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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.

PolyU showcased innovations at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 and joined Tianjin-Hong Kong exchange activities

PolyU researchers recently participated in World Intelligence Expo 2024 held at the Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Center, showcasing their technological innovations and engaging in exchange activities. With the theme of "Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver", the Expo is jointly hosted by the Tianjin Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and brings together government, scientific researchers, and corporate guests. It attracted over 550 exhibiting companies and institutions, and business guests from 49 countries and regions. As an Innovation Partner, PolyU showcased several intelligent scientific research projects. Among them, the "Human-machine Collaborative Manufacturing System Based on Mutual Cognition" project by Dr. Zheng Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been awarded "Outstanding Cases for FIND Intelligent Technology Innovation and Application". In addition, the PolyU team visited Tiankai Higher Education Innovation Park and Tiankai Xiqing Park, and participated in discussions and exchanges with enterprises in the new energy industry and the Tianjin-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Conference to explore opportunities for collaboration. It was a collaborative opportunity and gain a deeper understanding of Tianjin's latest progress and development in technological innovation.

Empowering navigation for the visually impaired through Augmented Reality

Vision loss and visual impairment have long been a significant concern for human well-being amid an increasingly aging population. In a collaborative effort by researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The University of Waterloo, they have invented a groundbreaking device that utilises Augmented Reality (AR) technology, revolutionising navigation for visually impaired individuals on their world. This device offers them a newfound sense of independence and freedom. The research project “Augmented Reality Obstacle Detection” (ObstAR), is led by Prof. Allen Cheong, Associate Head (National and International Engagement) and Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU, and Deputy Director of Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), in collaboration with Prof. Ben Thompson, University Research Chair and Professor, School of Optometry and Vision Science, the University of Waterloo, and Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of CEVR. The research aims to develop an AR-based navigation device that allows visually impaired individuals to minimise their dependence on conventional assistive tools, like walking canes or assistance from others. CEVR is a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo, operating under the Health@InnoHK cluster. Prof. Cheong said, “Individuals with visual impairments may encounter various forms of vision loss, which can be attributed to neurological or ocular disorders or even the natural ageing process. Tailored route navigation solutions are required to meet the needs of people.” Prof. Cheong specialises in geriatric and vision rehabilitation, leading the Vision Rehabilitation Clinic of PolyU Optometry Clinic. Clinical research for practical applications The research combines a clinical study that examines behaviour of visually impaired patients and healthy participants when navigating familiar and unfamiliar obstacles, with the practical implementation of a navigational aid built using AR glasses and an artificial intelligence recognition algorithm. To enhance the ability to recognize the environment and avoid obstacles, the device integrates a suite of advanced algorithms, including obstacle avoidance navigation, object recognition and segmentation, scene recognition, text recognition, and gesture recognition. This comprehensive approach aims to meet the diverse navigation needs of patients, ensuring safe navigation and heightened environmental awareness. One key research focus is identifying specific areas of interest (AOIs), such as traffic lights, zebra crossings, sharp turns, and large banners. This personalised guidance can greatly benefit users who frequently traverse the same routes, as the system can offer customised support based on their familiarity with the environment. Navigating a new frontier The distinguishing design of ObstAR lies in the development of an innovative algorithm for image segmentation and information fusion, using RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and depth cameras to enable real-time obstacle avoidance navigation. This advancement allows the identification of more distant navigable paths within the camera's capture area, while also enabling more accurate recognition of obstacles that are difficult to identify using traditional image segmentation techniques. Also, the team aims to incorporate real-time text-to-speech instructions to supplement areas not covered by the AR, ensuring comprehensive support for users. Notably, ObstAR stands at the forefront of assistive technology, offering a transformative solution for visually impaired individuals. It was awarded the prestigious “Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury” at the 49th Geneva Inventions Expo. Prof Cheong said, "The advancements in AR and its growing acceptance provide an ideal platform to introduce this new form of assistive technology. This project fully demonstrates the immense potential of technology to enhance the quality of life for the visually impaired. It promises to open up new possibilities for the mobility freedom and social inclusion of the visually impaired." Prof Cheong’s research interests focus on the psychophysical, behavioural, and clinical aspects of ageing and low vision research. Her primary goal is to use different interventions to improve patients’ functional performance in daily activities, such as reading, mobility and navigation. The research also aims to establish cost effective vision rehabilitation models to enhance patients’ quality of life. Prof Cheong believes that ObstAR's has a profound potential impact. Users could gain confidence in tackling daily challenges, thereby enhancing their functional performance and overall well-being. “We are on a mission to redefine independence for those living with vision loss. It is not just about creating an innovative product, but about bringing change and improvement to their lives," she said. 

