Media Releases

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

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

PolyU unveils novel smart solar-powered freezer truck

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

PolyU leaps to 67th in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings, placing third in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings, surging 33 places to 67th in the world. The University has also been ranked 9th in Asia and third in Hong Kong. In the subject rankings, PolyU has a total of 17 subjects being ranked among the top 50 in the world, with three of them among the top ten, including Civil Engineering (2nd), Engineering (5th), and Mechanical Engineering (6th). Additionally, PolyU came first for eight subjects in Hong Kong, including Civil Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences and Public Health, Economics and Business and Mathematics, reaffirming its leadership both internationally and locally. PolyU is pleased with the remarkable progress in its performance in the Rankings. The University is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as strengthen ties and cooperation with partners around the world, with the aim of playing an increasingly important role on the global stage of higher education. The 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings by the U.S. News and World Report covers 51 subject rankings and evaluates 2,250 universities across 104 countries. The Rankings were calculated based on 13 indicators, including global and regional research reputation, total citations, international collaboration and more.   ***END***  

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

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

PolyU’s response to the Government’s tuition fee adjustment of UGC-funded programmes

In light of the Government’s announcement to adjust the tuition fee levels for publicly funded programmes of UGC-funded universities for the 2025/26 to 2027/28 academic years, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) understands that the Government has made these arrangements after taking into account various factors, including the fact that tuition fees have not been adjusted for many years. PolyU offers a range of financial assistance such as scholarships, bursaries, and interest-free loan programmes, to provide students with the necessary resources to study at university. The University will closely monitor the needs of our students to ensure they receive appropriate support.

PolyU, XJTU, State Grid and HK Electric extend collaboration on “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy”

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid), and The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric) have announced the extension of their collaborative programme “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy” for four more years. In the new phase until 2028, the goal is not only to further enhance efficiency and drive innovation in the power industry, but also to conduct on-site research in Belt and Road countries and regions to develop the most suitable solutions for local power infrastructure and system operations. This will help propel economic growth, taking into consideration geographical environments and technological capabilities. The Programme (previously named “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy”), which was developed in support of the Mainland’s calls for high-quality Belt and Road co-operation, has been co-organised for the past six years by the four founding parties. So far, it has trained over 800 professionals from over 20 countries and regions to support the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this extended partnership, the two universities and the two power companies in Mainland China and Hong Kong will continue to join hands, providing cutting-edge training and professional development opportunities in the power and energy sector. The Programme includes thematic seminars on the latest industry and research developments, cultural visits, and tours to advanced power plants and state-of-the-art research establishments in Jinan, Xi’an and Hong Kong. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU said, “PolyU is committed to contributing our research and knowledge to the development of the Belt and Road region. The extended four-year agreement is a testament to this strategic priority, as we harness our collective expertise to drive breakthrough innovations in green energy. The Programme provides an invaluable platform for researchers and senior leaders across the region to engage in deep exchanges on critical energy challenges and solutions. We are excited to further strengthen these collaborative ties to tackle the shared goal of a sustainable energy future.” Prof. GUAN Xiaohong, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU said, “The innovation of electric power and energy technologies is important to the development of green energies, economy, and new quality productive forces. It is an important link connecting the Belt and Road countries and regions. The continued implementation of this project is of great significance. The renewal of this agreement will promote deeper cooperation among all partners in the future, contribute to mutual development in the area of power and energy, and provide strong support for all four parties to respond to and implement the Belt and Road initiative.” Mr Du JUN, President of State Grid of China Technology College (SGTC) said, “Over the past six years, we are pleased that the four parties have developed and cultivated a successful bondage. The Programme has setup a model for university-enterprise and Mainland China-Hong Kong collaboration in service of the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing energy and power industry stakeholders from Belt and Road countries and regions to gain in-depth understanding of China’s power and energy landscape. Looking ahead, we aspire to continue staying attuned to emerging trends in global energy governance. A key focus will be supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals through expanded, high-quality branded and serialised exchange programmes. Through path of cross-border cooperation, we are committed to leveraging this platform to further the Belt and Road’s mission of strengthening regional economic, energy, and sustainability ties.” Mr Francis C. Y. CHENG, Managing Director of HK Electric said, “It is challenging to supply electricity to a densely populated city like Hong Kong. Responding to different conditions and difficulties, we have developed a transmission and distribution system that is best suited to a metropolis like Hong Kong, comprising mainly of submarine and underground cables as well as cable tunnels. The main challenge for the global power and utilities industry is how to strengthen the power grid to withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather events. We look forward to sharing our unique experience gained over the years with those participating in the programme, while at the same time, learning from their experiences and insights to further enhance our power system.” The Programme was first launched in 2018 to support the training and upskilling of industry professionals from Belt and Road participating countries. Today, it has become a leading global hub for capacity building of the power and energy sectors arising from the Belt and Road Initiative.   ***END***  

