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PolyU connects young people with technology to promote anti-drug education under the Beat Drugs Fund

Technology profoundly connects young people to new knowledge, information and social communications. In designing its anti-drug programme, researchers in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have integrated creative and entertaining elements of technology into campaigns aimed at young people. In promoting the awareness about the harmful effects of drugs on young people, two PolyU projects have received support from the Beat Drugs Fund. The projects feature mini-film package production and parent-child workshops that adopt current technologies including virtual reality (VR) and interactive robots to engage young people and raise their awareness about drugs. These two community-based projects aim to encourage the participation of multiple stakeholders, including parents, teachers, social workers, counsellors and healthcare professionals, to comprehensively explore with young people effective approaches to combating the temptation of drugs. The project led by Prof. Hector TSANG Wing-hong, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Head and Chair Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has initiated a VR-enabled mini-film package in order to effectively communicate anti-drug messages to young people. Prof. Tsang said, “Edutainment in health communication effectively supports strategies used by rehabilitation professionals to convey messages in substance abuse rehabilitation, not only in promoting community re-integration for those with substance abuse experience but also proactively combating the temptation of drug use among young people, in particular those drugs commonly misused including marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD). The use of innovative technology including VR in providing simulated experiences of side-effects of drug abuse among the youngsters can raise their anti-drug awareness.” The project led by Dr Katherine LAM Ka-wai, Research Assistant Professor of School of Nursing, establishes a community network by connecting nursing students with youngsters and their parents with interactive robot-assisted workshops on anti-drug awareness. Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation, said, “PolyU has always been committed to creating innovations that benefit society. To help effectively promote an anti-drug message, the two funded projects fully consider the culture and preferences of young people while providing stakeholders with sustainable programmes, which are of great significance.” Under the Beat Drugs Fund, the Regular Funding Scheme aims to support different sectors in society to propose further anti-drug projects, such as the organisation of preventive education and publicity programmes targeting the general public or specific groups; the provision of drug treatment and rehabilitation services to people with drug problems; and the conduct of research on drug abuse problems. Appendix: PolyU-led projects awarded the Beat Drugs Fund

PolyU Scholar Shares Tactics for Research Competitions on THE Campus

Research competitions can motivate, encourage and inspire students, but we must align their expectations and encourage teamwork throughout the project. Dr Zheng Pai, Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) shares his insights with THE Campus on leading a research team for the aforementioned successful research project “Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System” comprised undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dr Zheng is also the principal investigator of the Research Group of AI for Industrial Digital Servitisation at PolyU.  “Research project competitions are valuable teamwork exercises that help develop students’ scientific and creative mindsets – in addition to the encouragement they will glean from being merited and recognised,” said Dr Zheng in THE Campus report.  The team won a number of local and international Information and Communication Technology (ICT) awards for their work to improve collaboration between people and robots.  Times Higher Education (THE) provides source of data, insight and expertise on higher education worldwide. It creates university rankings to assess university performance on the global stage and to provide a resource for readers to understand the different missions and successes of higher education institutions. For more: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/tactics-leading-and-engaging-students-research-competitions

