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PolyU and Ethereum Foundation sign MoU to advance blockchain research and nurture blockchain talent

The Research Centre for Blockchain Technology (RCBT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ethereum Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 February, marking a new chapter in their collaboration. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties in nurturing blockchain talent, deepening research and supporting development of the sector. The signing ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub. Witnessed by Prof. Daniel LUO, Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Co-Director of RCBT of PolyU; Mr Victor ZHAO, Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of PolyU; Mr Shyam SRIDHAR, Team Lead of the Academic Secretariat of the Ethereum Foundation; and Mr Gilles SHI, Director of the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, the MoU was signed by Prof. Allen AU, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Department of Computing and Director of RCBT of PolyU and Ms Hsiao-Wei WANG, Co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation. Prof. Allen Au highlighted the importance of close collaboration between academia and the Web3 ecosystem. He remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing a new generation of blockchain research talents, enabling them not only to understand the fundamental principles of blockchain, but also to ensure its trustworthiness, usability and societal value. We believe that collaborating with leading institutions in the Web3 ecosystem is of great significance for advancing related research and talent development.” Ms Hsiao-Wei Wang shared the Foundation’s vision of Ethereum providing for the long-term public good, while also emphasising the crucial role universities play in advancing blockchain research and education. She expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Universities play a critical role in Ethereum's success as a long-term public good. They are where rigorous research happens, where talent is developed, and where difficult questions can be explored with depth and independence.” This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of PolyU and the Ethereum Foundation to academic and educational excellence. PolyU remains dedicated to advancing blockchain research, nurturing future talent, and contributing to a secure and trustworthy Web3 ecosystem through close cooperation with global leaders. The Ethereum Foundation will support PolyU in establishing scholarships to recognise outstanding students on the MSc in Blockchain Technology and MSc in Cybersecurity programmes, as well as PhD students engaged in pioneering blockchain research. In conjunction with the signing, RCBT co-organised the “Ethereum Hong Kong Meetup@Consensus 2026”. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, Ethereum Foundation, SNZ Holding and ETHTAO, brought together representatives from academia, research, and Web3 communities to engage in discussions on the future development and real-world adoption of blockchain technologies.  

PolyU scholar won the 2025 Northern Kun Young Scientist Finalist Award

Prof Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has won the prestigious 2025 “Northern Kun Young Scientist Finalist Award”. The honour recognizes his pioneering contributions in materials innovation, device engineering, and flexible energy solutions, particularly his breakthroughs in wearable electronics. Prof ZHENG’s research spans surface science, polymer science and materials, advanced micro/nano-fabrication technology, soft electronics and energy. His projects aim to develop next generation soft electronics for wearable skin-attached and implantable electronic applications. These innovations hold remarkable potential in healthcare, medicine, sports, and beyond, where flexible and curved substrates are increasingly vital. Prof ZHENG’s research team embraces interdisciplinary approaches, bringing together expertise in chemistry, materials science, physics, electrical engineering, biochemistry, and textiles, with the mission to develop novel nanotechnologies and apply them to wearable electronic devices. Beyond his academic role, Prof ZHENG has served as Director of PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, and Associate Director of University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication. These leadership positions reflect his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and nurturing innovation. The 2025 “Northern Kun Young Scientist Award” ceremony was held in Beijing on February 5, 2026. Funded by Befar Group and co-organised by the World Association of Young Scientists, this award is forward-looking and focuses on potential technology. It aims to nurture young scientists with innovative capabilities and create an environment that supports industrial development through science and technology.

Three PolyU innovative projects receive support from Smart Traffic Fund, enhancing driving safety and transportation efficiency