PolyU Design Show 2024 unveils 60-Year legacy shaping Hong Kong’s creative landscape and students’ innovative works

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design (PolyU Design) is once more hosting the iconic PolyU Design Show, a highlight of its 60th anniversary celebrations, to showcase innovative works from PolyU’s young designers, from today to 16 August 2024. From immersive “phygital” experiences that reimagine Hong Kong’s cityscapes to a nostalgic journey through six decades of the Show itself, it offers visitors an unforgettable feast of visuals and ingenuity. Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of PolyU Design remarked, “For 60 years, PolyU Design has been a driving force in Hong Kong’s transformation into a global design hub. This year, PolyU’s Art and Design has ranked 19th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, a testament to the University’s international standing and its solid foundation in design education. As one of the richest in recent years, this year’s Show not only pays tribute to this annual legacy but also provides a glimpse into the development of the design industry as well as the future of design our students and alumni are forging.” The focus of the Show’s visual theme is a diamond, symbolising how design students hone their skills, refine their thinking and polish their creations through their learning journey, in order to produce designs that contribute to the individual, society and the economy. More than 200 projects by PolyU Design students from across all levels, from capstone to interdisciplinary research are being exhibited. The works span the development of personal lives, businesses and societies and address real-world challenges through innovative solutions. Students are from PolyU Design’s undergraduate programmes in Advertising Design, Communication Design, Digital Media, Environment and Interior Design, Interactive Media, Product Design and Social Design, as well as postgraduate programmes in Innovative Business Design, Intelligent Systems Design, Multimedia and Entertainment Technology, Smart Service Design and Transitional Environments Design. Among the featured works are a mobile application helping children build up positive financial habits; a re-design of Hong Kong’s public transport system into a seamless and cohesive travel experience; a social design project assisting subdivided unit residents in redesigning their current living spaces; and an innovative dim sum restaurant embracing the unmanned store concept, and more. Meanwhile, the immersive “phygital” exhibition by Environment and Interior Design students redefines Hong Kong’s iconic landscape with the use of physical and virtual models, virtual reality technology and provision of interactive experiences. In addition, a retrospective display tracing the evolution of PolyU design programmes alongside a walk down the memory lane of the exhibition’s history and student works from the earlier days witness the growth and transformation of design education in Hong Kong. The exhibition is open to public. To find more about the Show, please visit: 2024.polyudesignshow.com.   ***END***

PolyU researchers introduce pioneering metaverse-enabled expressive arts therapy programme to foster empathy in adolescents