Mobile EEG To Facilitate Neuroscience Research in PolyU

Mobile electroencephalography (EEG) is installed by University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for researchers to explore new frontiers in brain function and behaviour.  Representing the latest technology for neuroscience research, mobile EEG is a wireless system for EEG measurement to study real-time brain activity. The device allows remote data collection, enabling applications outside a laboratory setting. It has been applied to study memory, emotion and movement in real-world settings.  Compared to conventional wired EEG, this mobile system fits for experiments which involve dynamic motions such as research on locomotion and physical exercise. Versatility of mobile EEG significantly supports researchers for a wider scope of study and experiment.  Prof Marco Pang, Director of UBSN and Professor in Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, said, “We were always able to study all the hot topics such as sleep, memory, attention and emotion. And now, mobile EEG setups enable researcher to study neural activities with subjects performing physical activities or daily tasks in a more natural context.” For neuroscience research, this mobile device has facilitated Event-Related Potentials (ERP) analysis on short segments of EEG data that are time-locked to particular events of experimental interests. Respectively, mobile EEG enables tracking of lifestyle factors that are associated with rates of brain activity. Linguistic research has applied EEG for investigation on the process of speech in the brain, particularly the relationship between brain signals and speech features. Mobile device enables experiments outside the laboratory for subjects in different locations.  Prof Gang Peng, Professor in Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, said, “Mobile EEG plays a role for its flexibility and mobility for reaching more diversified subjects, particularly for remote on-site experiments in linguistic fieldworks.” For instance, different tone systems are hypothesized to influence the brain process of pitch. Some minority languages have as many as five level tones. But native subjects of specific minority languages have to conduct the experiments in remote villages, and for such on-site settings, mobile EEG particularly facilitates the research.  Practically, mobile EEG benefits real-life applications in rehabilitation research. Prof Thomas Choi, Professor in School of Nursing, said, “For rehabilitation  activities involving movements, the device has to move with the user.” For example, in spinal cord injury therapy, mobile EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) enables capture of movement intentions to drive assistive lower limb exoskeletons when a patient practises walking. For rehabilitation, mobile EEG-based facilities BCI research for the evaluation of brain activity and interaction with in real-time interactive environment. The EEG signals acquired using BCI are studied for mental status and movement intention. BCI-based therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation targeting motor, cognitive and affect functions has shown promising results in research.  Mobile EEG is available in PolyU to apply for various research fields such as for mechanisms underlying cognitive process and body motion, EEG measurement outside laboratory and sport neuroscience.

PolyU’s new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab joins Hai Robotics to introduce smart delivery system for fostering co-creation and innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been playing a pioneering role in driving innovation and technology (I&T) and knowledge transfer in Hong Kong, nurturing numerous I&T talents and continuously enhancing its curriculum and research facilities, in order to empower students for the Industry 4.0 era. Among these accomplishments, PolyU has fostered the development of unicorn start-up Hai Robotics, which has successfully commercialised its scientific research for global markets with its world-leading autonomous case-handling robotic system. Joining hands with Hai Robotics, PolyU today officially launched the cutting-edge Smart Delivery System in its new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) at the University’s Industrial Centre. The Smart Delivery System aims to strengthen PolyU’s robotics education and encourage co-creation and innovation among students and researchers. Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU’s Executive Vice President, said, “PolyU places a strong emphasis on whole-person education as well as innovation and entrepreneurship, in order to nurture talents who meet the needs of society. Over the years, PolyU has been strengthening its PolyVentures start-up ecosystem, supporting PolyU academics, researchers, alumni and students in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The University has also provided all-round support to start-ups at different stages of their development, helping them to translate and commercialise their research outputs for the benefit of society. The collaboration between PolyU and Hai Robotics, supported by the company’s warehouse automation solutions, will not only accelerate the University’s future R&D but also empower students to acquire knowledge about the application of novel smart technologies.” The AIR Lab is an innovative teaching and research platform, with a total area of 1,800 square metres. It is equipped with advanced robotic arms, robots, automatic guided vehicles, drones, as well as machine learning kits related to AI robotics and Industry 4.0. The Laboratory allows educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics, including application development, component fabrication, control system design, autonomous system development, and intelligent and AI algorithm design for robots. The Smart Delivery System comprises three components: Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robot system, PolyU’s Autonomous Mobile Robots, and an enterprise resource planning software system. It will support researchers in developing various collaborative robot application technologies, and offer a communal logistics service for the Lab’s users, making the venue a living laboratory. The AIR Lab currently houses 15 PolyU project teams that focus on the use of AI and robotic technologies in areas such as healthcare, rehabilitation, sports technology, engineering, energy, computing, and sustainability. Hai Robotics was founded in 2016 by two graduates of the PolyU Department of Electronic and Information Engineering – Mr Richie CHEN, a 2012 graduate, and Mr Bing FANG, who graduated in 2014. The start-up has grown rapidly by capitalising on the manufacturing advantages of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the opportunities of the Mainland China market. It soon expanded its global presence, with a valuation that has now reached around US$2 billion. Mr Fang returned to his alma mater today to share his experiences and encourage young people to gain a sound understanding of the environment and the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the GBA in order for them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

