PolyU Hosts Inaugural Research Workshop on Unmanned Autonomous Systems, Fostering Global Collaboration and Innovation
The Research Centre for Unmanned Autonomous Systems (RCUAS) and the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) hosted the 1st Research Workshop of the Research Centre for Unmanned Autonomous Systems on 24 June 2025, bringing together leading experts, scholars, and industry collaborators from Hong Kong and around the world.
The full-day workshop, held on PolyU campus and broadcast online, focused on cutting-edge topics in the field of unmanned autonomous systems, including perception and navigation, multi-robot systems, embodied intelligence, large language models, and trustworthy AI. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest research progress, technological breakthroughs, and real-world applications.
Morning session
The workshop began with Prof. Wen Chih-Yung, Director of RCUAS, welcoming all participants. He highlighted the RCUAS’s mission to drive innovation in unmanned systems through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. Prof. Wen also outlined key achievements of RCUAS and encouraged attendees to actively exchange ideas to shape the future of trustworthy autonomous technologies. Prof. Zhou Yi (Professor at School of Robotics, Hunan University (HNU)) presented how neuromorphic event-based vision enables safer and faster mobile robots through high-speed, low-latency perception. Prof. Wang Bing (Assistant Professor at AAE, PolyU) introduced Ocean Spatial Intelligence, showcasing multi-modal underwater scene modeling and uncertainty-aware SLAM for robust marine robotics. Mr Chan Yin Yuen, on behalf of Prof. Ng Kam Hung (Associate Professor at AAE, PolyU), shared an automated UAV-based aircraft inspection system combining 3D LiDAR SLAM and deep learning for precise defect detection. Prof. Huang Hailong (Assistant Professor at AAE, PolyU) discussed advanced algorithms for fast and safe UAV flight using convexification techniques. Dr Li Boyang (Lecturer in Aerospace Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Newcastle) presented on integrating UAS into teaching and research in Australia and offered a comparative view on engineering education.
Afternoon Session:
The afternoon session continued to showcase cutting-edge research and international collaboration in the field of unmanned systems. Dr Hu Wenbo, on behalf of Prof. Dong You (Associate Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PolyU), began the session by introducing an AI-assisted UAV system for bridge defect detection and digital perception, demonstrating lightweight crack segmentation and advanced point cloud processing validated through real-world deployments. Prof. Wang Chaoqun (Professor with the School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University) shared insights on embodied perception and navigation, highlighting how intelligent interaction with complex environments advances autonomous capabilities. Dr Chu Xiangyu (Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)) presented innovative morphological designs and motor intelligence strategies to achieve embodied agility in autonomous systems, with applications ranging from hopping robots to transformable platforms for diverse terrain. After a short break, Dr Tim Pfeifer from Siemens AG discussed industrial indoor localization, bridging practical deployment and academic research while exploring the potential of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 5G for large-scale, real-time tracking. The workshop concluded with an open discussion moderated through key issues on ensuring trustworthy AI and robust autonomy, drawing connections across the day’s presentations. Prof. Wen Weisong (Assistant Professor at AAE, PolyU) delivered a closing statement, thanking all speakers and participants for contributing to a fruitful exchange of ideas and future directions for unmanned autonomous systems.
The First Research Workshop for RCUAS successfully fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration, bringing together experts, young scholars, and industry partners to explore the future of trustworthy and innovative unmanned autonomous systems.
