Imagine an elderly stroke patient regaining the ability to feed themselves independently, or a person with mobility impairment taking their first steps with an exoskeleton. These everyday actions represent pivotal achievements for those unable to perform them on their own. To expedite the adoption of technology in social welfare and healthcare industries, PolyU’s Research Centre for Assistive Technology (RCATech) partnered with the Association of Engineering and Medical Volunteer Services (EMV) to co-organise Hong Kong’s first assistive technology symposium titled “Evolution of Assistive Technology Devices: Pathway to Equal Opportunity and Quality of Life in Hong Kong”.

Shaping the future of rehabilitation

The symposium brought together around 300 occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other professionals from non-governmental organisations, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and government departments. In his welcome address, Professor David Shum, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS), emphasised the faculty’s commitment to innovation. “The FHSS at PolyU has a long history of providing the best education for social and healthcare professionals and in conducting innovative and impactful research to address complex social and health challenges,” he stated, noting the significance of this first-time collaboration between RCATech and EMV.

Through ten expert presentations and eight cutting-edge product showcases of assistive devices, participants explored innovative solutions for patient care. Professor Frank Chan Fan, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Honorary Advisor to RCATech, emphasised how assistive devices transform lives and enhance quality of life. “In our pursuit to advance assistive technology, the greatest reward we aspire to is the heartfelt gratitude from those we serve,” he remarked, sharing impressive examples of transformed lives.

Looking toward the future, Professor Kenneth Fong, Director of RCATech and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS), highlighted the pressing need for innovation. “Considering the ageing population together with half a million people with disabilities, there may be one million people who need assistive technology in Hong Kong,” he explained, adding that RCATech would continue to strengthen research, development and commercialisation efforts in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Pioneering inclusive innovation

Inaugurated in 2023, RCATech is the first research centre among Hong Kong educational institutions dedicated to developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities and the elderly. RCATech leverages PolyU’s research excellence and academic heritage in rehabilitation, health sciences, design, environmental and engineering disciplines to develop fundamental technologies and intelligent applications for an inclusive and accessible society.

Prof. David Shum, Dean of the FHSS, highlighted the faculty’s commitment to innovation.

Prof. Frank Chan Fan, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Honorary Advisor to RCATech, shared impressive examples of transformed lives.

Prof. Kenneth Fong, Director of RCATech and Associate Head of RS, stressed that there is a pressing need to develop assistive technology devices to support people with disabilities and their carers.