News

AAE Students Won the Most Popular Solution Award of the Inter-departmental Final Year Project 2024/25

We are delighted to announce that AAE students excelled at the Inter-departmental Final Year Project 2024/25. Their innovative work was recognized with the prestigious Most Popular Solution Award. The award-winning project, titled “Safe and Agile Flight of UAVs for Target Tracking” showcased the exceptional talents and dedication of our students. This project focuses on improving drones, also known as UAVs, to automatically follow fast-moving targets safely and efficiently. Under the supervision of Prof. Huang Hailong, the team has developed both hardware and software that will allow the drones to navigate complex environments, like avoiding obstacles while flying quickly. This could be especially useful for live-streaming sports events, where capturing fast action is crucial. The team members include: LAW Ching Yuen PU Yuxuan XIONG Huawei YIU Fai Hung ZENG Muxi   Congratulations to our talented students for their outstanding achievement! We are proud of their dedication and commitment to advancing the field of aviation engineering.

AAE Students Lead the Way: Highlights from the HKIE LTD Best Student Papers Awards 2024

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of AAE’s MPhil student, Mr Meng Qingyang, has been recognized in the HKIE Logistics and Transportation Division (LTD) Best Student Papers Awards 2024. The award aims to celebrate exceptional engineering students from accredited Logistics or Transportation Engineering Degree Programmes in Hong Kong, promoting innovative research and encouraging the pursuit of careers in engineering. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a cash prize of HK$3,000, while a distinction award offers HK$5,000. Mr Meng's pioneering project, supervised by Prof. Huang Hailong, is entitled “Last-Centimeter Drone Delivery Project”. It aims to revolutionize parcel delivery by enabling drones to autonomously deliver packages directly to customers' balconies. This innovative approach addresses key challenges in urban navigation and GNSS instability. By enhancing user convenience, the project allows customers to receive packages directly at their balconies, eliminating the need to visit parcel lockers. Additionally, it streamlines the delivery process, reducing time and costs associated with traditional methods. Utilizing advanced multi-sensor technology, the project demonstrates high reliability and precision in landing, ultimately setting a new standard for urban logistics. We are excited to see Mr Meng’s impactful work recognized and look forward to his continued contributions to the advancement of engineering solutions in low-altitude logistics.

Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) Visit to RCLAE

On 19 April 2025,  the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) visited the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy. The purpose of the visit is to understand the RCLAE’s capability in low altitude economy and build up mutual understanding in Hong Kong ‘s position and policy in this emerging industrial sector. The Deputy Head, Mr Nicholas Kwan, and the Research Director, Dr Pamela Tin, represented CEPU while about 12 academic staff in AAE involved in the discussion and dialogue. During the meeting, after Mr Kwan introducing CEPU, Prof Wen-Hua Chen, the Director of RCLAE gave an introduction of the research centre followed by 4 presentations given by members of RCLAE covering a diverse range of research topics in RCLAE.

PolyU's Drone Delivery-related Project Awarded at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The research team led by Prof. Huang Hailong, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). This prestigious event saw the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) achieve a total of 36 accolades, showcasing its strong commitment to innovation on the global stage. The project, "Last-centimeter Drone Delivery in Urban Environments," addresses the challenges of drone flight in urban areas where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services are often unreliable. This innovation combines advanced hardware and algorithms, enabling drones to autonomously deliver parcels directly to apartment balconies using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.   Key features of this project include: Advanced Perception Algorithm: This allows for precise localization of both the drone and the balcony, significantly enhancing landing accuracy. LiDAR-based Obstacle Detection: The algorithm operates without pre-training, making it versatile and adaptable to various urban scenarios. Robust Control Algorithm: This ensures stability and safety, enabling precise navigation even in challenging conditions like wind. This comprehensive solution integrates cutting-edge technologies for perception, obstacle detection, and control, facilitating seamless parcel delivery and safe drone operation in complex urban environments.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Visits RCLAE

