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University Grants Committee members visit PolyU

A University Grants Committee (UGC) delegation visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 12 September 2024, where they met with university management, faculty members and students to gain valuable insights into the University’s latest developments. Mr Tim Lui, Chairman of UGC, was accompanied by 24 UGC members and Secretariat staff. They received a warm welcome from Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education); Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); and Mr Kar-kan LING, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities). The UGC delegates embarked on a guided campus tour, during which they visited the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) at the University’s Industrial Centre; the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (CNERC-Rail); and the Space Resources Laboratory at the Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration (RCDSE). During the visit, PolyU researchers and faculty members also showcased the University’s cutting-edge teaching and research facilities, as well as highlighting impactful research projects. Prof. Xiaoming TAO, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology of the School of Fashion and Textiles, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems introduced her research project “Wearable System with Alternating Cooling and Heating for Sport Recovery and Safe and Eco-friendly Antimicrobial Materials with High Efficiency”. Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, and Co-founder of GOOD Vision Technologies Company Limited/Wellsees Technologies Company Limited introduced his team’s award-winning research project “K-Shape”, the world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer. Dr WAI Hon-wah, Director of the Industrial Centre introduced AIR Lab’s teaching and research facilities, and the fencing robot and robotic exoskeleton developed by PolyU scholars. Prof. Yi-qing NI, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of CNERC-Rail shared details of two CNERC-Rail research projects on aerodynamic noise resistance control for Maglev trains and metro rail noise control. At RCDSE’s Space Resources Laboratory, 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 RCDSE, shed light on the lunar “Surface Sampling and Packing System”. This system supported the Nation in completing its first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e 5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission. The custom-built lunar regolith storage and analyser has also been introduced. 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, explained how his team utilised planetary mapping and remote sensing techniques to support landing site analysis and selection for the Nation’s lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars. He also introduced the ongoing research project “Finding Water in Lunar Soil”, which aims to analyse the water content and sources in the lunar soil samples. The findings will shed insights into the formation of soil on the lunar surface and lunar water resources induced by solar wind implantation. The UGC members also engaged in face-to-face dialogue sessions with more than 40 faculty members and nearly 50 undergraduate, master’s and PhD students from different faculties, schools and departments. These interactions provided them valuable insights into PolyU’s laudable teaching and research achievements, as well as its dynamic student community and vibrant learning environment.   Prof. Xiaoming Tao introduced her research project “Wearable System with Alternating Cooling and Heating for Sport Recovery and Safe and Eco-friendly Antimicrobial Mate-rials with High Efficiency”. Prof. Kee Chea-su introduced his team’s award-winning research project “K-Shape”, the world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer. Dr Wai Hon-wah introduced AIR Lab’s teaching and research facilities, and the fencing robot and robotic exoskeleton developed by PolyU scholars. Prof. Yi-qing Ni shared details of two CNERC-Rail research projects with the delegation: aerodynamic noise resistance control for Maglev trains and metro rail noise control. Prof. Yung Kai-leung shed light on the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, and the lunar soil storage and sample analyser. Prof. WU Bo explained how his team utilised planetary mapping and remote sensing techniques to support landing site analysis and selection for the Nation’s lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars, and introduced the ongoing research project “Finding Water in Lunar Soil”.

PolyU scientist awarded 2024 Falling Walls Winner for energy-efficient innovations in sensory AI systems

Prof Yang CHAI, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been bestowed as the top ten winners of the prestigious Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs Award. This is a recognition of his groundbreaking research on sensory artificial intelligence (AI), which has paved the way for more energy-efficient, low-latency, and memory-optimised systems, enhancing for diverse applications such as mobile devices, IoT sensors and edge computing. Prof CHAI has been named the 2024 Falling Walls Winner in the Engineering & Technology category for “Breaking the Wall of Efficient Sensory AI Systems”. He has developed novel hardware architectures and optimisation techniques, enabling the deployment of advanced sensory AI systems in mobile devices, IoT sensors, and edge computing, subsequently transforming applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. Overcoming crucial barriers in power consumption, latency and memory within sensory AI systems, Prof CHAI’s innovations unleash the potential of sensory AI across diverse industries and domains. Furthermore, the in-sensor computing strategy has sparked progress in improving decision-making and situational awareness, strengthening privacy and security, and transforming intelligent automation.

