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.
| Organiser | Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering | Research Centre for Unmanned Autonomous Systems |
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