Innovation continues to reshape the way we power modern life. A recent collaboration between PolyU and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) exemplifies how partnership between academia and industry can spark new possibilities, combining advanced robotics and sensor technologies to redefine generator maintenance and inspection.

Through joint development, the two teams have created the smart Generator Inspection Robot (GIR) – a groundbreaking solution that integrates robotics with fibre-optic sensing technology to inspect generators more efficiently and safely. This innovation has already earned global recognition, winning a Gold Medal and a Special Prize – Best International Invention & Innovation, from the National Research Council of Thailand, at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. The accolades mark an international testament to Hong Kong’s growing strength in technology translated and talent development.

A steady and reliable electricity supply is indispensable for both daily life and economic progress. However, inspecting generators – the heart of the power system – have always been a technically demanding task. Traditional inspections require removing rotors weighing around 50 tonnes and repetitive manual work in checking each single component, resulting in long machine downtime and potential health hazards for the inspection team. Some generators at the CLP Power’s Black Point Power Station even feature unique ventilation baffles, for which no suitable robotic inspection solution previously existed.

Led by Professor Tam Hwa-yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, a team of PolyU researchers which included undergraduates collaborated with CLP Power’s Power Generation Business Unit to devise a robot just 36 millimetres thick, precisely tailored to the structural characteristics of the generators. The GIR can manoeuvre through narrow air gaps between the rotor and stator, crossing internal baffles to conduct visual inspections, detect core imperfections and test coil tightness – all without removing the rotor. Its flexible mobility and integrated fibre-optic sensing network ensure stable performance and continuous monitoring of its internal components during operation.

PolyU researchers and CLP Power engineers have jointly developed a 36 mm‑thick Generator Inspection Robot tailored to the generators’ structure, enhancing inspection efficiency and optimising long-term maintenance.

“PolyU is committed to promoting knowledge transfer, driving the translation of the University’s research outcomes into solid benefits for society,” said Professor Tam. “To enhance interdisciplinary learning, I founded the Engineering Entrepreneurship Club (EEC), offering undergraduates the chance to participate in cutting-edge robotics research and design solutions for industry. This project fully demonstrates PolyU’s dedication to industry-academia-research collaboration and contributes to Hong Kong’s growth as an international innovation and technology hub.”

Bringing this vision to life, the GIR project team included more than 40 undergraduates from the EEC who were deeply involved in designing and creating the robot. Established seven years ago, the EEC provides students with hands-on experience, helping them to develop an understanding of industry needs while inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit. Each year, the club brings together roughly 200 students from diverse backgrounds, teaching them to collaborate effectively through initiatives such as on-campus and international robot competitions.

Mr Kevin Lau, Senior Director of Generation at CLP Power added, “CLP Power actively integrates innovative technology into daily operations and encourages our engineering team to optimise workflows through creative thinking. The generator inspection robot provides flexible technical support and helps improve inspection efficiency, safety, and long-term maintenance strategies, strengthening our mission to deliver reliable electricity to the public.”

Through shared vision and ingenuity, PolyU and CLP Power continue to showcase how breakthroughs at the intersection of academic research and industrial practice can drive meaningful progress for Hong Kong and beyond.

The robot crosses ventilation baffles within air gaps to perform three key inspections — visual checks of ventilation ducts, assessment of stator core insulation, and wedge tightness testing — with trials conducted at Black Point Power Station.