Inauguration of PolyU Endowed Professorships and Endowed Young Scholars to celebrate strong town-and-gown partnerships for advancing innovative research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held “The Fifth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships cum The Second Inauguration of Endowed Young Scholars” at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus yesterday. It was an occasion to honour distinguished scholars for their remarkable academic and research achievements, and to pay tribute to the University’s philanthropic partners for their support. The event marked the inauguration of five new Endowed Professorships, four successive Endowed Professorships, five new Endowed Young Scholar positions and one successive Endowed Young Scholar position. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked that the Endowed Professorship Scheme and the Endowed Young Scholars Scheme were hallmarks of PolyU’s commitment to “Partnership for Impact”, exemplifying the dynamic collaboration between the University and philanthropists, united in the quest for knowledge and pioneering research to benefit society. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all donors and benefactors, and congratulated the endowed professors and young scholars. He said that he was proud to see that the Schemes had developed by leaps and bounds, and that the diversity of research topics had expanded to encompass many new critical domains for addressing evolving societal needs. With the continuous support of donors, scholars and the wider community, he is confident that PolyU will reach even greater heights in advancing cutting-edge research for the benefit of Hong Kong, our Nation and the world. PolyU established the Endowed Professorship Scheme in 2012 to propel research excellence by attracting and retaining top scholars, and engaging the support of the community. Recognising the importance of nurturing promising early-career academics, the University further launched the Endowed Young Scholars Scheme in 2021. These Schemes have provided the endowed professors and young scholars with extra resources to facilitate them in embarking on innovative projects with societal impact. To date, PolyU has established a total of 39 Endowed Professorships, two Named Professorships and ten Endowed Young Scholar positions. The newly conferred Endowed Professorships and Endowed Young Scholars are listed below.   Endowed Professorships Appointees Sin Wai Kin Foundation Endowed Professorship in Humanities and Technology LI Ping Limin Endowed Professorship in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion Erin CHO Kuok Group Endowed Professorship in Mathematical Science YANG Tong Kuok Group Endowed Professorship in Nature-Inspired Engineering WANG Zuankai Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professorship in Renewable Energy LI Gang   Successive Endowed Professorships Appointees Henry G. Leong Endowed Professorship in Elderly Vision Health HE Mingguang Angel S.P. Chan Lau Endowed Professorship in Health and Longevity Janelle YORKE Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Endowed Professorship in Rehabilitation Sciences Marco PANG Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Smart and Sustainable Energy WANG Liqiu   Endowed Young Scholars Appointees Kuok Group Endowed Young Scholar in Aging and Neuroimaging HSU Chun Liang Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ZHAO Xin Kuok Group Endowed Young Scholar in Child and Adolescent Health Eva HO Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Colour and Imaging Science Tommy WEI Wong Tit Shing Endowed Young Scholar in Smart Robotics ZHENG Pai   SuccessiveEndowed Young Scholars Appointees Thetos Foundation Endowed Young Scholar in Social Services Crystal KWAN   To learn more about PolyU Endowed Professorship Scheme and Endowed Young Scholars Scheme, please refer to the Schemes’ website.