Innovative technology continues to drive educational transformation, not only enhancing the teaching experience and its effectiveness, but also providing support for students with diverse learning needs. An interdisciplinary research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has designed an expressive arts therapy programme utilising metaverse and virtual reality technologies to foster empathy and self-expression among adolescents, thereby improving their social skills and mental well-being. Led by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences; Dr Grace NGAI, Associate Professor of the Department of Computing; Dr Richard LI, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Department of Computing; and Dr Peter NG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the research team collaborated with Sheng Kung Hui (S.K.H.) St. Christopher’s Home to provide an eight-week therapy course for 30 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 from March to December 2023. The course was delivered by a licensed expressive arts therapist online via a virtual platform on a one-to-one basis. Through virtual reality technology, the course enabled the expressive arts therapist and the adolescents, who were situated in different locations, to engage in real-time interaction and collaborate in three-dimensional art creation based on a variety of themes. During the course, adolescents created their own personalised virtual avatars and made use of a wide range of virtual tools for their artistic expression, while the therapist provided guidance and support to them on how to express themselves and understand the feelings and thoughts of others, through art. The research team surveyed the participating adolescents before and after the course. They found that over 70% showed significant improvement in empathy, with a nearly 40% increase in their scores in relation to interpersonal response, while older participants exhibited greater progress. The findings indicate that the course is effective in fostering adolescent ability to imagine and understand the perspectives and situations of others. Meanwhile, assessments from the art therapist further revealed more than 70% of participants were willing to open up and share their emotions during the course, while almost half of them engaged in self-exploration and self-reflection. The research team concluded that, built upon metaverse and virtual reality technologies, this novel platform for art creation allows adolescents to freely present their thoughts and feelings, while a virtual environment provides them with a sense of security which facilitates closer and more comfortable interaction and communication between them and the therapist. Positive feedback was also received from the adolescent participants who said that they were delighted to be exposed to a new way of creating art and to gain a better understanding on how to build positive relationships with others and the community. They were also excited about participating in similar innovative programmes in the future. Prof. Eric Chui believes that, with ever-evolving social needs and technological advancements, social workers have the responsibility to stay updated on relevant technology so as to be able to offer innovative and timely services. This programme is evidence of an innovative and successful use of metaverse technology in the development of adolescent mental well-being, while also illuminating the potential of educational innovation. He added that the younger generation in Hong Kong is facing numerous pressures, and therefore any method encouraging them to share and relax is worth the social welfare sector exploring. Ms Kiann WONG, registered social worker at S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home, said that this innovative programme has been profoundly beneficial to the growth of adolescents, allowing them to explore new technologies like the metaverse and virtual reality, and to learn about the importance of empathy. She hoped to continue collaboration with PolyU and provide more innovative learning opportunities for young people. With an aim of supporting a broader range of communities in need, the research team intends to fine-tune the design of the course based on the experience and findings from the programme and expand it to a more diverse audience base, especially including adolescents with special educational needs or facing behavioural and other mental difficulties.   ***END***

PolyU breaks into global top 100 in its debut in THE Impact Rankings, shining in multiple sustainable development goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, ranking 77th in the world. It is PolyU’s first time participating in the Rankings and the result reflects the University’s praiseworthy achievements in promoting sustainability. THE Impact Rankings measures a university’s success in delivering on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It assesses performance in four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. This year, the Rankings include 2,152 universities, from 125 countries and regions. PolyU performed well in “Good Health and Well-being” (SDG 3), “Quality Education” (SDG 4), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11)” and “Partnerships for the Goals” (SDG 17), where it topped the other Hong Kong universities in the first and placed 2nd in the City for the other three. In particular, the University’s contribution to “Quality Education” stood out among its peers from around the world, ranking 4th globally. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with the University’s impressive performance in its debut in THE Impact Rankings. PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, and to pursuing impactful research and innovation to address societal needs. Moving forward, we will continute to strive for excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, contributing to the goal of sustainable development.” PolyU has been at the forefront of addressing societal sustainability challenges. The PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology provides strategic advice on promoting the development of carbon neutrality, while multiple research institutes and centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research continue to leverage their research strengths to drive innovation in fields including smart energy, sustainable urban development and mental health. Articulating its commitment to social responsibility, PolyU has incorporated Service-Learning into its undergraduate mandatory curriculum, with the aim of educating students about social issues and enabling them to apply their classroom knowledge in service to the community. Over the years, students have participated in service learning projects across mainland China, as well as in Cambodia, Rwanda and beyond.   ***END***  

PolyU and Diocesan Girls’ School establish AI Swimtech Laboratory, developing biomechanical training to enhance swimmers’ performance

