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PolyU proposes a technical blueprint for “wireless energy internet”, driving a shift from wireless power transfer towards direct wireless energy conversion

Wireless charging has already transformed how people power phones, wearables and even electric vehicles. The next leap is advancing wireless technologies to not merely deliver electrical energy, but to enable direct non-electrical outputs, such as optical, thermal and mechanical energy, directly according to actual needs, building an energy delivery network as flexible and efficient as the internet. To drive this transformation, researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have conducted a groundbreaking study that sets out a technical roadmap for “wireless energy internet”, guiding the industry from “wireless power transfer” toward direct “wireless energy conversion”. Conventional wireless power transfer systems typically receive electrical energy and store it in a battery or supercapacitor before producing light, heat or motion. By contrast, direct wireless energy conversion transforms transmitted electric power directly into chemical, optical, thermal, or mechanical energy. In other words, the energy sent from the transmitter can become light for illumination, heat for warming, or force for driving motion — without first charging a battery — thereby eliminating intermediate storage and conversion stages, reducing energy losses, improving overall efficiency and simplifying receiver-side hardware. The study also establishes a unified framework that integrates near-field and far-field transmission with different applications such as wireless charging, lighting, heating, and motoring (mechanical energy), and summarises the common design principles and future directions of the underlying technologies. The research was led by Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong, Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Co-Director of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV), together with Prof. LIU Wei, Assistant Professor of the same department and Manager of RCEV at PolyU. The research team has identified the common technical principles and key engineering bottlenecks of wireless energy conversion systems, and proposed development directions in areas including standardisation, cybersecurity, energy harvesting and emerging applications, while outlining the challenges that must be overcome to provide an important reference for future large-scale deployment. Their study has been published in Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering and received Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland and a Grand Prize and a Gold Medal at the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong. Prof. Chau said, “Our review delivers impacts on two levels: first, establish practical design routes to cover core technologies such as primary-side control, multi-frequency compensation networks, secure transmission and field-directed transmission; and second, provide strategic guidance on future industry standards, security and application priorities. This will help industry select viable product architectures, while enabling policymakers and investors to identify the infrastructure required to drive commercialisation and mass adoption.” At present, transferring electricity to batteries is the most mature and widely adopted energy transmission and storage technology, already seen in portable electronics and biomedical implants, and developing rapidly in electric vehicles and rail transit. By comparison, wireless lighting, heating, and motoring demonstrate unique value in special application scenarios, such as sealed motors for harsh environments, mobile robots that require less onboard storage, and capacitive ultrasonic motors for magnetic-resonance-compatible robots. In these scenarios, conventional cables, batteries, or receiver electronics are hard to maintain or undesirable. These systems can also offer lightweight designs, convenience, high efficiency, flexibility, and improved safety. At the consumer level, batteries can fail due to cell defects, internal short circuits, overcharging or poor thermal management, posing safety risks. In contrast, wireless power operates more flexibly and sustainably, and holds the potential to reduce battery-pack sizes or eliminate the need for onboard storage in vehicles. The smaller the battery and the less chemical energy stored, the lower the associated energy-storage risks — the most direct significance of wireless energy conversion for everyday life. However, while direct conversion can ease energy-storage risks, it introduces a different safety consideration. Wireless energy networks still face a number of challenges, foremost among them the safety of energy transmission itself. The potential effects of prolonged human exposure to electromagnetic fields, and electromagnetic interference with nearby electronic devices, are of particular concern in environments such as public spaces and medical facilities. The study also notes that system complexity and performance limitations, especially in high-power wireless charging and wireless motoring, constitute barriers to application. Prof. Liu added, “Our study highlights a key commercialisation challenge: most existing standards cover only specific applications, particularly wireless electric-vehicle charging. Comprehensive safety, emission and interoperability frameworks across broader wireless energy conversion remain incomplete. We therefore advocate designing wireless energy systems in a systematic and holistic manner, rather than optimising individual energy conversion stages in isolation.” The research team classifies wireless energy conversion into four categories: chemical for charging, optical for lighting, thermal for heating and mechanical for motoring. Together, these four categories encompass most application scenarios spanning domestic homes, industry and biomedical use, as well as extreme environments such as deep-sea and deep-space exploration. Looking ahead, a wireless energy network could automatically recognise the specific energy needs of different devices – whether chemical, optical, thermal or mechanical, and dynamically adjust transmission frequency, field distribution and power level accordingly. The study also identifies four major engineering challenges: safety, scalability, complexity and performance, and, in response, outlines four priority directions for development. First, standard interfaces should be developed to enable devices to negotiate power, identify receivers, exchange data, control systems, handle faults, and interoperate. Second, energy encryption should progress towards integrated physical-layer security. Third, for aerospace applications, lightweight, sealed and radiation-tolerant couplers, converters and relay transmitters should be developed to connect satellites, stations, rovers and planetary bases. Fourth, electromagnetic harvesting should be strengthened, focusing on sensitive receivers, ultra-low-power rectification and hybrid architectures combining ambient energy harvesting with dedicated wireless power.

