Welcome to the 10th issue of Innovation Digest, themed “On the Fast Track: Smart Transport and UAV Research Shaping Future Mobility”. 

As cities worldwide embrace AI, the next generation of mobility is moving firmly into the spotlight. Smart mobility has long been identified as one of the six key domains in Hong Kong’s Smart City Blueprint, reflecting its central role in the city’s transformation into a smarter, more efficient urban environment.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) continues to lead in transport innovation and research. In the 2026 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, PolyU was ranked first worldwide in Transportation Science and Technology, a testament to its global standing in the field. This strength comes at a particularly timely moment.

China has designated the low-altitude economy as a strategic emerging industry and a national priority in the 15th Five-Year Plan. This policy direction underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies, as the skies above our cities emerge as a new frontier for mobility.

Reflecting these trends, the current issue highlights two complementary research areas. The “Intelligent Traffic” section explores work that is reshaping movement on the ground, including:

• an AI-integrated control strategy for enhancing the stability of maglev trains
• an AI-controlled traffic-light system for smooth and efficient bus services
• a blockchain-AI digital solution for transforming a mature city into a circular city
• a deep multimodal network for multi-task trajectory prediction

Turning the spotlight upwards to UAV and GNSS research, the “Low-Altitude Tech” section presents:

• a dual control approach for exploration and exploitation in UAV autonomous search
• an RTK model specifically designed for low- and mid-latitude regions
• a system integrating GNSS-RTK, LiDAR and INS for accurate positioning in urban canyons
• a framework for planning trajectories of cellular-connected UAVs

Additionally, “Engagement & Partnership” showcases PolyU's recent collaborations with external organisations and stakeholders engagement activities, while “Student Corner” proudly features the achievements of the University's students.

Across roads and skies, the research featured in this issue reflects PolyU’s determination to lead the global transition towards intelligent mobility. Through pioneering scholarship, our scholars continue to expand the frontiers of innovation, helping cities and societies move towards a safer, more connected and sustainable future.

Prof. Cheng DONG Chairman of the Editorial Committee Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sports Technology