PolyU x Qianhai Authority x SIA Form Strategic Collaborative Framework to Promote Smart Sensor Technology & Research Development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined forces with the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority) and the Sensors and IoT Industry Association (SIA) to reach a strategic collaborative framework agreement for advanced research development on smart sensor technology and related fields. This collaboration also promotes innovation transfer and development of top-notch intelligent sensor technology and talent hub. The strategic collaborative framework agreement was signed by representatives of PolyU, Qianhai Authority and SIA in Qianhai Cooperation Zone on March 31. The three entities will leverage each other's expertise and speciality in academia, research, industry and execution to form a long-term partnership to promote the development of world-class smart sensor industry in Qianhai. PolyU endeavors excellence in research and education, with strong disciplines in engineering, science, computing, design and others. It also has cross disciplinary strength in sensor and Internet of Thing (IoT) research. Impactful research has practically transformed in various fields such as healthcare, environmental protection, transportation and smart manufacturing, supported by interdisciplinary efforts.  With this strategic collaboration, PolyU is committed to accelerate the development of smart sensor industry in Qianhai. This also helps establish a world-class industry-academia-research-application model and encourages international academic exchanges.  Prior to the signing of this collaborative agreement, Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU led a delegation of PolyU scholars to visit the Qianhai Authority and to meet some Qianhai technological enterprises for discussion on industry-academia collaboration.  

PolyU and COMAC co-organise International Science and Technology Innovation Week and collaborate on advancing aviation research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) co-organised for the first time an international innovation week and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing civil aviation technology. With the theme of “Digital Aircraft: Industry Empowerment,” the 6th COMAC International Science and Technology Innovation Week was co-organised by COMAC, PolyU and Tongji University and held in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province to promote collaboration on innovations. Over 500 experts and scholars from government, academia, research institutions and industry attended the week-long event that ended today. They exchanged ideas on basic as well as frontier science and technology in areas such as aviation Big Data, artificial intelligence and advanced materials. PolyU and COMAC also signed an MoU to promote technological innovation in civil aviation. Both sides will collaborate on research, talent development and knowledge transfer in the areas of artificial intelligence, Big Data and new materials. The MoU was signed by Prof Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr TAN Wangeng, Director and Deputy Party Secretary of COMAC. Prof Christopher Chao said, “This collaboration aims to inject new impetus into the development of civil aviation and related fields, while jointly promoting technological innovation and industrial development. PolyU will join hands with COMAC to create more opportunities for exchange between academia and industry.” Mr HE Dongfeng, Chairman and Party Secretary of COMAC, said at the event, “Promoting an ecosystem to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions is important for the development needs of commercial airliners and is demanded by technological trends. In light of the new wave of technological revolution, we need to establish an innovation chain for airliner development supported by talents, innovation, and partnerships between industry and academia.” At the event, leading PolyU scholars met with industry professionals and shared their insights on cutting-edge technologies and development trends in civil aviation. Among them were Prof H.C. MAN, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering; Prof Chih-Yung WEN, Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering; and Prof CAO Jiannong, Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing. Prof Wen also delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the event. COMAC, headquartered in Shanghai, is engaged in the research, manufacturing and flight testing of civil aircraft and related products, with the mission of implementing large-scale passenger aircraft programmes and realising the industrialisation of civil aircraft in China. PolyU’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering is ranked number 1 in Hong Kong by ShanghaiRanking. It plays a crucial role in bridging research and industrial needs in the aviation and aeronautics field. In addition, the Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC) is an applied research centre founded by PolyU and Boeing Company. It aims to develop new or improved aviation service technologies applicable to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry and beyond.

理大聯同中國商飛、同濟大學聯合主辦第六屆COMAC 國際科技創新周盛大開幕

Chinese Only 理大聯同中國商飛及同濟大學聯合主辦第六屆COMAC 國際科技創新周，於2023年3月27日至31日在浙江省中國商飛客戶服務訓練基地舉行。約500名來自政府、學術界、工業界等不同領域的參會人員親臨盛會。 理大副校長（研究及創新）趙汝恒教授為活動開幕式致辭︰「理大很榮幸能夠與中國商飛以及同濟大學共同主辦是次活動。理大一直以來積極回應國家發展規劃和參與國家科技項目，是香港唯一一個參加國家航天計畫的高校，深度參與了探測月球和火星的任務。」 趙教授表示，「理大將繼續在航天航空科技的不同方向展開深入研究，希望在不遠的未來看到更多突破性的科技創新，讓我們攜手並進，為中國的航天航空科技事業發展貢獻力量。」 第六屆COMAC 國際科技創新周按照「交流基礎科學、探索前沿科技、解決疑難問題、促進創新合作」的宗旨，圍繞「數字飛機 產業賦能」為主題，開展產、學、研深度對話。    

