News

STF Awards Prof. Bing Xu for Innovative Research in High-Precision Urban Positioning

Prof. Bing Xu’s project, “Enhancing Vehicular Positioning and Navigation Precision in Urban Environments Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites,” has been awarded over HK$ 4,000,000. The project aims to assess the feasibility of using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-precision positioning and navigation services by enhancing existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). While GNSS is essential for vehicular positioning and navigation, it faces numerous problems and challenges. For example, GNSS signals are easily obstructed or reflected in urban environments like Hong Kong, leading to degradation of positioning availability and accuracy. Additionally, secure GNSS positioning cannot be guaranteed due to increasing radio frequency interference and spoofing attacks. The proposed LEO-enhanced navigation services will be implemented in three steps: 1) positioning using current LEO satellites, such as Iridium satellites; 2) integrated positioning by GNSS satellites and the current LEO satellites; and 3) the study and implementation of integrated LEO/GNSS positioning using new LEO navigation signals. This research promises substantial benefits for all road users, encompassing both private vehicles and public transportation networks. By ensuring highly reliable and secure navigation, the project will also accelerate the transition toward autonomous and electric vehicles, serving as a critical stepping stone in realizing the broader blueprints for smart mobility and smart city development.  

Built to Win: PolyU DBF Team Places 15th Place Globally and Once Again Claims Asia's Top Spot at AIAA DBF 2026

We are thrilled to share that our remarkable DBF team achieved 15th place out of 98 teams worldwide at the 2025-2026 AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition, hosted by AIAA Corporate Member Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas, from 16 April to 19 April 2026. This year’s mission challenged teams to design, build, and fly a remote-controlled aircraft capable of completing charter flights with plastic ducks and pucks as passengers and cargo, respectively. Another mission required teams to tow a long banner and deploy it mid-air. To succeed, aircrafts had to accommodate different mission payloads, withstand landing impacts and in-flight vibrations, and deliver reliable performance across all mission attempts. Competing against strong teams from around the world, we are proud to share that our team ranked 1st in Asia once again – a significant milestone in our journey this year.   About AEOLUS: AEOLUS is PolyU’s official representative team in the prestigious AIAA DBF Competition. Comprising passionate students from AAE, the team embodies the creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence of PolyU’s emerging aviation talent. AEOLUS is committed not only to the design, construction, and operation of innovative remote-controlled aircraft but also to fostering a strong culture of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth among its members. Through hands-on learning and real-world challenges, the team develops critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills that prepare students for success in the ever-evolving aviation and aerospace industries. Through every project, AEOLUS strives to inspire the future of aviation engineering in Hong Kong by empowering young talents to push boundaries and embrace innovation.   About AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition: Now celebrating its 30th year, the AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition was established by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in 1996 to provide university students with practical experience in aircraft design. In this competition, participants are required to design, build, and demonstrate the flight performance of an unmanned, electric-powered, radio-controlled aircraft. The event places strong emphasis on achieving a balanced design, good flight handling characteristics, cost-effectiveness, and high performance. Each year, new design challenges and performance goals are introduced to foster innovation and technological advancement. Overall, the competition offers students a valuable platform to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and contribute meaningfully to the field of aviation.

Inaugural UM–PolyU CREI Workshop Strengthens Collaboration in Robotics and Embodied Intelligence

The UM–PolyU Joint Research Centre for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence (CREI) successfully hosted its inaugural research workshop, marking an important milestone in strengthening research collaboration between the University of Macau and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The workshop brought together leading scholars, researchers, and students from both universities to exchange recent advances in robotics, autonomous systems, and embodied intelligence, and to explore future opportunities for joint research and talent development.   The workshop opened with keynote speeches by the Centre’s Co-Directors, Professor Cheng-Zhong Xu from the University of Macau and Professor Wen-Hua Chen from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Professor Xu delivered a keynote on “Cognitive Intelligence for Robust Autonomous Driving in Mixed Traffic,” offering insights into how cognitive intelligence can support autonomous systems in complex and human-involved environments. Professor Chen presented “Active Learning and Embodied Intelligence,” highlighting the importance of active interaction, learning, and adaptation for the next generation of embodied intelligent systems.   Following the keynote sessions, distinguished researchers from both universities shared their latest research progress across the Centre’s core directions. The speakers included Professor Chenguang Yang, Professor Hailong Huang, and Professor Lik-Hang Lee from PolyU, and Professor Carlos Jorge Ferreira Silvestre, Professor Junwen Zhong, and Professor Zhehua Zhou from the University of Macau. Their talks covered a wide range of topics, including human-like robot control and human–robot collaboration, intelligent autonomous robotic systems for aerial and ocean applications, perception and decision-making for embedded intelligence, bio-inspired insect-scale robots, XR interfaces for human–robot interaction, and trustworthy embodied intelligence with foundation models.   The workshop provided a valuable platform for deepening mutual understanding, identifying complementary research strengths, and promoting future collaboration between UM and PolyU. It also reflected CREI’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research that connects fundamental robotics technologies with real-world autonomous and embodied intelligence applications.   The UM–PolyU CREI sincerely thanks all speakers, participants, and organizing team members for their valuable contributions and support. The Centre looks forward to continuing these discussions and welcoming the research community to future CREI events.   For further information on upcoming events, please visit the UM–PolyU CREI website.

