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PolyU wins record-breaking number of awards at Geneva Inventions Expo and snatches highest number of prestigious Grand/Special Prizes among HK delegations

Impactful innovations from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have won a record-breaking number of accolades at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), widely regarded as among the most important annual global events devoted exclusively to inventions. In particular, 28 PolyU innovations garnered 31 prizes – the highest number of prizes PolyU teams have ever received at this event. They include 3 Grand/Special Prizes, 5 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 12 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals and 6 Bronze Medals. In fact, PolyU teams won the highest number of the prestigious Grand/Special Prizes among Hong Kong delegations at the Expo. The PolyU inventions which earned the Grand/Special Prizes include a highly efficacious myopia control spectacle lens, a long-acting anti-obesity and insulin-sensitising drug, and a lightweight surveillance camera with ultrawide vision for the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. PolyU’s innovations garnered 31 prizes at the 48th Geneva Inventions Expo, alongside the achievements of other Hong Kong delegations, cementing Hong Kong’s reputation as a key innovation and technology hub. The award-winning innovations by PolyU improve people’s lives and expand humankind’s horizons – with applications not only here on Earth, but also in space. In addition, these innovations help the world adapt to climate change and prepare for future pandemics, as well as safeguard people’s health and well-being. Among the awarded innovations, 12 are driven by PolyU start-ups, including those led by PolyU scholars – a testament of the University’s start-up ecosystem that has supported over 7,600 PolyU academics, researchers, alumni and students in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The exceptional performance of PolyU teams at the Geneva Inventions Expo underscores the University’s aspiration to harness its excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to drive PolyImpact – inventions and innovations by the PolyU community that create long-lasting, real-world impact. The Geneva Inventions Expo this year attracted about 1,000 inventions from about 40 countries and regions. To learn more about PolyU’s impactful innovations showcased in the Expo, please refer to the Appendix and the website of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/kteo/Knowledge-Transfer/Innovations-and-Technologies/Award-winning-Innovations/Geneva2023/. Project Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) Novel High Efficacy Nano Multi-ring Defocus Incorporated Spectacle Lens for Myopia Control Prof. Benny CHEUNG Chi-fai Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology Prof. TO Chi-ho Visiting Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry, School of Optometry Mr Jackson LEUNG Tze-man Co-founder, Vision Science & Technology Co Ltd (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Prize of the State of Geneva Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury ABarginase: First-in-class Drug for Treatment of Multiple Obesity-related Metabolic Disease Prof. Thomas LEUNG Yun-chung Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Alisa SHUM Sau-wun Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Prize of the International Federation of Inventors' Association – IFIA Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Mars Landing Surveillance Camera for Tianwen-1 Mars Soft Landing Mission Prof. YUNG Kai-leung Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU Prize of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Romania Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury   AI-Assisted Design of Functional Clothing for Scoliosis Treatment Dr Joanne YIP Yiu-wan Associate Dean and Associate Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury MicroGlue: Microbial-derived Technology to Remove Microplastic Pollutants Dr CHUA Song-lin Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Dr LIU Yang GBA Startup Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury A Novel Wireless Self-adaptive Hydropower Harvesting System for Applications in Urban Water Supply Pipelines Prof. YANG Hongxing Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Gold Medal Advanced Real-time Prediction and Early Warning System for the Spread of Emerging Pathogens Prof. John SHI Wenzhong Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Urban Informatics, Chair Professor in GISci and Remote Sensing, Director, PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian), Director, Smart Cities Research Institute, Academician, International Eurasian Academy of Sciences, Fellow, Academy of Social Sciences (UK) Gold Medal A Sport-Specific Soft Manikin System for Sports Bra Design Dr YICK Kit-lun Associate Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Gold Medal Revolutionary Mussel-inspired Polyester for Next Generation Sportswear and Functional Clothing Prof. John XIN Haozhong Lee Family Professor in Fashion & Textiles, Chair Professor of Textile Chemistry, School of Fashion and Textiles Gold Medal Safe and Eco-friendly Antimicrobial Materials with High Efficiency Prof. TAO Xiaoming Director, Research