News

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.

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/.

Prof. Hsu Li-Ta, Prof. Wen Weisong, and Dr Zhang Guohao Honored with the 2024 Most Cited Manuscript Award by the Institute of Navigation

The Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is proud to announce that the paper “Hong Kong UrbanNav: An Open-Source Multisensory Dataset for Benchmarking Urban Navigation Algorithms”, co-authored by Prof. Hsu Li-Ta, Prof. Wen Weisong, and Dr Zhang Guohao, together with their collaborators, has been awarded the 2024 Most Cited Manuscript Award by the NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation (ION). The award was presented at ION GNSS+ 2025, held from September 8–12, 2025, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The recognition celebrates the paper as the most frequently cited publication in 2024, highlighting its strong influence on the global research community in positioning, navigation, and autonomous systems. The awarded paper, published in NAVIGATION (Vol. 70, No. 4), introduces Hong Kong UrbanNav, a publicly available multisensory dataset designed for benchmarking urban navigation algorithms. By enabling researchers worldwide to evaluate and compare navigation solutions under complex urban conditions, the dataset has accelerated innovation in autonomous driving, robotics, and smart city development. The award-winning team includes: Prof. Hsu Li-Ta Prof. Wen Weisong Dr Bai Xiwei Dr Huang Feng Dr Ng Hoi-Fung Dr Zhang Guohao Mr Zhong Yihan  Their collaborative achievement exemplifies the importance of open science and international cooperation in addressing key challenges in mobility and intelligent transportation. This international recognition not only honors the authors’ pioneering contributions but also underscores PolyU’s leadership in advancing navigation and positioning research for the future of intelligent transportation systems.

PolyU Aviation Researcher Supported by Google to Advance Urban Positioning and Navigation Technologies

Urban navigation has undergone substantial technological advancements in recent decades, enhancing smart living environments while improving human life. With his ongoing research in this impactful field covering location-based services and navigation and positioning technologies, Dr HSU Li-Ta, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, and Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received an unrestricted grant from Google to advance research in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and sensor fusion technologies. Titled “Research on 3D Mapping Aided GNSS Precise Positioning for Vehicular Applications,” Dr Hsu's awarded project centers on a novel urban positioning and navigation method to be used in mobile phones and intelligent vehicles. In densely built-up urban areas with skyscrapers like Hong Kong, GNSS positioning may be inaccurate as satellite signals are reflected off buildings. The new method utilizes 3D mapping technology to calculate the length and strength of the reflection of signals, thereby achieving a remarkable lane-level positioning accuracy in urban areas.  Dr Hsu has previously worked with Google’s Android Location Team in Mountain View, California as a visiting research scientist. During his visiting, he collaborated closely with industry leaders to enhance mobile positioning technologies by improving the accuracy and reliability of GNSS and sensor fusion. The outcome of his research has been applied to location services on Android devices, benefitting a large number of phone users worldwide. The grant aims to encourage leading researchers in advancing technology with innovation. It willprovide support for Dr Hsu’s pioneering work into GNSS and sensor fusion technologies, addressing the evolving demands for precise and trustworthy positioning technology for better user experiences, and exploring new opportunities for urban applications. Dr Hsu said, “It is a profound honour to receivethis grant. I am grateful for the invaluable experience and support provided by my colleagues at PolyU and collaborators at Google. Working with the experiences I obtained in Android Location Team, in particular, presented me with a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of mobile positioning technology. With the support of this grant, I hope to explore new solutions that can make GNSS technology more robust and accessible for users worldwide.” Dr Hsu was a two-time winner of the PolyU President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement, in the category of Knowledge Transfer in 2021 and of Teaching in 2023 respectively. The grant further highlights his outstanding research as well as PolyU’s contribution to global urban navigation and mobile positioning technologies.   Reposted from Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Original post]