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pioneering research that contributes to a smarter and safer future. In the 23rd batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, three PolyU projects have received total funding of HK$18.6 million. With a focus on intelligent driving systems, wearable monitoring technologies and bus emergency braking solutions respectively, these projects aim to enhance transportation efficiency and driving safety.  Prof Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted to receive support from the Smart Traffic Fund. These PolyU projects bring forward novel solutions to address critical and emerging challenges in transportation and logistics. They have the potential to propel transport technology toward new frontiers. PolyU remains committed to translational research, steadfast in our vision of creating tangible benefits for society.” Led by Prof. Weisong WEN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry” secured funding of approximately HK$7.06 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop an end-to-end intelligent driving system for the logistics industry, incorporating a unified artificial intelligence framework for spatial localisation through multi-modal sensor fusion, a Bird’s Eye View perception system for 360-degree environmental understanding, and sim-to-real training and validation based on the Hong Kong landscape. By providing this integrated solution, the system supports the future development of intelligent driving technology in Hong Kong. Led by Dr Qinbiao LI, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitoring and Alerting System” secured funding of approximately HK$4.51 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop a real-time driver attention monitoring and alerting system using data collected from wearable health-tracking wristbands. The system continuously tracks physiological signals such as photoplethysmogram (PPG), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation to assess attentiveness while driving. Leveraging deep learning algorithms, it detects signs of drowsiness and distraction, generates a Unified Attention-Loss Index and issues graded alerts, providing early warnings to drivers and fleet managers in support of enhancing road safety. Led by Prof. SZE Nang Ngai, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project “Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions” secured funding of approximately HK$7.04 million for 24 months. This project aims to design an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for buses tailored to Hong Kong’s road and traffic conditions. It will analyse traffic accident records and real-time bus trajectory data collected during shadow tests to evaluate AEBS performance and its effectiveness in reducing collisions while ensuring passenger safety. The research deliverables include providing empirical evidence for bus operators to formulate AEBS deployment strategies in Hong Kong and the enhancement of overall bus safety. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with 31 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to-date. This achievement underscores the University’s contribution to advancing innovation in transportation technology. 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.   

PolyU scholar awarded Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Innovation

Prof. Yang CHAI, Director of Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence of Things, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been honoured with the “Prize for Scientific and Technological Innovation - Youth Innovation Award” by the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Science and Technology Award 2025. This award recognises outstanding young scientists and engineers under the age of 45 who have achieved significant scientific and technological innovations in their respective fields, delivering remarkable economic and social benefits. Prof. CHAI’s research focuses on bioinspired computing and semiconductor devices. He has pioneered a disruptive in-sensor computing paradigm that revolutionises AI computation at the sensor level, which he has successfully implemented through hardware for vision sensors. His innovative research in sensory AI advances machine vision, enabling enhanced image recognition, visual adaptation to extremely dim or bright lighting, and agile perception of dynamic motion. Some of his key innovations include: Advanced vision sensors that emulate human visual adaptability Optoelectronic graded neurons for perceiving dynamic motion Prof. CHAI is a distinguished academic in the field of nanoelectronic devices and emerging computation paradigms. His works have been published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Nature Electronics, and Nature Nanotechnology, and have been highlighted in Nature, IEEE Spectrum, and more and they are highly cited by research teams worldwide. His research on in-sensor motion perception was selected as one of the “China Chip10 Sciences”. To further showcase Prof CHAI’s achievements: PolyU distinguished scholar Prof. Yang Chai receives Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2026 for revolutionising AI computation PolyU scholar elected IEEE Fellow 2025 PolyU research in advanced sensory AI recognised by BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024 PolyU scientist awarded 2024 Falling Walls Winner for energy-efficient innovations in sensory AI systems (Video) Meet PolyU Academician: Professor Yang CHAI

PolyU and Foshan Communications Group launch Joint Research Centre for Technology and Innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Foshan Communications Group’s Transportation Science and Technology Company officially launched the Joint Research Centre for Technology and Innovation at a plaque-unveiling ceremony at PolyU on 7 February. This initiative builds on a framework agreement signed in December 2025 and aims to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical engineering applications within the transport sector. The Joint Centre establishes a structured mechanism for joint research, technology commercialisation, and two-way talent exchange to accelerate the transformation of academic research into impactful engineering solutions for the transport industry. The ceremony to mark the official establishment of the Centre was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment,  Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development; Prof. Songye ZHU, Professor and Interim Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Prof. Yong XIA, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as representatives including Ms Lidan GU, Party Secretary and Chairperson; Mr SHEN Zhe, Deputy Party Secretary and Director of Foshan Communications Investment Group; Mr Guodong ZENG, Party General Branch Secretary and Chairman; Ms Yuzhen ZHANG, Chief Expert and Mr Tengyu YANG, Chief Engineer of Foshan Transportation Science and Technology Co. Ltd. During the ceremony, Prof. Teng emphasised that, as an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to contributing to society through its world-leading research. This new initiative seeks to connect technological innovation with practical engineering applications in the transportation sector. Following the unveiling, the Centre’s Academic Committee held its inaugural meeting to discuss collaborative research projects addressing various transportation infrastructure challenges. These projects cover key technologies such as hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin structural members, intelligent bridge monitoring and digital twin technologies, pavement defect detection using ground-penetrating radar, advanced semi-flexible pavement materials, bio-remediation of engineering waste soil for sustainable reuse, and electromechanical impedance-based non-destructive testing of concrete structures.  