Centre of Smart Wearable Technology, Vincent and Lily Woo Endowed Professorship in Textiles Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, School of Fashion and Textiles Dr ZHANG Ziheng Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Fashion and Textiles, CEO, Ecolar Technology Limited (a PolyU Academic-led start-up) Gold Medal Advanced Intelligent System for Radiation-free Scoliosis and Posture Evaluation Mr Jackal XU Zhenda PhD Student, Department of Computing, Founder, Zero Dynamic Medical Technology Company Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Prof. GUO Song Professor, Department of Computing, Chief Scientist, Zero Dynamic Medical Technology Company Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Gold Medal Novel AI Automated Histological System for Carcinoma Detection Dr Martin YEUNG Ho Yin Research Assistant Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Co-Founder, Anatomic Technologies Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal A Portable Non-invasive and Ultrasensitive Saliva Glucose Sensor Prof. YAN Feng ADoRI-IWEAR & Chair Professor of Organic Electronics, Department of Applied Physics Gold Medal Gold-LAMP: A Portable Ultra-fast Nucleic Acid Testing System Prof. YIP Shea-ping Chair Professor and Head, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Co-Founder, Pocnat Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Dr Thomas LEE Ming-hung Associate Professor and Associate Head (Academic), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Co-Founder, Pocnat Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Gold Medal High-throughput Microfluidic Platform for CTCs Detection in Cancer Precision Diagnostics Prof. YANG Mo Associate Head (Research) and Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering Gold Medal Long-lasting Self-disinfecting Materials Technology Dr Chris LO Kwan-yu Associate Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, Co-Founder, Immune Materials Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Prof. KAN Chi-wai Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, Co-Founder, Immune Materials Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Gold Medal Durable, High-Selectivity, and Energy Efficient CO2Electroreduction System Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping Head, Director of UMF, Associate Director of PRI, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, Department of Applied Physics Gold Medal One-Stop Solution with AI Visual Object Recognition for 3D Model Generation Dr LI Yaxin Postdoc Fellow, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, CEO, Micro Dimension Limited (a PolyU startup) Prof. CHEN Wu Head and Professor, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics Silver Medal PolyPi: Edge-AI Empowered Robot for Autonomous In-pipe Inspection Prof. CAO Jiannong Dean of Graduate School, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Associate Director of University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics (UBDA) Silver Medal BioCharttery: A Climate-smart and Carbon-negative Growing Material Prof. Daniel TSANG Chiu-wa Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Co-Founder, BioCharttery Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Dr HE Mingjing Research Associate, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Co-Founder, BioCharttery Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Silver Medal System for Evaluation and Triage for Healthy Knee Prof. Amy FU Siu-ngor Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Assoc. Head (RS) & Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Prof. CHEN Changwen Chair Professor of Visual Computing, Department of Computing Silver Medal All-in-one Luminescence-based Point-of-care Testing Device for Virus Diagnosis Prof. HAO Jianhua Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Department of Applied Physics Silver Medal Mutual Cognitive Human-robot Collaborative Manufacturing System Dr ZHENG Pai Assistant Professor, Endowed Young Scholar in Smart Robotics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Co-founder, CobotAI Limited (a PolyU Academic-led start-up) Bronze Medal Novel Smart Precast Porous Road System Against Flooding Prof. WANG Yuhong Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Bronze Medal The Fleming Ankle – Lightweight and Wearable Exoskeleton for Mobility Enhancement Dr Kelvin HEUNG Ho-lam Research Assistant Professor, Department of Building and Real Estate, Co-Founder & CTO, Fleming MedLab Limited (a PolyU Academic-led startup) Bronze Medal HiVE: Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment Dr Jacky CHUNG Kin-hung Senior Engineering Manager (Building Services, Construction & Safety), Industrial Centre Dr Kevin WONG Ka-fai Senior Engineering Manager (Building Services, Construction & Safety), Industrial Centre Bronze Medal Modular Rail Particle Damper for Noise and Vibration Reduction in Railways Prof. NI Yi-qing Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) Dr AO Wai-kei Research Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Bronze Medal Food Waste-derived 3D Printing Material Prof. WONG Ka-hing Director, Research Institute for Future Food, Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition Prof. Daniel TSANG Chiu-wa Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Core Member, Research Institute for Future Food Bronze Medal  

PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 presents forum to promote collaboration for a secure Web3 ecosystem

The PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 organised the “Better Web3 Forum” themed “Blockchain-powered Web3 Ecosystem Through Industry-Academic Collaboration” on 22 April at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The Forum brought together renowned scholars, industry practitioners and Web3 enthusiasts to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with building a decentralised web that is secure, private and regulated, emphasising the importance of industry-academia collaboration. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered the opening remarks and said, “As evidenced by our recent recognition by CoinDesk as the leading university in Blockchain 2022, PolyU has been a pioneering institution in blockchain research. The PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 is the first research lab in Hong Kong to focus on the intersection of law and Web3. We believe academia-industry collaboration provides a win-win model for accelerating technology development and creating impactful innovations.” Leaders from industry and academia were invited to deliver keynote speeches. The speakers included Dr XIAO Feng of HashKey Group, Prof. Robert DENG of Singapore Management University and Prof. Guofei GU of Texas A&M University. Their presentations covered Web3’s impact on society, cryptography, secure computation, and strategies to ensure security and privacy. As highlighted by the Joint Lab Director Prof. Allen AU Man-ho and Co-director Dr Daniel LUO Xiapu, both also from PolyU’s Department of Computing, the Joint Lab is exploring research into and development of technological solutions, as well as relevant legal and industry standards. There were two stimulating panel discussions. The first, “The Future of Virtual Asset and its Regulatory Landscape”, was moderated by the Joint Lab Co-director Mr Paul LI, joined by Mr Raymond CHAN from Metaverse Securities, Ms Julia CHARLTON from Charltons Law, Mr Lawrence CHU from Venture Smart Financial Holdings, Mr Kavi HARILELA from Payment Asia and Mr Robert LUI from Deloitte China. The other discussion, “Collaborating Across Industry and Academia for Web3”, was moderated by Dr Daniel Luo Xiapu, joined by Prof. Robert Deng, Prof. Guofei Gu, Mr Leo LI from Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, Prof. Haitian LU from PolyU and Mr Victor YIM from Cyberport. The success of the “Better Web3 Forum” marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and industry in advancing the development of Web3 technologies, and providing a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for future development. PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 will continue its research and look forward to future collaborative initiatives to further promote the adoption and advancement of Web3 technologies with a view to providing a better environment for all. About PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 The PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3 aims to be the world-leading research lab in Hong Kong focused on the intersection of law and Web3, encompassing the research and development of technological solutions and the exploration of relevant legal and industry standards. The Joint Lab will promote the safety, security and protection of privacy in the areas of Web3 and blockchain, to provide regulators and other stakeholders with essential tools to enhance safeguards for the investment community and the general public, and provide a solid foundation for a better Web3 ecosystem. For more information about the Joint Lab, please visit https://lawandweb3.comp.polyu.edu.hk/.

PolyU research brings innovative solutions to promote new energy transportation and enhance driving safety

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) applies advanced technologies to drive the development of smart cities and smart mobility and bring innovative solutions to society. In the latest batch of Smart Traffic Fund approved projects, three PolyU projects have received total funding of approximately HK$8.42 million. One of the recently-funded projects focuses on designing software for optimising the planning and scheduling of new energy buses to build a more environmentally friendly travel experience and promote the development of new energy public transport. The other two projects relate to the development of a network connected advanced driver assistance system that provides predictive warnings and driving advice for improved driver safety, and to a human-machine co-operative driving system that monitors driving conditions and enhances driving safety with the real-time estimation of driving risks. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “The Smart Traffic Fund has been instrumental in powering innovation in long-term transportation development. These funded projects help PolyU realise its mission of creating positive impact in society and showcases our committed efforts to addressing social needs through the application of advanced technologies. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to be at the forefront of innovative research in the transportation industry.” Since the HKSAR Government launched the Smart Traffic Fund in November 2021, a total of 36 projects have been funded, of which 14 are PolyU led projects, involving approved funding of approximately HK$45.9 million. With continuous contributions, PolyU has been leading in funding achievements. Previously-funded PolyU projects have employed various advanced technologies to predict and assist in the management of different traffic conditions, such as using artificial intelligence to predict vacant parking spaces, deep learning models to predict traffic data, 3D geo-spatial models for driving simulation safety assessment and using intelligent automation technology to assess driver behaviour and psychological status. Details of the three recently-funded projects: Principal Investigator Project Title Project Summary Dr Weihua GU, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering Development of Software for Optimising the Planning and Scheduling of New Energy Buses The project aims to develop a software tool to optimise the planning and scheduling of new energy buses on different routes. Dr Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Development of a Personalised and Connected Advanced Driver Assistance System This project aims to develop a personalised and connected advanced driver assistance system, which targets both driving habits of individual drivers and motion prediction of surrounding vehicles so as to improve driving safety by providing predictive warnings and driving advice. Dr Chao HUANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Designing of an Intelligent Human-machine Cooperative Driving System This project aims to develop a human-machine cooperative driving system to enhance driving safety. Monitoring of drivers’ driving status and real-time estimation of driving risks will be included in the system.    