PolyU Hosts Second Research Workshop on Unmanned Autonomous Systems, Fostering Global Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer

The Research Centre for Unmanned Autonomous Systems (RCUAS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted its 2nd Research Workshop of RCUAS on 7 May 2026 at PolyU campus, bringing together leading scholars, industry experts, and students to explore the future of intelligent autonomous technologies. The event showcased PolyU’s growing leadership in unmanned autonomous systems, serving a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across academia and industry. Participants engaged in lively discussions on autonomous systems, embodied intelligence, trustworthy AI, robotics, and applications to the low-altitude economy. Morning session: The workshop was opened with the opening remarks by Professor Chih-Yung Wen, Director of RCUAS and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE). He highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing cutting-edge research that addresses major societal and industrial needs. The morning session featured a series of talks addressing cutting-edge research challenges in robotics and intelligent systems.  Professor Boyu Zhou from the Southern University of Science and Technology shared recent progress in efficient active perception and mobile manipulation, while Professor Chen Sun from The University of Hong Kong spoke on trustworthy driving intelligence, focusing on the challenges of generalization, safety, and deployment in autonomous driving systems.  Dr Xiaofei Li, CEO of Simple AI Technology, explored the rapid rise of embodied intelligence and offered perspectives on the next stage of AI development.  Mr Leo LIU, CTO of Gammon Construction Limited, examined the transformative potential of autonomous systems in the construction sector, along with the practical challenges of industry integration. A particularly engaging open discussion session before lunch brought together professors and industry leaders to reflect on how academia can build distinctive research strengths amid the rapid advancement of industrial AI and autonomous technologies.  Afternoon Session: The afternoon session continued with talks highlighting breakthroughs in robust autonomous driving, SLAM technologies, digital twins, and drone applications.  Professor Chengzhong Xu, IEEE Fellow and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Macau, shared research on robust autonomous driving in mixed traffic environments. Dr Jianhao Jiao from PolyU presented his insights on lifelong spatial memory and navigation for legged robots through advanced SLAM techniques. Mr Tony Chan from Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited introduced the role of GIS and living digital twin technologies in supporting the development of the low-altitude economy. Mr Dylan Tyack, Founder and Managing Director of Drone Solutions Asia, discussed practical drone operations and the exciting opportunities they present for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy. Demo Session & Poster Session: Beyond the presentations, the workshop featured demonstration sessions, poster presentations of RCUAS’s research outputs, and interactive exchanges, creating valuable opportunities for participants to connect, share ideas, and spark new collaborations. Through this successful event, RCUAS once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering world-class interdisciplinary research and strengthening ties between universities and industry. By bridging academic excellence with practical application, PolyU continues to drive innovation in intelligent autonomous technologies and support their transformative impact across transportation, robotics, urban infrastructure and aerospace engineering.  

AAE Students Won the Excellence Award in the HKIE Logistics and Transportation Division (LTD) Best Student Papers Awards 2025-2026

We are pleased to announce that a research team led by Prof. Xu Gangyan has received the Excellence Award at the HKIE Logistics and Transportation Division (LTD) Best Student Papers Awards 2025-2026. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding engineering students from accredited programmes in Hong Kong, encouraging them to pursue excellence and innovation within the engineering profession.   Aligned with this year’s theme, "Innovation in Transport or Logistics," the team submitted their impactful research titled "Infrastructure Network Design for UAV-based Emergency Medical Delivery Service." The winning team consists of Mr Cheng Yung, Mr Meng Junkai, and Ms Yang Zixi, under the guidance of Prof. Xu, with mentoring support from his PhD student Ms Dong Wenzhao.   The award-winning research proposes a sophisticated, optimized infrastructure network tailored for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) emergency medical deliveries. The framework integrates several complex logistical elements, including strategic helipad placement, drone deployment, and precise task scheduling. Through detailed case studies based in Hong Kong, the research demonstrates how UAV can effectively complement traditional transport systems during time-critical emergencies. More reliable delivery of life-saving supplies, such as blood and essential medicines, can be achieved.   We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Xu and his students on this remarkable honour. We look forward to their continued contributions to the aviation engineering field.