5 Oct, 2026

Research and Innovation

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PolyU neurorehabilitation scientist named one of 75 noteworthy physiotherapists worldwide

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to world-class research and innovation in healthcare and rehabilitation sciences. Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been named one of World Physiotherapy’s 75 noteworthy physiotherapists worldwide. A neurorehabilitation scientist, Prof. Pang is recognised for groundbreaking research in stroke fall prevention, bone health, and dual-task function, as well as for his contributions to global professional governance and the physiotherapy community. Prof. Pang’s remarkable contributions include designing and launching the first entry-level postgraduate physiotherapy programme (MPT) in Southeast Asia. He has been listed among Standard University’s top 1% most-cited scientists in rehabilitation since 2022. He also received the World Physiotherapy International Service Award for Research in 2023, and continues to serve as Chair of World Physiotherapy’s Asia Western Pacific Region Executive Committee. Founded in 1951, World Physiotherapy represents more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide. In celebrating its 75th anniversary, the "75 noteworthy" list showcases the profession's diversity and honours individuals whose impact and lifelong dedication have made a meaningful difference in their communities. Learn more about Prof. Pang’s research achievement: PolyU uncovers key environmental and cognitive factors influencing dual-task walking to personalise stroke rehabilitation PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences rolls out “Better Ageing in Community Campaign” with community groups, leveraging AI to assess fall risk in nearly 900 elderly in the first phase Advancing therapies for brain disorders

2 Oct, 2026

Awards and Achievements

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Two PolyU projects supported by Smart Traffic Fund to enhance bus dispatching system and road network digital maps

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to creating a safer, smarter future through impactful innovation. In the 26th batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, two PolyU projects have received total funding of approximately HK$9.87 million. These projects focus on real-time bus dispatching systems and vision-language model-based digital mapping technologies respectively, and aim to enhance public transport efficiency and road network management. Led by Dr. Wenbo FAN, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, the project “A Real-Time Bus Dispatching System for Improving Bus Operational Efficiency through Arrival Time and Headway Regulation” secured funding of approximately HK$2.27 million for 24 months. This project will develop a bus dispatching system to enhance bus operational efficiency through the real-time regulation of bus arrival times and headways. By analysing large-scale bus operation data, the system will apply advanced optimisation algorithms to provide bus captains with real-time speed recommendations. By jointly optimizing bus headways and driving efficiency, the project aims to maintain regular bus arrival time and headways, and reduce bus bunching, passenger waiting time, travel time variability, and unnecessary acceleration and braking, while improving bus fleet utilization. Led by Prof. Wei MA, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, the project “Development of Vision-Language Model-based Lane-Level Digital Map Modelling Technology for Establishing Lane-Level Road Network Digital Maps” secured funding of approximately HK$7.6million for 24 months. This project aims to apply vision-language models and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop modelling technologies for generating lane-level road network digital maps. By integrating multi-source geospatial and road data—including street-view imagery, aerial/satellite imagery, government road-network datasets and open-source maps—the platform generates a lane-level digital road network map for Hong Kong. By coordinating specialised AI agents for data interpretation, lane-feature extraction and topology modelling, the project creates accurate, machine-readable lane-level digital maps that provide precise lane-level characteristics, traffic flow direction information and connectivity, etc. PolyU has long been committed to vehicle-related research and technology application, with 35 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date. This achievement underscores the University’s contribution to advancing transportation technology innovation. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.