PolyU hosted Carbon-Free Energy Utilisation Empowered by AI international conference

The conference “Carbon-Free Energy Utilisation Empowered by AI”, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC) under the NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme, was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 7 to 8 February. Jointly organised by PolyU and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the conference brought together more than 120 participants from leading institutions. Attendees included senior scholars, early-career researchers, and students from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Representatives from prominent research institutes and organisations, such as the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology and Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), also took part. The two-day programme featured presentations and in-depth discussions, co-chaired by the conference’s organising co-chairs, Prof. Yu GUAN, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) and Prof. Xi XIA of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The conference focused on deep integration of AI and carbon-free energy utilisation, fostering insightful discussions on cutting-edge research directions and technological innovations, and gathering valuable insights to advance green and low-carbon technologies. Among the distinguished attendees were Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering and Prof. CHEN Wen-Hua, Interim Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems. At the opening ceremony, Prof. CHAO, Conference Chair, delivered the welcome remarks. He noted that combating climate change and promoting sustainable development have become shared global priorities, with carbon-neutral technologies playing a pivotal role in this transition. He further highlighted that AI is rapidly transforming research paradigms and that its integration with carbon-neutral technologies can significantly accelerate both technological development and real-world application. Prof. Chao also expressed his hope that the conference would strengthen academic exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, foster innovative thinking, and help translate research ideas into practical solutions towards a sustainable and intelligent energy future. In his welcome address, Prof. WEN Chih Yung, Steering Co-Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, Head of AAE and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, noted that the carbon neutrality strategies of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong reflect the global and inevitable transition toward clean energy systems. He highlighted the critical role of AI in driving innovation in energy technologies, emphasising that the integration of AI with carbon‑free energy lies at the core of the conference. Beyond strengthening academic exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, the conference also placed strong emphasis on engaging and supporting early-career researchers to foster interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Over the two-day programme, the technical sessions were rich in content and highly engaging. Renowned scholars, including Prof. Zhuyin REN and Prof. Bin YANG from Tsinghua University, Prof. Kun LUO from Zhejiang University, Prof. NI Meng, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of PolyU, and Prof. Minhua SHAO, from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, delivered keynote presentations. Their talks showcased key technological developments and applications of AI in carbon-free energy systems, including hydrogen and ammonia, and presented state-of-the-art research findings and innovative perspectives that sparked lively discussion among participants. Participants also visited the Aviation Services Research Centre and the Aviation Engineering Laboratory at PolyU. They expressed strong interest in PolyU’s research achievements and capabilities in aviation-related research. In the closing remarks, Prof. Fei QI, Steering Co-Chair of the Conference Organising Committee from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, congratulated the organisers on the successful conference and thanked all supporting organisations and participants for their contributions. He noted that, centred on the integration of AI and carbon-free energy, the conference brought together diverse expertise for in-depth discussions on frontier technologies and major scientific challenges. Through these exchanges, participants strengthened their shared understanding and identified promising directions for future collaborative research and technology translation. Looking ahead, Prof. Qi expressed his hope that the conference would serve as a starting point for sustained collaboration and closer connectivity between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in this important research area.  