PolyU AAE Research Projects Win Gold and Silver Medals at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) is proud to announce that its research projects achieved remarkable results at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, held at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland from 11 to 15 March 2026. The AAE projects in the PolyU delegation successfully clinched two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal. Stairio – Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury The project entitled "Stairio: Automated Staircase Safety Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Robot with Handrail-affixed Locomotion System" was awarded the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury. The project was led by Principal Investigator Prof. Li-Ta Hsu, with team members Mr Max Jwo Lem Lee, Mr Chi Leung Chan, Mr Hiu Hei Chong, Ms Luling Yuan, Ms Ruoyu Chen, Mr Yihan Zhang, and Mr Mingxiang Xiao. Stairio is an autonomous robot designed to improve staircase safety and maintenance, addressing the inefficiency and high cost of manual inspections, which often miss critical hazards. Its patented handrail-affixed locomotion system enables stable, continuous navigation across diverse staircase designs without obstructing users. LEO CNAV – Gold Medal The project entitled "LEO CNAV: A Spaceborne Payload for Low-Earth Orbit Communication and Navigation Services" was awarded the Gold Medal. The project was led by Principal Investigators Prof. Chih-Yung Wen and Prof. Bing Xu, with team members Dr Tianqi Wang, Ms Yuxin He, and Mr Zihong Zhou.   LEO CNAV is a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite payload designed for next-generation integrated navigation and communication applications. It integrates a spaceborne GPS/BDS receiver with a navigation and communication signal transmitter to deliver high-precision and reliable positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services. The payload transmits integrated navigation and communication signals, allowing flexible allocation of resources based on mission needs. AI Drone System for Cleaning Building Exteriors – Silver Medal The project entitled "Safety-assured AI-driven Drone System for Cleaning Building Exteriors" was awarded the Silver Medal. The project was led by Principal Investigator Prof. Weisong Wen, with team members Mr Jiahao Hu, Mr Naigui Xiao, Mr Yingming Chen, Mr Peiwen Yang, and Mr Xiangru Wang.   This safety-assured, AI-driven drone system eliminates the high risks and inefficiencies of manual high-rise cleaning. Unlike conventional drones that struggle in dense cities due to signal obstruction, this innovation uses advanced multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR/GNSS/Vision) to achieve centimetre-level precision even in GNSS-denied urban canyons.