28 Sep, 2026

Awards and Achievements

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Innovating for the future: Transforming marine infrastructure with sustainable materials

Marine infrastructure worldwide faces critical challenges, from rapid deterioration caused by steel corrosion to the growing scarcity of freshwater and river sand needed for concrete. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have reshaped how marine structures are built for long-term resilience and sustainability. By replacing steel with Fiber‑Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and using seawater and sea‑sand concrete (SSC), the research team has developed a new class of FRP‑SSC structures. These structures provide superior durability while significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact during construction. Prof. TENG Jin‑Guang, President of PolyU and Prof. Tao YU, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU successively led this project on FRP-SSC structures. Prof. Teng initiated the project and led the project during the initial stage (January 2019 to March 2020), while Prof. Yu took over from Prof. Teng as the Project Coordinator during the remaining period until December 2024, when Prof. Teng served as the Advisory Project Coordinator. The PolyU team also developed ultra‑strong seawater sea‑sand concrete with compressive strength exceeding 180 MPa, ensuring long-term robustness in harsh marine environments. This research is driving a sustainable transformation of marine engineering towards a greener, more efficient, and more resilient future.  

24 Sep, 2026

Research and Innovation

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PolyU and CCTEG Research Cooperation Exchange Workshop deepens industry–academia–research collaboration and innovation

A delegation from the China Coal Technology & Engineering Group (CCTEG) visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 15 September for Research Cooperation Exchange Workshop, exploring new opportunities to bridge frontier technologies with real-world industrial applications. During the visit, the delegation toured PolyU’s University Research Facility in 3D Printing, AIR Lab, and 6G Laboratory, experiencing firsthand insights into PolyU's cutting-edge research in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation communication technologies. During the discussion session, scholars from the PolyU Department of Applied Mathematics, Fashion and Textiles, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, and Industrial and Systems Engineering, presented their latest research projects and exchanged views with CCTEG representatives on industrial needs and technology applications. The two parties identified several promising collaboration areas, including smart mine construction, new materials R&D, 6G communication applications, and AI-enabled automation and intelligent systems. The workshop not only deepened understanding in their respective areas of strength but also established a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. This has laid a solid foundation for future industry–academia–research innovation and technology commercialisation. PolyU and CCTEG will continue to leverage their complementary strengths to drive technological innovation, accelerate research translation, and contribute to the Nation’s scientific and technological advancement and high-quality industrial development.  

22 Sep, 2026

Events

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PolyU scholar elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science, for transformative biorefinery technologies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pursuing world-class research and fostering innovation to address global challenges. Prof. Charles Chunbao XU, Chair Professor of Advanced Biorefinery in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science for 2026. This fellowship is one of Canada’s highest honors for scholars and scientists. Prof. Xu is recognised for his vision, creativity and dedication to developing transformative biorefinery technologies that benefit multiple sectors, including agricultural, forestry and chemical industries. Of the 105 top-tier scholars worldwide elected as new fellows this year, Prof. Xu is one of only three scholars from Hong Kong to receive this prestigious honor. Prof. Xu is a leading international expert in biorefineries, specialising in the transformation of biomass and renewable carbon resources, at both molecular and system levels, into energy, fuel, chemicals and materials. His research aims to convert organic waste and bioresources into high-value bioproducts and to advance transformative biorefinery technologies for industrial-scale application. Prof. Xu said, “I am deeply honored to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science. This fellowship recognises my team’s ongoing research in advanced biorefinery technologies for sustainable development. With strong support from PolyU’s research resources and facilities, we continue to advance transformative biorefinery technologies to industrial scale, turning organic waste into high-value bioproducts.” With over 20 years of research experience, Prof. Xu has developed eco-friendly biofuels, green chemicals, and biopolymer materials. He holds 19 patents in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China, and has published more than 400 journal articles, accumulating over 30,000 citations. Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada comprises international top-tier scholars from the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It is dedicated to recognising academic excellence, promoting knowledge and innovation, and providing independent, evidence-based expert advice on public policy and major global challenges.