AiDLab Innovation in Design Summit 2023: AI & Design for Better Lifestyle and Fashion Future

The Innovation in Design Summit held on 19 April featured 9 leading voices of AI and design, inspiring a full house of attendees by introducing cutting-edge innovations within the themes of Smart Human-Centred Design for Wellbeing, Fashion Innovation with AI Applications, and AI for Better Lifestyle. The Summit was kicked off by Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU); Prof. Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre and Advisory Board Member of AiDLab; Ms Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC; and Prof. Calvin Wong, Cheng Yik Hung Professor in Fashion, School of Fashion and Textiles of PolyU and CEO of AiDLab. More details on AI & Design technologies are available at: https://www.aidlab.hk/

PolyU connects young people with technology to promote anti-drug education under the Beat Drugs Fund

Technology profoundly connects young people to new knowledge, information and social communications. In designing its anti-drug programme, researchers in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have integrated creative and entertaining elements of technology into campaigns aimed at young people. In promoting the awareness about the harmful effects of drugs on young people, two PolyU projects have received support from the Beat Drugs Fund. The projects feature mini-film package production and parent-child workshops that adopt current technologies including virtual reality (VR) and interactive robots to engage young people and raise their awareness about drugs. These two community-based projects aim to encourage the participation of multiple stakeholders, including parents, teachers, social workers, counsellors and healthcare professionals, to comprehensively explore with young people effective approaches to combating the temptation of drugs. The project led by Prof. Hector TSANG Wing-hong, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Head and Chair Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has initiated a VR-enabled mini-film package in order to effectively communicate anti-drug messages to young people. Prof. Tsang said, “Edutainment in health communication effectively supports strategies used by rehabilitation professionals to convey messages in substance abuse rehabilitation, not only in promoting community re-integration for those with substance abuse experience but also proactively combating the temptation of drug use among young people, in particular those drugs commonly misused including marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD). The use of innovative technology including VR in providing simulated experiences of side-effects of drug abuse among the youngsters can raise their anti-drug awareness.” The project led by Dr Katherine LAM Ka-wai, Research Assistant Professor of School of Nursing, establishes a community network by connecting nursing students with youngsters and their parents with interactive robot-assisted workshops on anti-drug awareness. Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation, said, “PolyU has always been committed to creating innovations that benefit society. To help effectively promote an anti-drug message, the two funded projects fully consider the culture and preferences of young people while providing stakeholders with sustainable programmes, which are of great significance.” Under the Beat Drugs Fund, the Regular Funding Scheme aims to support different sectors in society to propose further anti-drug projects, such as the organisation of preventive education and publicity programmes targeting the general public or specific groups; the provision of drug treatment and rehabilitation services to people with drug problems; and the conduct of research on drug abuse problems. Appendix: PolyU-led projects awarded the Beat Drugs Fund

PolyU Scholar Shares Tactics for Research Competitions on THE Campus

Research competitions can motivate, encourage and inspire students, but we must align their expectations and encourage teamwork throughout the project. Dr Zheng Pai, Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) shares his insights with THE Campus on leading a research team for the aforementioned successful research project “Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System” comprised undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dr Zheng is also the principal investigator of the Research Group of AI for Industrial Digital Servitisation at PolyU.  “Research project competitions are valuable teamwork exercises that help develop students’ scientific and creative mindsets – in addition to the encouragement they will glean from being merited and recognised,” said Dr Zheng in THE Campus report.  The team won a number of local and international Information and Communication Technology (ICT) awards for their work to improve collaboration between people and robots.  Times Higher Education (THE) provides source of data, insight and expertise on higher education worldwide. It creates university rankings to assess university performance on the global stage and to provide a resource for readers to understand the different missions and successes of higher education institutions. For more: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/tactics-leading-and-engaging-students-research-competitions

