PolyU recognised at CES 2027 Innovation Awards
Two research projects developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been recognised at the distinguished Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2027, garnering Innovation Awards in the “Digital Health” and “Artificial Intelligence” categories, respectively. These achievements demonstrate PolyU’s capabilities in interdisciplinary research and in translating research findings into practical applications.
The Smart Motion Capture App for Rehabilitation (SMCAR), developed by a research team led by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Director of the Research Centre for Assistive Technology (RCATech) and Associate Head (Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Transfer) of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU, alongside the first inventor Dr Winnie LAM from RCATech and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, was honoured in the “Digital Health” category. SMCAR is an innovative mobile application that transforms everyday smartphones and tablets into powerful, efficient rehabilitation tools. Without the need for wearable sensors or specialised equipment, the app enables accurate and reliable markerless motion capture, allowing healthcare and rehabilitation professionals to remotely monitor patients’ motor performance and assess their rehabilitation progress.
Combining advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality technologies, SMCAR provides real-time visual feedback, automatically logs activity data and evaluates movement performance. The key strength of SMCAR lies in its harnessing of widely available consumer devices, allowing patients at home to efficiently receive professional rehabilitation evaluations and guidance while lowering the threshold for personalised care, thereby fostering favourable conditions for the widespread adoption of rehabilitation services worldwide.
TruTru, an AI-powered handheld interactive companion device, was honoured with an award in the “Artificial Intelligence” category. Developed by Prof. MA Yuan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and his research team, the device assists users in improving their holistic and emotional well-being. Crafted from soft materials, TruTru houses electronic components that sense user touch, prompting AI to generate dynamic tactile feedback in real time. In addition, the device emits gentle, colourful illumination corresponding to various modes, providing users with real-time, personalised tactile and visual experiences.
TruTru aims to offer gentle and subtle sensory support through dynamic tactile feedback, alleviating stress, anxiety or emotional distress. Upholding a human-centred spirit, the research team integrates AI technology into mindfulness and personal well-being routines, opening up warm, empathetic, and humanised technological solutions for mental well-being.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “As PolyU marks its fourth consecutive year of participation at CES, we are thrilled that our research achievements have once again gained international recognition on the global stage. These honours not only affirm the solid research foundation of PolyU teams in frontier interdisciplinary research but also reflect the University’s dedication to translating innovative ideas into impactful solutions that address societal needs and enhance quality of life through advanced technology.”
Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES highlights breakthrough innovations in the consumer electronics sector and stands as one of the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology events. The award-winning teams and 13 PolyU start-ups will participate in CES 2027, held in Las Vegas, USA, from 6 to 9 January 2027, showcasing the University’s winning technologies alongside a broad portfolio of pioneering research across diverse fields.
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