21 Sep, 2026

Awards and Achievements

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Multilingual AI cognitive screening for Chinese-Speaking community enables early detection using speech-based biomarkers in English and Chinese

Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease, is a growing challenge in ageing societies. Early detection is crucial, as timely intervention can improve care planning, monitoring and quality of life. Yet cognitive decline is often identified only after symptoms have become more pronounced, limiting opportunities for support.   Current diagnostic tools remain imperfect. Screening tests such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) can be influenced by language, education and culture, while neuroimaging and specialist assessments are costly and not always accessible. This has made speech an increasingly attractive digital biomarker. Because speech reflects multiple cognitive processes, subtle changes in fluency, pausing and vocal delivery may provide a non-invasive and scalable route to earlier detection.   Prof. Hualou LIANG, Chair Professor of Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and his research team advance this line of work in a multilingual context, showing how AI-based speech analysis may support more practical and inclusive cognitive screening.   Their study was conducted as part of the INTERSPEECH 2024 TAUKADIAL Challenge, a task focused on detecting mild cognitive impairment and predicting cognitive scores from spontaneous speech. The research titled, “Multilingual prediction of cognitive impairment with Large Language Models and speech analysis” was published in Brain Sciences. The significance of this challenge lies in its multilingual scope. Previous work in speech-based dementia research has been heavily focused on English datasets, leaving uncertain whether reported findings can generalise across languages and cultures. This study directly addresses the gap by examining both English and Mandarin Chinese speech, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the development of more globally relevant cognitive assessment tools. INTERSPEECH 2024 is a major international conference in speech science and technology, organised by the International Speech Communication Association. It brings together researchers and industry experts working on speech processing, artificial intelligence, spoken language systems and related applications. The conference is known for its challenge tracks, which provide shared tasks and benchmark datasets to advance the field through transparent comparison. One of these was the TAUKADIAL Challenge, focused on multilingual detection of cognitive impairment and cognitive score prediction from spontaneous speech.   The study’s dataset was collected through picture description tasks, a well-established format in cognitive assessment because it elicits spontaneous yet structured speech. Participants were required to describe three pictures. Across both languages, the study included 169 participants, comprising individuals with MCI and those with normal cognition, balanced by age and sex to reduce demographic bias. The study addressed two tasks. The first was MCI classification, in which the model distinguished cognitively healthy speakers from those with mild cognitive impairment. The second was MMSE score prediction, a regression task aimed at estimating an individual’s cognitive score directly from their speech. Together, these tasks reflect the need for both screening and monitoring, suggesting that speech-based AI could support not only binary risk detection but also more continuous assessment of cognitive status.   At the centre of the approach is Whisper, specifically whisper-large-v3, used as a foundation model for acoustic feature extraction. This is a notable methodological choice. Rather than relying on traditional handcrafted features alone, the team used Whisper's encoder to generate 1280-dimensional embeddings from the speech signal. These embeddings provide a rich learned representation of the audio recording and reflect the growing importance of foundation models in speech technology. Their use here signals an important shift in cognitive assessment research: from manually engineered markers towards large-scale, transferable representations capable of capturing subtle acoustic patterns across languages. One of the most revealing elements of the study is its examination of between-language transfer. When models trained on one language were applied to the other, performance declined markedly. This finding has important implications. It shows that, although Whisper provides multilingual embeddings, the speech signatures of cognitive impairment are not fully language-independent. They remain shaped by phonetic, linguistic and cultural factors. Multilingual capability does not remove the need for localisation. On the contrary, effective deployment may depend on combining shared representation learning with language-specific adaptation. The practical significance of this study is reinforced by its standing in the challenge itself. Among all participating teams in the INTERSPEECH 2024 TAUKADIAL Challenge, the proposed model ranked second for MCI classification and first for MMSE prediction. These rankings are impressive not merely as competition results, but because they demonstrate that a relatively streamlined system based on spontaneous speech and acoustic embeddings can achieve state-of-the-art performance against an international benchmark. The work therefore strengthens the case for speech as a clinically useful, low-burden digital biomarker.   More broadly, the study points towards a future in which cognitive screening may become more frequent, more remote and more inclusive. It helps define the next stage of research, including multimodal approaches that combine acoustic, linguistic and possibly non-verbal behavioural cues.   Source: Innovation Digest 8  