PolyU Showcased “Surface Sampling and Packing System" and other innovations at the 3rd Jiangsu Industry-University-Research Exchange Conference

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) delegation attended the "3rd Jiangsu Industry-University-Research Cooperation Conference" in Nanjing, Jiangsu, on September 11th. Organized by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology and hosted by the Jiangsu Productivity Promotion Center, the conference is an annual high-level global event for technological innovation cooperation and technology matching.   Among the 158 domestic and international universities and institutions participating in the conference, PolyU as the only representative of universities from Hong Kong, showcased scientific research achievements through prototypes, videos, and display boards in an dedicated pavilion, including the "Mars Landing Surveillance Camera" installed on China's first Mars exploration mission "Tianwen-1," the "Liverscan" Portable Non-Invasive System for accurate detection of liver fibrosis and steatosis, and the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens for controlling the progression of myopia (or short-sightedness), effectively enhancing the university's social impact.   The “Surface Sampling and Packing System" developed by the PolyU team was selected to be showcased in the key scientific and technological achievements exhibition area at the conference. Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, introduced this device to Mr. Xin Changxing, Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee. This device played a crucial role in enabling the Cheng’e-6 mission to accomplish the historic first-ever sampling of the lunar far side's regolith.   PolyU also co-organized the "Technology Briefings – Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Session" held on 12th September. The delegation then visited the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), Jiangyin High-Tech Zone, and Changshu High-Tech Zone, and presented more than 10 research projects covering fields such as intelligent equipment, new energy, and artificial intelligence etc. They engaged in in-depth exchanges with industrial parks and enterprises to explore cooperation opportunities.

Inauguration of the PolyU-Wenzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute

Chinese version only

PolyU and University of Waterloo partner to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology for advanced applications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has teamed up with the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at the University of Waterloo (UW), Canada’s largest nanotechnology institute, to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN). This Centre will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research, advancing fundamental knowledge of nanotechnology and addressing societal challenges. The RCNN aims to enhance nano research, foster collaborative research for cutting-edge applications and promote knowledge transfer between the two institutions. By leveraging the strengths and resources of PolyU and UW, this international strategic partnership is set to make impactful contributions towards tackling global challenges across various domains, including functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, and biomedical technologies. The Centre’s launch ceremony was held alongside the Forum on Nano Research for Innovation at the PolyU campus on 3 September. The event attracted the participation of over 80 scholars, researchers and industry professionals. The ceremony to celebrate the official establishment of the Centre was officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Jianhua HAO, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of the RCNN; Prof. Raymond Wai-yeung WONG, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Prof. Daniel S.P. LAU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of the Research and Innovation Office; and Prof. Sushanta MITRA, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering of UW. In his welcome address at the launch ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao emphasised the significant impact of nano research in its connection to various fields of science and engineering. The partnership between PolyU and UW marks a major milestone in their shared pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation. The RCNN serves as a unique research platform and facility that harnesses international research expertise to develop novel approaches and technologies in nanoscience for diverse applications, ultimately enhancing human life. Prof. Jianhua Hao explained that in the face of the rapid development of nanotechnology, the RCNN is committed to strengthening its research efforts and addressing challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The Centre seeks sustainable funding to propel advanced applications and foster knowledge exchange between academia and industry. By leveraging publications in respected journals, the RCNN also aims to build up an international reputation and global standing in the field. Prof. Sushanta Mitra highlighted the fact that the application of nanotechnology not only enhances efficiency, strength and cost-effectiveness but also creates new development opportunities. WIN has a substantial 285,000 square feet of expansive technology research and development space and facilities, which play a key role in the development of advanced materials, interconnected devices and innovative energy systems, as well as in the establishment of the RCNN. The Forum brought together international speakers and participants with the aim of sparking innovative ideas to drive technological advancements and impactful solutions. Prof. Zhong Lin WANG, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and International Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering and Prof. Zhongwei CHEN, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, delivered keynote speeches aimed at promoting new technologies and impactful solutions by inspiring innovative thinking. Distinguished international speakers, including UW researchers, shared their expertise and insights on nano research related to functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, as well as biomedical and health technologies. Earlier, in June, Prof. Jianhua Hao visited UW to discuss future research collaborations, including joint research proposals, faculty and researcher mobility, co-supervision of PhD and postdoctoral fellows, and the co-organisation of international conferences and workshops. WIN is a global leader in discovering and developing smart and functional materials, connected devices, next generation energy systems, and therapeutics and theranostics. These discoveries made by scientists and engineers are fundamentally transforming the world and addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital partner to establish joint innovation incubation platform advancing medical technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a collaboration agreement with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, to jointly establish the “Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform”. The two institutions will leverage their respective strengths, sharing resources over the next three years to promote the translation and application of medical technology research outcomes. This will help drive innovation and clinical application research in the field and enhance the development and quality of the healthcare industry, enabling patients to enjoy better treatment and service. PolyU is committed to promoting PolyImpact through excellence in education, research and knowledge. Leveraging its innovative inventions, the University also aims to translate research outcomes into practical solutions that benefit society. Focused on developing a new medical and healthcare services platform, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital aspires to promote comprehensive application and improvement of medical products. Witnessed by Dr Lawrence LI, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, and Mr Hei SUN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Qiang CHEN, Vice President of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group. Under this agreement, PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will strengthen their collaboration in accelerating research and clinical application in areas including medical engineering and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and translation in medical technology. To this end, a biomedical technology innovation incubator will be established, whereby Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will consolidate its extensive clinical resources to support PolyU research teams and startups in developing novel medical products, ensuring their application across multiple scenarios. In addition, the two institutions will initiate various clinical application research projects, leveraging PolyU’s robust research capabilities and the clinical experience of Suzhou Kowloon Hospital expert team. Their collaboration aims to facilitate technological enhancements and validate clinical efficacy and safety. PolyU students will be provided with internships, field visits and professional exchange opportunities to enrich their understanding of medical engineering and information technology in clinical practice. Relevant PolyU departments and faculties will also provide professional medical practitioners with tailored study programmes and industry training to foster talent development. Dr Lawrence Li, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU remarked, “PolyU is pleased to collaborate with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital to establish the ‘Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform’, marking another milestone in the University’s research and entrepreneurship development. As the University’s first clinical incubation platform, it not only provides research teams with clinical support, but also enables our startups to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into clinical applications. At PolyU, we are committed to cultivating an innovative entrepreneurial spirit through the PolyVentures ecosystem by offering comprehensive support to startups. This partnership will reinforce this ecosystem and nurture next-generation entrepreneurs.” Mr Hei Sun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group said, “Through this close collaboration, we will create an innovative platform which provides integrated support for R&D, incubation and acceleration to promote knowledge transfer and technological exchange. This is a pioneering initiative that facilitates medical and industrial collaboration for leveraging complementary advantages and synergy. It also provides young entrepreneurs and researchers with an opportunity to showcase their talent, and provides a new engine to help drive technology transfer and industry transformation across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta and the Asia Pacific region more broadly.” Following the signing ceremony, a panel discussion was held with the participation of PolyU academics, experts from Suzhou Kowloon Hospital and representatives from Mainland medical technology companies. Discussion was themed around the topic “Building Collaborative Ecosystems: How Universities, Hospitals and the Healthcare Industry Can Collaborate to Spur Innovation” and addressed some of the challenges faced by the industry, and explored strategies to strengthen organisational cooperation to drive industry growth.

Media interview: PolyU scholar explores the future of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as early as 1956 and has developed rapidly in recent years, mainly driven by advancements in computing and the explosive growth of data. In a recent media interview, Prof. Cao Jiannong, Dean of Graduate School, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things, and Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics, discussed the impact of AI on society and far-reaching implications on employment. He emphasised that although AI will inevitably replace certain jobs, it should be viewed as a "tool" to stimulate the creation of more valuable positions and enhance work efficiency and creativity. AI is not only a technological advancement but also an opportunity for educational reform. The "Diversity at Schools" Project, initiated by PolyU in collaboration with the Jockey Club, utilises the "Data Management Platform" to analyse student performance and develop personalised learning plans. In addition, PolyU requires all students to enrol in AI-related courses under the “AIDA+X initiative”, laying a strong foundation for future AI education. In addressing the AI challenges, Prof. Cao urges the government and society to collaborate in strengthening talent development. Embracing AI with an open mind will ensure Hong Kong remains competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Media interview: PolyU project awarded the funding over HK$62 million