Mobile EEG To Facilitate Neuroscience Research in PolyU

Mobile electroencephalography (EEG) is installed by University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for researchers to explore new frontiers in brain function and behaviour.  Representing the latest technology for neuroscience research, mobile EEG is a wireless system for EEG measurement to study real-time brain activity. The device allows remote data collection, enabling applications outside a laboratory setting. It has been applied to study memory, emotion and movement in real-world settings.  Compared to conventional wired EEG, this mobile system fits for experiments which involve dynamic motions such as research on locomotion and physical exercise. Versatility of mobile EEG significantly supports researchers for a wider scope of study and experiment.  Prof Marco Pang, Director of UBSN and Professor in Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, said, “We were always able to study all the hot topics such as sleep, memory, attention and emotion. And now, mobile EEG setups enable researcher to study neural activities with subjects performing physical activities or daily tasks in a more natural context.” For neuroscience research, this mobile device has facilitated Event-Related Potentials (ERP) analysis on short segments of EEG data that are time-locked to particular events of experimental interests. Respectively, mobile EEG enables tracking of lifestyle factors that are associated with rates of brain activity. Linguistic research has applied EEG for investigation on the process of speech in the brain, particularly the relationship between brain signals and speech features. Mobile device enables experiments outside the laboratory for subjects in different locations.  Prof Gang Peng, Professor in Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, said, “Mobile EEG plays a role for its flexibility and mobility for reaching more diversified subjects, particularly for remote on-site experiments in linguistic fieldworks.” For instance, different tone systems are hypothesized to influence the brain process of pitch. Some minority languages have as many as five level tones. But native subjects of specific minority languages have to conduct the experiments in remote villages, and for such on-site settings, mobile EEG particularly facilitates the research.  Practically, mobile EEG benefits real-life applications in rehabilitation research. Prof Thomas Choi, Professor in School of Nursing, said, “For rehabilitation  activities involving movements, the device has to move with the user.” For example, in spinal cord injury therapy, mobile EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) enables capture of movement intentions to drive assistive lower limb exoskeletons when a patient practises walking. For rehabilitation, mobile EEG-based facilities BCI research for the evaluation of brain activity and interaction with in real-time interactive environment. The EEG signals acquired using BCI are studied for mental status and movement intention. BCI-based therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation targeting motor, cognitive and affect functions has shown promising results in research.  Mobile EEG is available in PolyU to apply for various research fields such as for mechanisms underlying cognitive process and body motion, EEG measurement outside laboratory and sport neuroscience.

PolyU’s new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab joins Hai Robotics to introduce smart delivery system for fostering co-creation and innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been playing a pioneering role in driving innovation and technology (I&T) and knowledge transfer in Hong Kong, nurturing numerous I&T talents and continuously enhancing its curriculum and research facilities, in order to empower students for the Industry 4.0 era. Among these accomplishments, PolyU has fostered the development of unicorn start-up Hai Robotics, which has successfully commercialised its scientific research for global markets with its world-leading autonomous case-handling robotic system. Joining hands with Hai Robotics, PolyU today officially launched the cutting-edge Smart Delivery System in its new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) at the University’s Industrial Centre. The Smart Delivery System aims to strengthen PolyU’s robotics education and encourage co-creation and innovation among students and researchers. Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU’s Executive Vice President, said, “PolyU places a strong emphasis on whole-person education as well as innovation and entrepreneurship, in order to nurture talents who meet the needs of society. Over the years, PolyU has been strengthening its PolyVentures start-up ecosystem, supporting PolyU academics, researchers, alumni and students in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The University has also provided all-round support to start-ups at different stages of their development, helping them to translate and commercialise their research outputs for the benefit of society. The collaboration between PolyU and Hai Robotics, supported by the company’s warehouse automation solutions, will not only accelerate the University’s future R&D but also empower students to acquire knowledge about the application of novel smart technologies.” The AIR Lab is an innovative teaching and research platform, with a total area of 1,800 square metres. It is equipped with advanced robotic arms, robots, automatic guided vehicles, drones, as well as machine learning kits related to AI robotics and Industry 4.0. The Laboratory allows educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics, including application development, component fabrication, control system design, autonomous system development, and intelligent and AI algorithm design for robots. The Smart Delivery System comprises three components: Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robot system, PolyU’s Autonomous Mobile Robots, and an enterprise resource planning software system. It will support researchers in developing various collaborative robot application technologies, and offer a communal logistics service for the Lab’s users, making the venue a living laboratory. The AIR Lab currently houses 15 PolyU project teams that focus on the use of AI and robotic technologies in areas such as healthcare, rehabilitation, sports technology, engineering, energy, computing, and sustainability. Hai Robotics was founded in 2016 by two graduates of the PolyU Department of Electronic and Information Engineering – Mr Richie CHEN, a 2012 graduate, and Mr Bing FANG, who graduated in 2014. The start-up has grown rapidly by capitalising on the manufacturing advantages of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the opportunities of the Mainland China market. It soon expanded its global presence, with a valuation that has now reached around US$2 billion. Mr Fang returned to his alma mater today to share his experiences and encourage young people to gain a sound understanding of the environment and the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the GBA in order for them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