17 Sep, 2026

Research and Innovation

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PolyU next‑generation all‑acoustics brain-computer interface system showcases at inaugural BIOHK 2026 Brain-Computer Interface Forum

BIOHK 2026, the Hong Kong International Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition, was held from 9 to 12 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, launched its inaugural Brain-Computer Interface Forum, bringing together over 20 leading experts from top universities, hospitals, research institutes, technology companies and investment organisations, including Prof. Philip Sabes, Co-Founder of Neuralink, to explore cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, technology translation and global collaboration. Prof. SUN Lei, Director of the Research Centre for Non-invasive Brain Computer Interface and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, delivered a keynote presentation titled "All-Acoustic Brain-Computer Interface (aBCI)" and introduced PolyU’s next-generation “transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation”, which enables completely non-invasive, deep-brain, high-precision neural modulation with ultrasound. The team has further developed sonogenetics technology to significantly enhance precision through animal studies. In addition, the team showcased its innovative Functional Ultrasound System, which transforms conventional large-scale imaging platforms into a miniaturised and integrated solution, paving the way for simultaneous real-time imaging and neuromodulation in future clinical applications. Beyond keynote presentations, participants engaged in two roundtable discussions focused on neurotechnology innovation, brain-computer interfaces, and regulatory pathways for advanced medical devices, exploring practical routes toward large-scale clinical translation and commercialisation. As brain-computer interfaces emerge as a strategic frontier for future industries, PolyU has established the Research Centre for Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces to advance fundamental research and technology translation. By leveraging PolyU's strengths in biomedical engineering, ultrasound technologies, and artificial intelligence, the Center aims to develop internationally competitive innovations that contribute to healthcare advancement and support the development of new quality productive forces.  

14 Sep, 2026

Events

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PolyU co-hosts 3rd GTI Forum to drive global AI+ innovations and deepen industry-academia collaboration

The 3rd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence Hong Kong, hosted by GTI and co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), China Mobile, and other partners, was successfully held from 8 to 9 September. Under the theme “Openness, Sharing, Cooperation Advancing AI Development,” the Forum brought together leading experts, researchers and industry leaders from around the world to explore cutting-edge AI technologies, foster global collaboration and unlock new opportunities for innovation. A major highlight of the Forum was the joint launch of the AI4S Scientific Workstation • International Edition (TG Science) by PolyU, China Mobile, and GTI, alongside the release of the AI for Science Innovation and Development Initiative. This milestone marks a significant step forward in PolyU's efforts to advance "AI for Science" (AI4S) by fostering cross-border AI research collaboration and building a global ecosystem for open-source scientific foundation models, thereby empowering scientific research and industrial applications worldwide. Following the Forum, Mr Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile, led a high-level delegation to visit PolyU’s Quantum Technology Laboratory and the 6G Laboratory, exploring the latest developments in next-generation communication networks and quantum technologies, while deepening the partnership between PolyU and China Mobile and strengthening strategic collaboration in advanced technology research. In addition, PolyU also welcomed a distinguished delegation of over 30 senior executives from state-owned enterprises and global technology companies. The delegation toured a range of flagship research facilities to demonstrate how the University addresses real-world challenges through technological innovation, which included: Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations: Demonstrating PolyU’s contributions to the major national aerospace and deep space missions University Research Facility in 3D Printing: Showcasing translational innovations and applications in advanced manufacturing and 3D printing Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab: Presenting cutting-edge research in intelligent agents, robotics and human-AI collaboration National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (Hong Kong Branch): Highlighting PolyU's technological capabilities in smart railway and intelligent transportation PolyU will continue strengthening strategic partnerships with Mainland enterprises and international technology organisations, translating research excellence into real-world impact and contributing to the open, collaborative and innovative development of the global AI ecosystem.    