PolyU-developed, Hong Kong’s first LEO communication–navigation integrated satellite payload successfully launched, powering smart city and low-altitude economy development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long been deeply and successfully engaged in the field of space technology. The University’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering has developed Hong Kong’s first low-Earth-orbit (LEO) communication-navigation integrated satellite payload “LEO CNAV”, which was recently successfully launched aboard the Yuxing-3 No. 05 satellite (also known as “Tech-Innovation-1”) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu. The launch of the satellite payload, which will undergo in-orbit testing, marks a historic milestone for PolyU in satellite technology and space applications. This year marks the first year of the Nation’s “15th Five-Year Plan”. The country is accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces through innovation and technology, creating vast growth potential for aerospace technology and related industries. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is also actively promoting aerospace science and technology development and supporting the space economy. This communication-navigation integrated breakthrough by PolyU highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in home-grown space technology and brings fresh momentum to the development of smart cities and the low-altitude economy. Dr WANG Tianqi, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and person-in-charge of system integration and testing, said, “From conceptual design and R&D testing to in-orbit operations, LEO CNAV has been developed entirely in-house by the PolyU team, opening a new chapter for independent satellite payload development by local universities. This experience has enabled our team to fully master the end-to-end payload development process, laying a solid foundation for the design of more advanced systems in the future.” LEO CNAV features four major technological advantages—functional integration, high-precision positioning, low-cost deployment and broad application potential—providing comprehensive support for future smart city infrastructure. In terms of functional integration, traditionally, communication and navigation rely on two separate systems operating independently. LEO CNAV removes this limitation by providing communication, navigation and timing services on a single platform. In future, users will only need one receiver to obtain both functions simultaneously, greatly simplifying system design. This breakthrough innovation has gained international recognition, being awarded a Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. The research team has also filed patent applications for the related core technologies. For positioning, LEO CNAV can be used in conjunction with existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS to enhance positioning accuracy in dense urban environments with high-rise buildings. Traditional GPS satellites operate at an altitude of about 20,000 km, resulting in relatively weak signals that are vulnerable to interference or “spoofing attacks”, posing safety risks for autonomous driving and unmanned aerial vehicles. Operating in low Earth orbit at only a few hundred kilometres above ground, LEO CNAV provides much stronger signals. Combined with a uniquely designed signal scheme developed by the team, it effectively resists interference and spoofing, enabling highly accurate navigation for smart mobility and related applications. LEO CNAV is designed with commercial space needs in mind. The payload consumes only about 23 watts of power, which is less than the power drawn by a typical mobile phone charger, and is compact in size, making it suitable for nano-satellites and other small satellite platforms. Its modular design allows it to “ride-share” on various commercial satellites, requiring only about 30 watts of power and basic interfaces for deployment. By using commercial off-the-shelf components and hardware cost-control strategies, the team has significantly controlled launch costs, laying the groundwork for future large-scale constellation deployment. LEO CNAV represents a major breakthrough in positioning and navigation technologies and can be widely applied in smart city and low-altitude economy scenarios. Potential applications include enabling lane-level positioning for autonomous vehicles, providing precise navigation for UAV logistics and urban air mobility, and supporting urban infrastructure monitoring and emergency dispatch. LEO CNAV payload designer Prof. XU Bing, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, said, “Low-Earth-orbit navigation and integrated space–ground communication-navigation systems are the future direction for global space information infrastructure. Through the satellite technology accumulated from the LEO CNAV project, we hope in the longer term to support Internet of Things (IoT) interconnectivity and the deployment of integrated space–air–ground 6G networks, helping the Greater Bay Area build a world-class cluster of smart cities.” Looking ahead, the team plans to launch additional satellites carrying LEO CNAV to gradually build a LEO constellation network that will support the upgrading of smart transportation. Project leader Prof. WEN Chih-yung, Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, said, “The successful launch of LEO CNAV marks a new chapter for PolyU. We will continue to advance innovation in space technology, nurture talent and broaden international collaboration, contributing to the development of Hong Kong’s commercial space sector and technological advancement in the Greater Bay Area.” In parallel with driving space research and development, PolyU is also committed to talent cultivation. This year, with a view to nurturing a new generation of professionals for the aerospace sector in Hong Kong and around the world, the University has launched Hong Kong’s first Master of Science in Satellite Engineering programme, covering areas such as satellite orbital dynamics, spacecraft systems, payload design and the emerging “New Space” economy.   ***END***

Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) 2025/26

We are pleased to share that Ms ZHOU Jiayi, a Year‑4 BEng (Hons) Aviation Engineering student, has been selected as the Outstanding Student of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) for 2025/26.  This prestigious University‑wide award honours full‑time final‑year students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in both academic and non‑academic endeavours throughout their studies.​ We also extend our warmest congratulations to Mr Yerlan Turaly, a Year‑4 BEng (Hons) Aviation Engineering student, who has been awarded the Presidential Student Leadership Award of AAE for 2025/26. This award recognises students with exemplary leadership skills and significant contributions to local and global communities.​ The Presentation Ceremony for the Outstanding Student Award and the Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 was held on 19 March 2026.  Please join us in congratulating Ms Zhou and Mr Turaly on their remarkable achievements. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, excellence, and spirit of our AAE community.  

