In a recent interview with the 21st Century Business Herald, Ir Professor Ni Yiqing, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of PolyU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch), highlights his groundbreaking work in structural health monitoring (SHM) for high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) trains and other infrastructure projects. Professor Ni, a prominent figure in the field, emphasises the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency in rail systems.

The innovative SHM platforms developed for maglev trains continuously assess the structural integrity of tracks, ensuring smooth operations and a comfortable experience for passengers. His team employs over 700 precision sensors in projects like the Canton Tower, capturing minute changes in structural health. This advanced monitoring system enhances safety and optimises maintenance, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Throughout his career, Professor Ni has focused on developing technologies that enable real-time diagnostics of structural performance issues. His expertise has significantly contributed to landmark infrastructure projects, including the Tsing Ma Bridge and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

In 2015, the Chinese National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Rail) was established at PolyU by the State Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), focusing on advanced technologies for rail transport, including smart sensors and AI applications. One of its notable developments is the Fiber Bragg grating sensor, which effectively monitors various structural conditions without electromagnetic interference.

As the director of CNERC-Rail, Professor Ni highlights the importance of the user experience alongside structural safety, integrating passenger comfort and noise control into monitoring systems. His team has successfully implemented noise reduction technologies in metro systems, addressing the significant challenge of noise pollution from high-speed trains. He also leads research on AI applications in SHM. His work includes developing an AI-based foreign object detection system that ensures safety by identifying potential hazards on tracks.

Looking ahead, Professor Ni expresses optimism about the future of China’s railway technology on the global stage, noting the nation’s advancements in high-speed rail and maglev systems. He advocates for continuous innovation and collaboration to address challenges like noise reduction and operational safety, positioning Hong Kong as a vital hub for international railway technology initiatives.

Watch the interview here:

21st Century Business Herald