11 Sep, 2026

Events

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PolyU and Citybus sign MoU to promote simulated driving training, enhancing training effectiveness and road safety for Bus Captains

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Citybus Limited (Citybus) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Citybus will utilise the “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” developed by PolyU, and funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, as a supplementary tool for Bus Captain training. The system uses Extended Reality (XR) technology with a container truck driving simulation platform to provide simulated driving training for Bus Captains, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and safety awareness. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Xiaowen FU, Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, and Ms Rebecca CHAN, Administrative Director of Citybus, the MoU was officially signed by Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer of the ISE, and Mr Roger WONG, General Manager (People and Culture) of Citybus, on behalf of respective organisations. The “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” was developed as an outcome of an ISE research project. The System integrates XR technology, AI-driven analysis and a “six-degree-of-freedom” motion simulation platform. In the initial phase of the partnership, the existing container truck driving simulation platform serves as the foundation to pilot a trial to support training for Citybus Bus Captains. The system can simulate various road scenarios such as pedestrians suddenly crossing the road and adverse weather conditions, while recording and analysing the Bus Captains’ driving performance and response to emergency situations. The University will evaluate and refine the simulation based on actual training needs to better reflect daily bus driving conditions; should the trial yield positive results, both parties will explore further optimising the system or transforming it into a platform more closely tailored to the operational characteristics of buses. Prof. Xiaowen Fu remarked, “PolyU is committed to translating research outcomes into practical applications. Supported by the Smart Traffic Fund (Project Ref.: PSRI/37/2204/RA), the initiative aims to overcome the scenario and technical limitations of traditional driver training; by leveraging simulation technology, it provides trainees with personalised, targeted training to enhance their driving skills and crisis response capabilities. The system analyses trainee performance to offer tailored recommendations. At the same time, trainees can repeatedly practise high-risk, low-frequency traffic scenarios in a zero-risk simulated environment, thereby reinforcing emergency responses, building muscle memory and significantly improving their ability to react appropriately on real roads. This collaboration with Citybus enables further application and evaluation of the research findings in real-world training scenarios, with the aim of further optimising and transforming the simulation system. We look forward to partnering with Citybus in translating PolyU research outcomes into practical industrial applications and in supporting the upgrading of talent training in the bus industry.” Ms Rebecca Chan said, “Citybus serves over a million customers daily and prioritises road safety at all times. Keeping pace with the times, we proactively leverage innovative technologies to enhance our professional people development and training, enabling us to adapt to the ever-changing traffic environment. We are delighted to partner with PolyU on this pilot scheme, which utilises the driving simulation system as training aids. Our Bus Captains can practice various driving scenarios in a simulated environment, complementing on-road training, allowing them to enhance their response capabilities in a safe environment. Citybus will continue to harness technology to elevate safety standards. By integrating smart elements into all areas, from talent training and learning development to fleet operations and management, we remain fully committed to providing safer and more reliable bus services for the community.” The pilot scheme for smart driving training officially commenced this July. In the first phase, Citybus has arranged for selected serving Bus Captains to participate in simulated driving training. Subsequently, the teams from PolyU and Citybus will jointly review the training data and evaluate the System’s effectiveness. Both parties hope that practical operational experience will serve as a reference for future bus training models and help continuously enhance public transport safety in Hong Kong.   For more on research

10 Sep, 2026

Research and Innovation

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