A delegation led by the Hon. Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, visited PolyU on 24 March 2025 to explore innovations in the low-altitude economy (LAE) and maritime logistics. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman, and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President, along with other senior management and researchers.   During the visit, President Teng shared valuable insights into PolyU's latest research advancements, highlighting the University’s pivotal role in advancing the low-altitude economy. Faculty members from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies presented the University’s significant contributions to talent development, research, and technology transfer, all of which align with national and government strategies aimed at enhancing the low-altitude economy and maritime logistics.   One of the highlights of the visit was the tour of the Aviation Engineering Laboratory, where the delegation engaged with scholars and research teams. They witnessed two notable demonstrations: the first showcased innovative anti-disturbance technology designed to mitigate disruptions in UAV operations, ensuring reliability across various applications. The second demonstration illustrated a high-rise cleaning project using drones, effectively highlighting the potential of UAVs in performing cleaning tasks efficiently and safely in challenging environments.   These demonstrations emphasized RCLAE's commitment to pioneering research and practical applications in the low-altitude economy. The discussions during the visit also explored future collaboration opportunities, further strengthening the partnership between academia and government in addressing emerging challenges in the aviation sector.   This visit highlights PolyU's dedication to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in the development of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong, reinforcing its position as a leader in this vital field.

Government Officials from Transport and Logistics Bureau and Civil Aviation Department Visit RCLAE at PolyU

On 5 March 2025, officials from the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Civil Aviation Department visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to engage with researchers from the Research Centre for Low-Altitude Economy (RCLAE). The visit aimed to gain insights into the innovative projects being developed at RCLAE that are poised to impact the low-altitude economy. During the visit, faculty members showcased their cutting-edge research, covering a range of topics from unmanned aerial vehicles to drone logistics and urban air mobility. Professors provided detailed explanations of their projects, emphasizing potential applications and benefits for the transportation sector. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government, as officials expressed interest in exploring how the government could support these research initiatives. This visit marks a significant step towards aligning academic research with governmental policies, enhancing development of the low-altitude economy and exploring viable pathways for future initiatives in Hong Kong.  

Visit by Huizhou Government Delegation

On 23 February 2025, representatives from the Huizhou government visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The visit included an extensive tour of the campus and the Aviation Engineering Laboratory. During the discussions, potential collaborations in artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy were explored, with the goal of establishing research initiatives in the Daya Bay area. This engagement fosters partnerships and discovers further development of RCLAE.  

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Facilitates Visit to RCLAE

On 18 February 2025, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce had a visit to the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, bringing together key industrial partners. During this insightful visit, participants had the opportunity to observe demonstrations of the latest innovations developed by RCLAE. The event underscored the significance of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering advancements in the low altitude economy sector. We look forward to further partnerships that drive research and development in this vital area.  

Prof. Huang and Team Triumph in IEEE RAS Automation Cluster Video Competition

We are excited to announce that Prof. Huang Hailong and his team—Mr Cao Hao, Mr Shen Zhipeng, Mr Zhou Guanzhong, Mr Meng Qingyang, and Mr Lan Bowen—have won the prestigious Automation Cluster Video Competition, organized by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. Their project, "Autonomous Delivery in Smart Communities," earned them this recognition for its innovative approach to automation. The winning video can be viewed here. Congratulations to Prof. Huang and the entire team on this outstanding achievement!   Reposted from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) [Original post]

Aerospace Innovation Research Summit: Insights on LEO Satellites, Rocket Engineering, and the Emerging Low Altitude Economy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus on 19 November 2024, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings.   In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications.   Experts Illuminate LEO Satellites and Rocket Engineering Hosted by the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), the “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets” session brought together experts from governmental and private sectors to explore cutting-edge technologies and developments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and rocket engineering. Key presentations about rocket engineering included Mr Li Bin, Vice President of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, discussing advancements in liquid rocket engines, and Mr Wang Yingcheng, Head of the CAS Space Innovation Center, on China’s commercial rocket initiatives. Prof. Sean Shan Min Swei, Director of the Space Technology and Innovation Lab and Professor of Practice at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, introduced a CubeSat-based solution for sustainable LEO access. Mr Wang Lei, CEO of ADA Space Co. Ltd., showcased ADA Space's AI satellite network, while Dr Xu Bing, Assistant Professor at the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University presented a new paradigm in satellite navigation. A dedicated student team from AAE also shared their ongoing rocket research efforts.   The session highlighted innovative solutions and collaborative efforts shaping the future of aerospace engineering.   Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating.   In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.”   RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations.   Reposted from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) [Original post]