Smart City Technology Shown to Futian Government Delegation Visit

A delegation of Futian Government has visited PolyU for exchange and discussion on research and technology development.  Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and shared the university’s latest research excellence on textile, space and smart city. He has also made discussion with the delegate on academic - government collaboration and talent cultivation opportunity.  The delegate has toured PolyU’s research facilities including Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics, School of Fashion & Textiles, Planetary Remote Sensing Laboratory and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations. PolyU researchers shared with the delegate for more understanding on industrial research and technology transformation.

PolyU Scholar Integrates Innovative Technology into Music with Movement Therapy for People With Dementia to Reinforce Sustainable Adoption

Music with Movement intervention has proven to be a promising intervention to improve the well-being and enhance cognitive performance of old adults with cognitive impairment. Health outcomes are considerably affected by implementation strategies, in which technological innovations are essential to facilitate the delivery of intervention and communication in an effective way. Notwithstanding the evidence-based effects, Music with Movement intervention encounters barriers in implementation such as intervention fidelity, subjective assessment, unorganised music genres, inflexible training programme and time consuming in documentation. In addressing these challenges for application on traditional community services platform, a stand-alone therapeutic programme empowered by innovative technology is introduced by Dr Daphne Cheung, Associate Professor in School of Nursing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and her team to improve adoption and enhance benefits. Sustainability Enhanced by Innovative Technology Innovation and technology (I&T) is creatively applied to provide customised solutions, with the design of a user-friendly system and interactive platform for the beneficiaries, caregivers and service providers. Smart technology such as AR (Augmented Reality) interactive game, motion sensor and cloud-based data system for analytics are incorporated into music intervention programme. With integration of I&T elements, the programme builds stronger connection and communication to train, engage and monitor music intervention for sustainability. Extensively, this portable music intervention programme could expand to broader community application for the benefit of people with dementia. Led by Dr Cheung, the project “A Stand-alone Therapeutic Music with Movement Programme for Elderly with Cognitive Impairment,” is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living (ITF-FBL) and Ho Cheung Shuk Yuen Charitable Foundation in November 2020 for a period of three years. The project is jointly collaborated with Nethersole School of Nursing of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The ITF-FBL is a scheme for funding I&T projects which will make people's daily living more convenient, comfortable and safer; or address the needs of specific community groups. Optimising with information and communication technology, the project aims to expand programme adoption and sustainability with the development of a stand-alone system and service package for flexible training and support to caregivers and staffs, greater interactive and fun motivation to users and intelligent data management for assessment. The project was honoured in the ICT Award 2022 for Smart People Smart Aging Silver Award. The project has created a stand-alone tablet-based interactive programme, which comprises of training for caregivers on music intervention techniques, wireless music motion-sensing and AR games for users, data management and analytical system for health and engagement reports. Integration of innovative technology such as e-Book for training manual, Android Console Music with Movement system and RFID card for user identification creates substantial solutions for efficient implementation.

PolyU Scientist Research Achievement in Most Water-repellent Surface Received Spark Award by HUAWEI

(Chinese Only) 香港理工大學（理大）協理副校長（研究及創新）、機械工程學系仿生工程講座教授王鑽開教授，獲電訊設備商華為（HUAWEI）頒發「難題揭榜」火花獎，以表揚他在「透明耐磨的超疏表面」方面的創新成就。 華為向全社會發佈兼顧產業挑戰和科學價值的難題，予探索，牽引，開放，思辨，百花齊放，百家爭鳴。王鑽開教授在軍團挑戰難題第二期難題「透明耐磨的超疏表面」中提出了新型的解決方案，所提出的技術方案新穎且具有使用價值，被授予華為火花獎。 華為設立「難題揭榜」火花獎以表彰才華斐然的老師、公司，以感謝這些獲獎者對於產業界及科學界做出的重大貢獻，並激發更多人才挑戰難題。 【更多】 「難題揭榜」火花獎專家座談會 王鑽開教授早前在理大刊物《勵學利民》裡分享他的研究歷程和心得 (PolyU Excel x Impact: A conversation with Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) Professor Wang Zuankai)