The Industrial Centre (IC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been transforming for nearly fifty years, serving as a hub for innovative research across all disciplines and offering comprehensive research and development (R&D) and production support. The IC has also evolved from a training workshop into a cutting-edge facility for innovation and technology education. Its services have expanded beyond conventional industrial engineering to encompass diverse disciplines in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence and data analysis, and more.
Dr WAI Hon-wah, Director of the IC said a highlight of the IC’s latest technology is the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab), also described as a “Creativity Accelerator”. The AIR Lab is not only equipped with advanced facilities but also provides an open scientific research environment to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Supported by a team of over 60 professional engineers, the AIR Lab is dedicated to cultivating future leaders in AI, collaborative robotics, and digital transformation, fostering innovation and collaboration across various fields.
PolyU places strong emphasis on translating scientific research into impactful social applications. In a collaborative effort with the IC, Dr Thomas Lee, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, developed a portable nucleic acid testing device. Following cooperation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 2017, the third generation of the device underwent rapid advancement in response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This progress led to a partnership with the Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital for real-time testing. In response to urgent pandemic needs, the IC assisted the team in optimising instruments and timely production of a large number of portable devices, significantly contributing to Hong Kong's epidemic prevention efforts.
By utilising the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) at the IC, Dr Vincent Leung, Associate Professor of Practice from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics of PolyU, and his team introduced the "HEROCARE" project. This initiative provides a virtual environment for children with cancer before they undergo radiotherapy, effectively addressing their anxiety. This project successfully demonstrates the fusion of healthcare and engineering within the IC, using innovative technologies to improve medical services and promote holistic care in the digital technology era.
Guided by PolyU’s motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind,” the IC effectively transforms scientific research across diverse disciplines, delivering impactful solutions to society. The commitment lies in ensuring that our research serves the community and remains accessible to all.
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