Professor Tao Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems
We are delighted to announce that Professor Tao Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, has been awarded the esteemed Research Grants Council (RGC)'s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25 of HK$62.378 million*. This funding is for her project, "Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices”.
Professor Tao's project aims to lead global research in multi-sensory emulation wearable devices, capitalising on PolyU’s exceptional multidisciplinary expertise and facilities in flexible materials, sensors and actuators for the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable and biomedical applications, electronic fabrics, mathematics for artificial intelligence, acoustics and signal processing. It also aims to emulate the less enhanced yet urgently needed sensations of touch (tactile) and smell (olfactory) through a study of multi-sensory emulation wearable devices (MSEWDs) that reveals their operational mechanisms, and to develop relevant key technologies and applications.
First-of-its-kind emulation mechanisms based on fibrous structures and their bionic actuation devices will be developed for delivering mixed scents and tactile sensations. Leveraging AI models to link measured signals obtained by biosensors and algorithms for controlling the bionic emulation devices will offer more immersive experiences.
The target of the MSEWDs includes:
- A device that senses and simulates olfactory sensation by AI-controlled scent-making and dispersion of mixed scents;
- A fabric tactile emulator that senses and tunes reactive forces and temperature by changing its rigidity, dimension, surface morphology and thermoelectric properties; and
- A wearable fabric-based acoustic stethoscope that continuously detects the location and intensity of sound generated from human internal organs.
This research has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the development of novel fibre-based multi-sensory emulation wearable devices. Ultimately, it also contributes to diverse social and industrial fields, encompassing healthcare, IoT, smart cities, art technology, robotics, education, sports, fashion and textiles, and personal protection.
Professor Erin Cho, Dean and Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion , said, "Words cannot fully express my appreciation about this milestone. The first-ever Theme based Research Scheme in SFT distinctively excellent institutional history. This achievement is the immense source of pride not only for SFT for the entire university. The Theme-based Research Scheme, by all means, represents one of the most difficult and competitive grants to secure, further underscored by the substantial size of the funding.This is also the major reflection of Professor Tao’s lifetime commitment and devotion to her research. She is an internationally renowned and celebrated scholar in fiber science and wearable technology, with numerous distinctive awards and recognitions to her name. Her success in securing this grant also marks one of her most significant accomplishments, a goal she has pursued with unwavering determination. Please join me in congratulating Professor Tao. SFT is deeply honored to have her as our academic leader and a dedicated citizen of our community."
* RGC provides 90% of the approved budget and the remaining 10% will be provided by the coordinating University.
