of PolyU; Prof. NI Yiqing, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) of PolyU; Mr GAO Qiang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Luyang District Committee; Mr ZHU Huajun, Director of the Luyang District Party Committee Office; and Mr SHEN Bin, Director of the Administrative Committee of Luyang Economic and Development Zone. Prof. Christopher Chao, said, “PolyU is a research-oriented university known for its innovation and unique strengths in fundamental research and technology innovation. By partnering with Hefei to establish the Research Institute, we will actively engage in diverse projects encompassing technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. Our aim is to make valuable contributions to the advancement of cutting-edge industries in the country, while staying at the forefront of global technology.” Mr Gao Qiang, said, “PolyU is a world-renowned comprehensive research university, consistently ranking among the top 100 in global university rankings for its educational and research excellence. Luyang District serves as an important carrier for Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and has been included in the top 100 regions in terms of comprehensive strength for five consecutive terms. The successful establishment of the Research Institute reflects the strategic vision of both parties and will undoubtedly create a bright development prospect in the future. It will also help Luyang to reach to new heights in technology.” During this trip, the delegation also visited local universities and research institutes, as well as relevant industrial chain enterprises in Luyang District, to conduct in-depth exchanges and explore opportunities for university, industry, and government collaboration.