PolyU is at the forefront of research in creating a smarter, safer future for transportation. In the latest round of support from the Smart Traffic Fund, three pioneering PolyU projects have collectively secured HK$18.6 million in funding. These initiatives focus on intelligent driving systems, advanced bus emergency braking solutions, and wearable monitoring technologies, all designed to enhance driving safety and optimise transportation efficiency.

Among the funded projects, the “Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in the Logistics Industry”, led by Professor Wen Weisong from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviating Engineering (AAE), stands out with approximately HK$7.06 million allocated over 24 months. This transformative initiative seeks to develop a unified intelligent driving system specifically for logistics, incorporating an artificial intelligence framework for spatial localisation through multi-modal sensor fusion, a Bird’s Eye View perception system to provide 360-degree awareness of the environment, and sim-to-real training tailored to the Hong Kong landscape.

Another noteworthy project comes from Professor Sze Nang Ngai, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who spearheads the “Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions”. This project, which has garnered around HK$7.04 million over 24 months, aims to customise an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for local buses. By analysing traffic accident records alongside real-time bus trajectory data, the research aims to enhance collision prevention and ensure the safety of passengers.

Additionally, Dr Li Qinbiao, a Research Assistant Professor in AAE, led the “Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitorising and Alerting System” has secured about HK$4.51 million in support over 24 months. This innovative system intends to track drivers’ physiological signals, such as photoplethysmogram (PPG), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation, via wearable health-tracking wristbands, employing deep learning algorithms to detect drowsiness and distraction, thereby issuing timely alerts to improve road safety.

Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, expressed delight at PolyU receiving support from the Smart Traffic Fund. He emphasised that these projects introduce novel solutions to critical and emerging challenges in transportation and logistics, with the potential to propel transport technology into new frontiers. He reaffirmed PolyU’s commitment to translational research, highlighting the University’s vision of creating tangible benefits for society.

With these new initiatives, 31 PolyU projects have been supported by the Smart Traffic Fund, further establishing its leadership role in the advancement of transportation technology and innovation. The Smart Traffic Fund’s mission focuses on enhancing commuting convenience and improving safety across Hong Kong’s road networks.