The project “Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices”, led by Prof. Xiaoming TAO, Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Textile Technology of PolyU, has been awarded the funding of HK$62.37 million from the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25. This project has great potential to make significant contributions to the intelligent wearable technology industry and reshape metaverse technology, influencing diverse fields like fashion, textiles and beyond. In the media interview, Prof. TAO highlighted the project goal to lead global research in multi-sensory emulation wearable devices, capitalising on PolyU’s exceptional multidisciplinary expertise and facilities in flexible materials, sensors and actuators for the IoT, wearable and biomedical applications, electronic fabrics, mathematics for artificial intelligence, acoustics and signal processing.

PolyU research propels the future of delivery with transformative drones for low-altitude economy

The emerging low-altitude economy brings unconventional opportunities for urban and economic development, including revolutionising parcel delivery. Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have utilised cutting-edge technology to pioneer the extensive application of unmanned drones in different aspects of life. Parcel delivery has become an integral part of our daily lives. Led by Dr Hailong Huang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering at PolyU, the research group of Autonomous and Interactive Mobile Systems (AIMS), has developed a game-changing "Last-centimeter" project. This initiative aims at enabling drones to autonomously navigate urban environments, and seamlessly deliver parcels directly to customers' balconies. Dr Huang said, "The traditional parcel delivery model tends to be inefficient in time and cost. While leading companies are exploring drone-based last-mile delivery solutions, customers still need to collect their items from designated pick-up locations. By developing several in-house prototypes for express drones and supporting algorithms, we want to advance and truly revolutionise the customer experience." Navigating safely in complex urban settings: At its core is an advanced autonomous navigation algorithm that enables drones to map and localise themselves precisely within complex low-altitude airspaces. By integrating multiple sensor data, including LiDAR, IMU, and camera, the algorithm provides accurate and detailed 3D mapping of the surroundings, effectively overcoming challenges posed by unreliable GNSS near buildings. Enhanced weather resistance: To precisely track the planned path from the distribution centre to a designated balcony, robust control algorithms are employed to further maintain stability and safety in the presence of disturbances like wind and rain. These algorithms continuously monitor the drone’s flight status, making real-time adjustments to counteract the effects of wind gusts and changing conditions. They dynamically adapt control inputs, including thrust, attitude, and control surfaces, to ensure that the drone stays on course and maintains stability. Obstacle avoidance for precise landing: An advanced perception module has developed, incorporating a balcony state estimation algorithm and an obstacle detection algorithm as essential components. The balcony state estimation algorithm allows the drone to land accurately on the balcony, while the obstacle detection algorithm ensures the landing only occurs when the balcony is free of obstacles and people. These developed algorithms have already been integrated with the in-house drone prototype. “We have conducted extensive indoor and outdoor testing, along with on-site demonstrations for the relevant stakeholders,” said Dr Huang. These technologies go beyond parcel delivery. They are at the forefront of shaping the low-altitude economy, an emerging field brimming with the potential to transform urban life and work. The low-altitude economy generally refers to flying activities by manned and unmanned civil aircraft within airspace up to 1,000 metres above ground level. Drone applications mainly cover logistics, agriculture, surveying and mapping, power inspection, safety patrol, emergency rescue and other industries. Dr Huang noted that it is essential to consider airspace regulations and guidelines, infrastructure readiness and public safety to unlock the full potential of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong. The development is optimistic about gradually and systemtically implementing drone deliveries in the New Territories, given the logistics industry’s proven versatility for many potential applications. Dr Huang said, "The low-altitude economy presents vast opportunities for diverse industries with extensive applications, surpassing ground transportation in dimension and potential. We aim to tackle technical challenges to realise this innovative future."