Dr Li-Ta Hsu Honored for Authoring 2023's Most Cited Paper in NAVIGATION Journal

Dr Li-Ta Hsu has been recognized at the ION GNSS+ 2024 conference (Baltimore, Maryland) for authoring the most cited paper in 2023 in the esteemed NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation. The paper, titled "Factor Graph Optimization for GNSS/INS Integration: A Comparison with the Extended Kalman Filter," co-authored by Dr Weisong Wen, Dr Tim Pfeifer, and Dr Xiwei Bai, has garnered significant attention and acclaim in the field of navigation and positioning technologies. Published in the 2021 issue of NAVIGATION (Volume 68, Issue 2, Pages 315-331), the paper explores innovative methodologies in GNSS/INS integration through factor graph optimization, offering a comprehensive comparison with the traditional extended Kalman filter approach. This work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding and application of navigation systems, influencing both academic research and practical implementations. Dr Hsu's recognition at the ION GNSS+ 2024 in Baltimore highlights the significant impact of his research within the global navigation community. This prestigious annual conference, hosted by the Institute of Navigation, serves as a key platform for experts and innovators to exchange insights on the latest advancements in positioning, navigation, and timing technologies. Dr. Hsu's achievement not only reflects his dedication to the field but also showcases our department's commitment to advancing cutting-edge research.

Dr Li-Ta Hsu won the individual award in the President's Award of Outstanding Achievement 2023

Dr Li-Ta Hsu, Associate Head and Associate Professor, Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) was awarded the Individual Award - Teaching: Outstanding Young Teacher in PolyU's President's Award for Outstanding Achievement 2023.

AAE Staff and PhD Student Clinched Champion at HKIE Control, Automation & Instrumentation Division's “CA Paper Award Competition 2022/23”

In a remarkable achievement, two esteemed members of AAE, along with a promising PhD student, have been honoured with the prestigious Champion Award in the Control, Automation & Instrumentation Paper Award 2022/23 (CA Paper Award) at the Working Professional level. The CA Paper Award Competition is co-organized by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) - Control, Automation & Instrumentation Division (CAD) and the Institute of Measurement and Control, Hong Kong Section with the aim to promote the Control, Automation & Instrumentation technologies and to encourage young / potential engineers and technologists. The winning research paper, titled "Urban Level Energy Efficient UAV Path Planning in Windy Environments," captured the attention of experts in the industry. The paper addresses the crucial challenge of optimizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning in urban settings, particularly in the presence of strong winds. This well-deserved recognition further highlights the expertise and dedication of AAE members and underscores our commitment to cutting-edge research in the field of communication and navigation.

PolyU AAE ranked no. 1 in Hong Kong and no. 24 in the world in Aerospace Engineering

In the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2023 released by ShanghaiRanking on 27 October 2023, PolyU is recognised as the 24th best in the world and 1st in Hong Kong in Aerospace Engineering. It confirms once again our global excellence in education and research in the discipline.   The GRAS comprises rankings of universities in 54 subjects across natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences. The ranking makes reference to research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards to measure 5,000 universities’ performance in the relevant subjects. More than 1,800 universities across 96 countries and regions are eventually listed in the rankings.   The Department will continue to strive for improvement and lead AAE to a new height. The full version of GRAS 2023 and its methodology can be found here.

Dr Hailong Huang secured the Smart Traffic Fund

The project titled “Development of a Personalised and Connected Advanced Driver Assistance System”, led by Dr Hailong Huang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, was awarded the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) with a total amount of $ 4,510,578. This project aims to develop a personalised and connected advanced driver assistance system, which covers both driving habits of individual drivers and motion prediction of surrounding vehicles, so as to improve driving safety by providing predictive warnings and driving advice.   STF set up by the Transport Department of the HKSAR Government provides funding support to local organizations or enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. More details can be found at www.stf.hkpc.org.   Read the approved note in full on the Hong Kong Government Press Releases page: https://stf.hkpc.org:8443/2023/03/29/psri-47-2209-pr/

AAE Student Awarded HKIE Scholarships 2022/23

An AAE student Mr ANG Jershon Ainsleigh Entote was awarded The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Scholarship 2022/23. He is one of the three awardees among all eligible institutions in Hong Kong this year. The HKIE Scholarship scheme aims to recognize the academic achievements of outstanding full-time engineering undergraduate students and to develop them into future engineers. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to two to three students who major in HKIE-accredited engineering programs in any local university.   Congratulation to Jershon!