PolyU Delegation enhances research partnerships and visibility through visits to technology institutions in Switzerland

A delegation led by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. Li Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Ir Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in Switzerland from 12 to 17 June. The trip aimed  to enhance PolyU's visibility in Switzerland, explore potential research collaborative partners, and seek opportunities  to  form joint research centers with local Swiss universities. The delegation met with Prof. Martin Vetterli, President of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), and other faculty members on 13 June. They discussed potential collaborations in environmental, , building, structure, and transportation engineering research. Both sides expressed a strong interest in exploring joint research projects and establishing research centers between PolyU and EPFL. The delegation visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) on the following day. They met with both directors, Prof. Martin Ackermann of Eawag and Prof. Tanja Zimmermann of Empa, as well as faculty and PhD students. The group toured Eawag's state-of-the-art facilities, including the MasSpec lab and the Water Hub at the NEST research and innovation building. They also visited the experimental halls to learn about the institute's cutting-edge materials research. Prof. Chao hosted a lunch gathering with a group of PolyU PhD students and alumni residing in Switzerland on 15 June. This provided a valuable opportunity for the delegation to update the students and alumni on PolyU's latest developments and future plans. During the gathering, two PhD students undergoing the Research Student Attachment Programme (RSAP) shared their experiences at ETH Zurich, while the alumni shared their work experiences in Switzerland after graduating from PolyU. Throughout the visit, the delegation actively engaged in exploring potential research collaborations with their Swiss counterparts. Areas of mutual interest encompassed environmental protection, sustainable construction, smart transportation, and advanced materials. The delegates were impressed by the world-class research capabilities and facilities at EPFL, Eawag, and Empa.  This fruitful trip has laid a solid foundation for future research partnerships between PolyU and Switzerland. The University will continue to forge stronger ties between PolyU and these renowned Swiss institutions.  

PolyU and Shihezi University signed MoU for technology collaboration and Student Exchange Programme Agreement

Prof. MA Chunhui, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee of Shihezi University, led a delegation to visit The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 21 June to strengthen exchange and research collaboration between the two universities. PolyU and Shihezi University signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for technology collaboration and the agreement on student exchange. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. MA signed the MoU on research cooperation and a Student Exchange Program Agreement on behalf of their universities. Future collaborative areas include optometric technology and electrical and mechanical engineering. The collaboration aims to promote the development of ophthalmology and electromechanical engineering, as well as academic exchange. The visit and academic exchange brought an in-depth discussion on the latest technological development. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, met with the delegation, exchanged souvenirs and took group photos. During the meeting, Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU and Prof. MA introduced their universities' research development and directions. They acknowledged the greater potential for collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. DONG emphasized the collaborative efforts would contribute to the development of western areas in China and the Belt and Road Initiative through the partnership with Shihezi University. The delegation toured Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) in the Hong Kong Science Park and the Industrial Centre in PolyU. CEVR is a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo, operating under the Health@InnoHK cluster. They also visited the Material Resource Centre and PolyU Design Show 2024, one of the highlights in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the School of Design. During the visits, both parties exchanged insights and ideas on innovative development and support for student entrepreneurship. The signed MoU and agreement will further enhance cooperation between the two universities, and provide a favorable platform for academic exchange. Both universities will build close partnerships and strengthen research capabilities in relevant fields, fostering research achievements. Shihezi University was formerly Shihezi Medical College. In 1996, Shihezi Medical College, Shihezi Agricultural College, Xinjiang Economic College and Xinjiang Normal College were merged to form Shihezi University. Shihezi University actively strengthens scientific research and promotes the integration of industry, academia and research.  

A rational molecular and device design by PolyU scientists enable 20% efficiency in organic solar cells

To make organic solar cells (OSC) competitive, the light-absorbing molecules should simultaneously satisfy multiple key requirements, including a weak-absorption charge transfer state, a high dielectric constant, suitable surface energy and proper crystallinity. Scientists at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a rational design of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) with distinct photoelectric properties. This innovation has enabled organic solar cells to achieve an efficiency of 19.9%. The team further surpassed 20% efficiency mark beyond the NC work. This achievement of 20% power conversion efficiency marks a significant milestone in photovoltaics (PV) technology. PV is the process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage). While power conversion efficiency is critical for practical applications, it is important to consider other requirements as well.  Prof. Gang LI, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, and his research team have designed NFA molecules that provide higher open circuit voltage (Voc) /photovoltage, while maintaining molecular structural compatibility. The research, titled, “Rational molecular and device design enables organic cells approaching 20% efficiency” was published on Nature Communications.  The NFA then was incorporated into the binary PM6:eC9 OSC to create a ternary system, which successfully achieved higher Voc and power conversion efficiency. This device has uplifted charge transfer state, resulting in significant energy loss reduction and excellent efficiency, miscibility, crystallinity, and energy level compatibility. This novel design integrates interdisciplinary research in new materials, chemistry, and device engineering. This work paves the way for designing NFA guest molecules for high performance OSCs.  Prof. LI’s research group has focused on three aspects of OSC: efficiency, stability in material and device development, as well as the structure for highly stable OSCs and potential novel applications in transparent solar cells.  For more about Prof. LI’s research:  PolyU researchers achieve record 19.31% efficiency with organic solar cells PolyU Highly Cited Researchers Featured in Nature Portfolio Innovation to Stimulate Cutting-Edge Science  

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.  

