Our research teams are marching frontiers in science and technology, transferring knowledge to innovative applications and solutions for the betterment of nature and society. In 2014/15, our researches won international accolades, including 15 prizes in applied biology, chemical technology, mechanical engineering, textiles and clothing and health technology at the 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Highlights of award-winning innovations with social and environmental benefits are as follows:
As a renewable alternative to conventional fossil fuels, biodiesels made from vegetable oils and waste oils have caught the eye of experts in energy resources. Conventional chemical process to produce biodiesel requires the use of liquid biodiesel catalyst which generates a huge amount of waste water in the process. The novelty of PolyU’s new catalyst lies in its excellent adaptability to low-quality raw materials such as low grade unrefined feedstock used for biodiesel creation. Being functional at remarkably low temperatures, this robust and highly reusable catalyst solves the problem of waste water generation during the production process.
Many adolescents suffer from scoliosis, but traditional corrective braces often require long periods of wearing despite being rigid, restrictive, and bringing discomfort for teenagers. PolyU’s award-winning posture correction girdle is made with soft materials that fit snugly on patients with early onset scoliosis, with smart sensors tracking and monitoring their posture to mitigate spinal curve progression.
PolyU designed a new proprietary robot hybrid rehabilitation sleeve with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Robotic System, a promising hybrid technology that can speed up the recovery of stroke paralysis by 40%. The bracing design can manage both moisture and pressure levels for improved patient comfort, with integrated functions converting a user’s motions into computer inputs, combining training tasks with interactive computer games and applications to aid overall recovery.