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UM–PolyU Joint Research Centre for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence Pioneers GBA Innovation in Autonomous Driving and Aerospace Technologies

The UM–PolyU Joint Research Centre for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence (CREI) was jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Macau as the first direct academic research platform dedicated to embodied AI between Hong Kong and Macao. Designed to foster deep regional synergy, the Centre builds an “A-shaped” innovation network across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), effectively linking the scientific strengths of the eastern (Hong Kong) and western (Macao and Hengqin) hubs. The Centre is co-led by Professor Cheng-Zhong Xu from the University of Macau and Professor Wen-Hua Chen from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. CREI focuses on four key research pillars: physical intelligence, embodied infrastructure, safe robotics, and applied robotics. Operating under a complementary cross-campus model supported by a joint dual-degree PhD programme, large-scale physical testbeds and robotic hardware are hosted at UM, while algorithmic research, theoretical modelling, and software simulation are conducted jointly across both universities. Among its major initiatives is the planning of a cross-border autonomous driving bus connecting Hengqin and Macao, slated for trial operation by 2028 to mark the 30th anniversary of Macao’s handover to the motherland. Partnering with industry leaders such as Baidu and WeRide, the team is addressing complex hurdles—including border-crossing protocols, mixed-traffic dynamics, and left- and right-hand drive transitions—with future plans to extend routes across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge into Hong Kong. Concurrently, the Centre is embedding affective AI into robotic systems to develop empathetic companions for elderly care and social driving, alongside the high-dexterity “WuJi” robotic hand with over 20 degrees of freedom for delicate industrial assembly. CREI has also achieved significant breakthroughs in extreme-environment and specialized robotics, including insect-scale micro-robots for search-and-rescue within the critical post-disaster “golden 72 hours” and flexible robotic arms with variable-stiffness grippers for confined aircraft engine inspections and underwater operations. Looking ahead, the team is transferring its embodied intelligence and tactile-sensing algorithms to deep-space exploration—such as terrain evaluation for extraterrestrial rovers—in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Supported by UM’s upcoming Hengqin campus expansion in 2029, the Centre exemplifies a high-impact translational model of “Macao–Hong Kong R&D, Hengqin commercialisation.” For further information, please visit Ta Kung Pao and here.

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 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***