PolyU x Qianhai Authority x SIA Form Strategic Collaborative Framework to Promote Smart Sensor Technology & Research Development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined forces with the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority) and the Sensors and IoT Industry Association (SIA) to reach a strategic collaborative framework agreement for advanced research development on smart sensor technology and related fields. This collaboration also promotes innovation transfer and development of top-notch intelligent sensor technology and talent hub. The strategic collaborative framework agreement was signed by representatives of PolyU, Qianhai Authority and SIA in Qianhai Cooperation Zone on March 31. The three entities will leverage each other's expertise and speciality in academia, research, industry and execution to form a long-term partnership to promote the development of world-class smart sensor industry in Qianhai. PolyU endeavors excellence in research and education, with strong disciplines in engineering, science, computing, design and others. It also has cross disciplinary strength in sensor and Internet of Thing (IoT) research. Impactful research has practically transformed in various fields such as healthcare, environmental protection, transportation and smart manufacturing, supported by interdisciplinary efforts.  With this strategic collaboration, PolyU is committed to accelerate the development of smart sensor industry in Qianhai. This also helps establish a world-class industry-academia-research-application model and encourages international academic exchanges.  Prior to the signing of this collaborative agreement, Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU led a delegation of PolyU scholars to visit the Qianhai Authority and to meet some Qianhai technological enterprises for discussion on industry-academia collaboration.  

PolyU and COMAC co-organise International Science and Technology Innovation Week and collaborate on advancing aviation research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) co-organised for the first time an international innovation week and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing civil aviation technology. With the theme of “Digital Aircraft: Industry Empowerment,” the 6th COMAC International Science and Technology Innovation Week was co-organised by COMAC, PolyU and Tongji University and held in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province to promote collaboration on innovations. Over 500 experts and scholars from government, academia, research institutions and industry attended the week-long event that ended today. They exchanged ideas on basic as well as frontier science and technology in areas such as aviation Big Data, artificial intelligence and advanced materials. PolyU and COMAC also signed an MoU to promote technological innovation in civil aviation. Both sides will collaborate on research, talent development and knowledge transfer in the areas of artificial intelligence, Big Data and new materials. The MoU was signed by Prof Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr TAN Wangeng, Director and Deputy Party Secretary of COMAC. Prof Christopher Chao said, “This collaboration aims to inject new impetus into the development of civil aviation and related fields, while jointly promoting technological innovation and industrial development. PolyU will join hands with COMAC to create more opportunities for exchange between academia and industry.” Mr HE Dongfeng, Chairman and Party Secretary of COMAC, said at the event, “Promoting an ecosystem to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions is important for the development needs of commercial airliners and is demanded by technological trends. In light of the new wave of technological revolution, we need to establish an innovation chain for airliner development supported by talents, innovation, and partnerships between industry and academia.” At the event, leading PolyU scholars met with industry professionals and shared their insights on cutting-edge technologies and development trends in civil aviation. Among them were Prof H.C. MAN, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering; Prof Chih-Yung WEN, Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering; and Prof CAO Jiannong, Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing. Prof Wen also delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the event. COMAC, headquartered in Shanghai, is engaged in the research, manufacturing and flight testing of civil aircraft and related products, with the mission of implementing large-scale passenger aircraft programmes and realising the industrialisation of civil aircraft in China. PolyU’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering is ranked number 1 in Hong Kong by ShanghaiRanking. It plays a crucial role in bridging research and industrial needs in the aviation and aeronautics field. In addition, the Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC) is an applied research centre founded by PolyU and Boeing Company. It aims to develop new or improved aviation service technologies applicable to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry and beyond.