PolyU scholar presented at THE Global Sustainable Development Congress amidst an encouraging top 100 ranking in THE Impact Rankings 2024

Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was invited as one of the honourable speakers at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok. The event, which was co-hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, brought together 3,000 global thought leaders and innovators to discuss solutions for a sustainable future.  Sharing her insights on integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goas (SDGs) into research strategy, Prof. Wong delivered fruitful presentation in the panel discussion on “Global collaboration in research: Uniting minds for a sustainable tomorrow.” Universities have played a crucial role in leading the way toward sustainable economic, social and environmental development. PolyU has made significant contributions to the SDGs through research and innovative technology projects, excelling in interdisciplinary and impactful endeavours.  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 SDGs. 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. More: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2024/0612_polyu-breaks-into-global-top-100-in-its-debut-in-the-impact-rankings/ https://www.timeshighered-events.com/gsd-congress-2024/home  

PolyU develops and manufactures space instruments for the Nation’s Chang’e-6 mission, successfully completing the first lunar far side sampling in human history

In support of the Nation’s landmark sample return mission from the far side of the moon, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) collaborated with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) to develop and manufacture the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” for this historic task. On June 3, the PolyU-developed system accomplished the tasks of automatic sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface, following the soft landing of the Chang’e-6 probe, marking a milestone in human space exploration. The probe has already taken off from the moon with the cargo of the first-ever lunar soil samples from the far side set to return to Earth on June 25. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, congratulated the research team on their outstanding achievement, and said, “With over 30 years of experience in deep space research, PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong that has participated in various national space projects. We feel honoured and grateful for the Nation’s continued trust and support in our research endeavours. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and collaborating with researchers in the Mainland to make meaningful contributions in national space missions.” Commenting on Hong Kong’s contribution to the national space mission, 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 the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, said the team is deeply grateful for the opportunity granted by the motherland. “Because the Moon’s rotational period is tidally locked in sync with its orbital period around the Earth, the moon’s far side remains invisible to Earth’s observation, making direct communication with the vehicle impossible. As a result, the difficulties and challenges of sampling on the lunar far side are greater than those encountered on the near side. Drawing on our experience from previous projects, we’ve successfully integrated numerous enhancements into the system, enabling a timely sampling within a more restricted timeframe. We are very grateful to our Nation for entrusting us with the task, showcasing Hong Kong’s space research capabilities and playing a pivotal role in the journey of our Nation’s space missions,” Prof. Yung explained. Unlike previous methods adopted by other countries involving drilling or manual excavation, PolyU’s “Surface Sampling and Packing System” is designed as fully automated multi-point lunar surface sampling and with a packaging mechanism. In Hong Kong, PolyU was involved in the design and manufacturing of Samplers A and B, together with two accompanying high temperature Near-field Cameras for multiple-point surface sample collections, and automatic vision guidance of the sampling, sample deposition and sample container pickup and precision placement into the ascender. The PolyU-designed and manufactured flight units also included a primary sealing and packaging system that consisted of a sample container and its sealing mechanism. The sampling process briefly started with the Near-field Cameras mounted on the robotic arm next to Samplers A and B. These Cameras guided the sampling and sample deposition into the PolyU sample container in the primary sealing and packaging system. Upon the completion of the sampling process, the sample container was sealed by the sealing and packaging device for picking up by the sampler which was vision-guided by the Near-field Cameras for automatic precision insertion into the ascender for transporting back to Earth. Since 2010, PolyU has been participating in the Nation’s space exploration programmes and collaborating with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop and manufacture sophisticated space instruments. PolyU researchers have also used advanced topographic mapping technologies to evaluate and identify the best landing sites for spacecraft. These contributions supported the success of the Nation’s lunar exploration missions, including Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5, as well as the Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1. In 2021, PolyU established the “Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations”. In 2022, the University established the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology” in collaboration with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology. PolyU engages in local STEM outreach initiatives, fostering enthusiasm for space exploration among local youth. The University is committed to elevating young people’s passion for a career in space technology thus making contributions to the scientific development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. To promote STEM education among young people, PolyU has launched “Science World: Exploring Space to Benefit Mankind”, a science education programme for secondary school students that fosters creativity and innovation in space exploration. Under this initiative, the championship team from from Diocesan Boys’ School, under the guidance of Prof. Yung and his team, the same experimental proposal has been preliminarily accepted by the China Manned Space Agency, offering local students a unique opportunity for their experiment to be performed at the China space station in the future. Please click here to obtain more photos.

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.