PolyU receives three awards at CES Innovation Awards 2026

Three innovations developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. Among the award-winning projects, the Smart Firefighting Robots received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category, earning the coveted “Best of Innovation Award”, the best result PolyU has achieved since first participating in the event. PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society.

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous firefighting operations, the Smart Firefighting Robot was developed by the research team of Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE)  and Co-founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, together with Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of BEEE as well as the Founder and CEO of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited. This AI-driven robot can navigate smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, and select and release optimal extinguishing agents. By sending real-time data to command centres, it can also enhance firefighting efficiency and help safeguard the health and safety of firefighters and the public.

PolyU was also recognised for its Arm Rehabilitation Robot (also known as “Powered Rehab Skateboard”) and FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, which received awards in the Accessibility & Longevity and Digital Health categories respectively. These accolades highlight the University’s strong capabilities in health technology research and development.

The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable training device designed to support home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. Developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs, particularly for stroke survivors. Unlike traditional rehabilitation devices that are often bulky and expensive, this solution allows users to engage in effective therapy in the comfort of their homes or in community centres, catering to patients’ needs with simple setup and real-time tracking of training progress.

Development of the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection, the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, was spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are excited by the remarkable accomplishments of PolyU researchers and start-ups on the international stage. As PolyU marks its third consecutive year at CES, the growing number and diversity of award-winning innovations signal a new milestone in its journey, highlighting PolyU’s rising prominence in the global technology arena.”

Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. PolyU and its startups will showcase the award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations at CES 2026, to be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January next year.

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