Welcome to the UM-PolyU Joint Research Centre for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence (UM-PolyU CREI).
We stand at the threshold of a profound revolution. Robotics, once confined to structured industrial environments, is making a strategic leap toward wide applications in open environments such as public domains or sharing space with human empowered by Embodied Intelligence. As these systems gain the ability to perceive, reason, and interact with the physical world with human-level competence, they are reshaping every facet of our society—from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and public service.
UM-PolyU CREI was established as a strategic partnership between the University of Macau (UM) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to lead this global transformation. Our mission is to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discovery and real-world societal impact. By combining the world-class research talent and resources of our two institutions, we are building a long-term, sustainable ecosystem of academic excellence and industrial innovation.
Our Strategic Vision: The Four Pillars
To achieve human-level machine intelligence, UM-PolyU CREI organises its research around four highly coordinated strategic pillars that encompass the entire robotic value chain:
- Robotic Intelligence (The Consciousness Nexus): Integrating perception and cognition to instill robots with a deep understanding of physical laws and causality.
- Perception and Embodied Computing (The Foundation Carrier): Providing the physical "body" and high-performance computing power necessary for machines to interact with dynamic environments.
- Safe Robotics and Autonomous Systems (The Execution Guarantor): Ensuring rigorous verification and reliability, allowing robots to operate safely in critical, real-world scenarios.
- Applied Robotics (The Adaptability Amplifier): Bridging research and practice across healthcare, logistics, service, and industrial sectors to generate immediate social benefit.
Cultivating the Next Generation
Our commitment extends beyond technology to the cultivation of talents. Through our Dual-PhD Degree Programme, we are nurturing a new generation of versatile researchers and innovators. These scholars will not only advance the frontiers of robotics but will also serve as the primary catalysts for industrial transformation within the Guangfdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The rapid increase in number of intelligent robotics is more than a technological goal; it is a driver for economic growth, enhanced productivity, and global well-being. By realising a world-class innovation ecosystem, we aim to consolidate the roles of Hong Kong and Macao as lading global hubs for technological advancement.
We invite you to explore our research, join our initiatives, and partner with us as we pioneer the future of robotics and embodied intelligence. Together, we are moving toward a future where intelligent systems work seamlessly alongside humanity to create a more resilient and sustainable world.
Prof. Wen-Hua CHEN, Director of UM-PolyU CREI, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Prof. Cheng-Zhong XU, Director of UM-PolyU CREI, University of Macau