A team led by Dr Billy SO, core member of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is committed to enhancing the performance of swimmers by integrating sports technology with biomechanics. By employing advanced wearable sensors and an underwater camera system, the team captures and analyses data on swimmers’ start jump motion and swimming postures, including body movement and muscle activity, thereby assisting coaches in designing training programmes for athletes. The student swimming team of the Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS) is currently adopting these biomechanical training methods into their routine training with the aim of achieving greater effectiveness. To catalyse joint research in the fields of sports science and technology, PolyU RISports and DGS have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the “PolyU-DGS AI Swimtech Laboratory”. Under the agreement, DGS will provide swimming facilities, where PolyU researchers will install equipment for data collection and will arrange student swimmers to participate in a research trial. This collaboration aims to strengthen research on enhancing elite athletes’ performance and talent identifications by more fully unleashing their potential, thereby maximising athletic performance at school level and nurturing more outstanding swimmers for the local community in the long run. It also aspires to promote STEM education and foster a culture of innovation and technology on campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) remarked, “In recent years, Hong Kong’s ‘flying fishes’ continue to shine on the international stage. The integration of technology in athletic training not only more effectively unlocks their potential, but also helps them achieve notable results. PolyU is committed to the translation of research outcomes and so is delighted to collaborate with Diocesan Girls’ School to enhance their student athletes’ competitiveness. We believe that students can gain valuable immersive learning experiences by participating in research work, which helps cultivate their interest in innovation and technology, as well as develops knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering.” Mrs Stella LAU, Headmistress of DGS stated, “Diocesan Girls’ School, a school with over 160 years of history, has been at the forefront in promoting innovative technology education in recent years. Today, RISports team from PolyU is collaborating with our swimming athletes to put their research achievements in artificial intelligence and biomechanics into practice. Not only will this empower our student athletes to excel in their swimming performance, it will enhance our students’ practical application capabilities in sports science as well as their problem-solving skills using artificial intelligence. This project better equips our students for today’s vast innovation and technology-driven world.” Each subtle movement can be the key to victory in competitive swimming, especially in short course competition. With this in mind, Dr Billy So aspires to develop systematic biomechanical training and explore its effectiveness in enhancing swimmers’ performance. The key findings of his research are as follow: (1) Start jump motion analysis The start jump in swimming demands precise timing, speed and angle of both the jump and entry into the water. The team places patches of a surface electromyography system on athletes’ lower limbs to capture start jump motion. With the use of a reaction time start board and video analytics, the system also provides immediate data on jump reaction, entry angles and speed, to assist swimmers in promptly adjusting their start jump posture. Approximately 30 DGS swimming team students were invited to participate in a six-week training programme, employing this system during 50-metre freestyle swimming practice twice a week for 20 minutes per session. The participants are found to have improved their performance by an average of 0.127 seconds on start jump. By utilising the system to compare and analyse the start jump reaction of participating athletes before and after training, the results show that their average reaction time improved by 0.127 seconds. With the use of surface electromyography system, a reaction time start board and video analytics, the system captures start jump motion with a view to assisting athletes in promptly adjusting their posture. (2) Propulsive force analysis The propulsive force in swimming originates from stroking and kicking, while the stability of core muscles aids in increasing the propulsive force generated from these movements. The team employs an underwater surface electromyography system and a tethered swimming testing system to analyse the propulsive force generated by athletes during swimming. This helps coaches adjust athletes’ techniques and develop suitable training to enhance swimming performance. Approximately 30 student athletes from PolyU and local sports organisations participated in an eight-week muscle training programme focused on core stability. The two systems were then employed to evaluate the athletes’ performance in utilising core muscles during swimming and the propulsive force generated. The results indicate that the average swimming propulsive force generated by the participating athletes increased by about 10%, while their speed in the 50-metre freestyle improved by 0.02 to 0.03 metres per second. Employing an underwater surface electromyography system and tethered swimming testing system helps the team analyse the propulsive force generated by athletes during swimming. This aids coaches in adjusting athletes’ techniques and developing suitable training to enhance swimming performance. (3) Muscle activity analysis The team uses waterproof wearable surface electromyography sensors and an underwater camera system to capture muscle activity of swimmers’ arms, shoulders, legs and trunk during start jumps, strokes and turns in freestyle swimming. The system will be tested in the swimming pool at DGS with the participation of its elite student swimmers. Looking forward, the team will collaborate with PolyU’s Department of Computing to integrate video motion analysis and wearable motion inertial sensors to leverage the collected data in developing a novel artificial intelligence model, thereby further enhancing the accuracy of the system. The team has employed waterproof wearable surface electromyography sensors and an underwater camera system to capture muscle activity of swimmers during freestyle swimming. The graphic shows the muscle activity pattern.   ***END***