AAE Experts Secure Smart Traffic Fund for Groundbreaking Smart Mobility Projects

The Department is delighted to announce that two of our esteemed colleagues, Prof Weisong Wen and Dr Li Qinbiao from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), have successfully secured funding from the 23rd batch of the Smart Traffic Fund (STF), as announced by the Transport Department on 22 January 2026.   This round of funding saw four innovative projects approved, with three led by PolyU researchers.   Institution Project Title Name of PI Hong Kong Smart City Limited and Hong Kong Metropolitan University Driving Performance Analysis Assistance System for Driving Tests Mr CHOW Hei Sen The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry Prof. Weisong WEN (AAE) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitoring and Alerting System Dr LI Qinbiao (AAE) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions Prof. SZE Nang Ngai (CEE) Prof. CHEN Wen-Hua (AAE – co-PI)   Project Highlights Prof Weisong Wen’s project, “Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry” is awarded over HK$ 7,000,000. The project will deliver Hong Kong’s first end-to-end autonomous delivery vehicle platform, integrating localization, perception, and control within a unified AI system. This innovative approach is designed to significantly enhance logistics efficiency and alleviate road congestion, offering exceptional adaptability to Hong Kong’s unique urban environment by removing conventional system boundaries.   Dr Li Qinbiao’s project, “Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitoring and Alerting System” is awarded over $4,500,000. It aims to improve road safety by developing a real-world-ready solution to mitigate driver attention-loss states. By analyzing data collected from wearable, commercialized health-tracking wristbands, the system continuously monitors multiple physiological signals—such as photoplethysmogram (PPG), heart rate variability (HRV), and blood oxygen saturation—to assess driver attentiveness. Advanced deep learning algorithms detect signs of drowsiness and distraction, generating a Unified Attention-Loss Index (UAI) and issuing graded alerts to both drivers and fleet managers, providing timely warnings to enhance road safety.   Congratulations to Prof Wen and Dr Li for their outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing smart mobility and road safety in Hong Kong!     Read the full Smart Traffic Fund approved projects list at https://stf.hkpc.org/list-of-approved-projects/.

PolyU and University of Macau launch Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence and dual PhD degree programme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Macau (UM) today signed collaboration agreements to inaugurate the Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence—the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau universities that is co-funded by both institutions—and to formalise a new dual PhD degree programme targeting young innovative talents in emerging fields such as robotics, embodied intelligence and autonomous systems. This cross-regional collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong and Macau’s endeavours to promote cutting-edge research and nurture young high-calibre talent, enhancing the competitiveness of the technology industries in both regions. The signing ceremony was held at the University of Macau. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Yonghua SONG, Rector of UM; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. Wei GE, Vice Rector (Research) of UM, the Joint Laboratory Agreement was signed by Prof. Wen-Hua CHEN, Interim Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering of PolyU, and Prof. Cheng-Zhong XU, Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology of UM; while the agreement for dual PhD degree programme was signed by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of Graduate School of PolyU, and Prof. Pak Kin WONG, Dean of the Graduate School of UM. Distinguished guests from both universities then attended a plaque unveiling ceremony held to celebrate the official establishment of the Joint Laboratory. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “The collaboration between PolyU and UM to establish the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau and to launch a dual PhD programme demonstrates our shared vision to advance frontier research in robotics and embodied intelligence, foster cross-regional research collaboration, and nurture elite talent who will contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area. These two initiatives not only address strategic regional imperatives but also aligns closely with our Nation’s long-term goals in technological innovation and socio-economic advancement. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU has decades of experience in translating research outcomes into real-world solutions. Through this partnership, interdisciplinary teams from both universities will work in synergy to produce high-impact research, pioneer transformative technologies, and facilitate knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, Macau, and the Nation.” Prof. Yonghua Song said, “The Joint Laboratory brings together UM’s strengths in interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence and engineering with PolyU’s expertise in applied science and engineering practice. It will advance fundamental research and promote technology transfer in cutting-edge fields such as intelligent robotics and embodied artificial intelligence. In addition to building on the two universities’ long-standing research collaboration, the laboratory will serve as a strategic platform for cultivating high-quality innovative talent. The four-year dual PhD programme features joint supervision by faculty members from both institutions. This initiative aims to synergise the disciplinary and technological strengths of both institutions and establish an internationally competitive doctoral training model for the Greater Bay Area, thereby supporting China’s high-quality development and the development of world-class research hubs.” The Joint Laboratory draws on the disciplinary strengths and robust research resources of PolyU and UM to accelerate research and knowledge transfer in intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence-driven technology and other relevant fields. It will serve as a critical collaboration platform for strengthening research, academic exchange and talent development between the two universities. The dual PhD degree programme adopts a four-year structure with co-supervision by academics from the two universities. Leveraging PolyU strengths in engineering and technology and UM’s comprehensive disciplinary breadth, the programme provides students with opportunities to conduct research projects and take classes at both institutions. Upon graduation, students will be awarded two separate PhD degrees from both universities.   ***END***