Innovating for the future: PolyU advances research from air quality monitoring to environmental greening, paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing science‑driven solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental and urban challenges. From air quality and green construction to marine infrastructure, fire safety, and urban heat resilience, PolyU’s interdisciplinary research supported by the Research Grants Council delivers impactful innovations that enhance public health, safety, and long‑term sustainability. ️Air quality and public health PolyU researchers are identifying key toxic components and emission sources of PM2.5 that are linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease and other serious conditions. Their findings help shape health‑oriented air‑quality policies. Green construction PolyU research has revealed an underestimation of soil emissions and an overestimation of biogenic emissions. These insights provide new insights to address winter haze and photochemical smog, particularly in China. Sustainable marine infrastructure Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer and Seawater Sea-sand Concrete instead of traditional steel, PolyU has developed ultra-strong seawater sea-sand concrete with a compressive strength exceeding 180MPa to enhance durability and sustainability in marine infrastructure. Smart fire safety system PolyU’s AI-driven firefighting system, SureFire, provides real‑time monitoring of fire evolution and predicts critical events such as flashover or structural collapse. This system supports faster and safer emergency decision‑making. ️Urban heat and climate resilience Through micro‑climate simulations, AI‑based optimisation, and wind‑heat‑moisture modelling, the PolyU research team supports the creation of healthy, resilient outdoor spaces integrated with urban design from the earliest planning stages. Through these innovative initiatives, PolyU is not only pushing scientific boundaries but also working towards cleaner skies, safer cities, and a more livable future for generations to come.  

PolyU develops third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology, deepening industry-academia-research integration to empower advanced manufacturing in Greater Bay Area

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed “IntraSpect™”, a third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology that marks a breakthrough in high-end precision manufacturing. During welding, high-energy heat sources melt metal to form a micro-scale molten zone known as the melt pool. Its internal condition directly affects welding quality, yet conventional technologies are unable to monitor it in real time during processing. By combining Optical Coherence Tomography with a multi-modal artificial intelligence engine, IntraSpect™ creates an “Industrial Eye” capable of monitoring the melt pool’s internal condition in real time with micron-level precision, capturing three-dimensional morphological changes during welding to address the long-standing industry challenge of welding defects at source. The project has established partnerships with multiple industry leaders in the Greater Bay Area and is advancing commercialisation, with potential applications extending to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors demanding exceptionally high welding quality. The IntraSpect™ project is led by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering; and Prof. Xiewen WEN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Prof. Man has devoted forty years to the field of high-power laser welding, accumulating extensive industry collaboration experience and a deep understanding of industry pain points and practical needs. Prof. Wen specialises in precision optical instrument design and micro-scale dynamic capture technology. Their interdisciplinary collaboration and complementary expertise have ensured that the development of IntraSpect™ has been closely aligned with industrial application scenarios from inception. Prof. H.C. Man said, “Conventional welding monitoring relies primarily on surface observation or post-process inspection, making it difficult to capture the melt pool’s internal condition in real time during processing. The consequences range from product scrapping and economic losses to, at worst, safety incidents. IntraSpect™ intervenes at the source, identifying and correcting defects at an early stage. This transforms reactive post-process inspection into proactive prevention, dramatically reducing scrap rates while significantly enhancing production efficiency and product reliability.” Prof. Xiewen Wen explained, “IntraSpect™ is like equipping welding machinery with an ‘Industrial Eye’. Within one-millionth of a second, it can penetrate the arc flash, metal vapour and spatter generated during welding to directly measure the three-dimensional depth and morphology inside the melt pool, achieving micron-level, real-time navigation. This enables the machine to self-correct during welding, achieving closed-loop process control.” Testing has validated that the IntraSpect™ system’s detection data deviates by less than two percent from destructive testing results, with technical specifications reaching internationally leading standards. Compared to similar imported products, the system costs approximately half as much, with investment recoverable in less than one year. The team estimates that this technology can replace up to 70% of destructive testing processes, substantially saving material and time costs while achieving 100% comprehensive monitoring and establishing a complete quality traceability record for every weld. IntraSpect™ will initially focus on precision welding processes for new energy vehicle batteries and 3C electronic products such as smartphones. The team is collaborating with industry partners on pilot testing to transform the technology into practical industrial solutions. In the long term, the technology has additional potential for extension to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors with extremely stringent welding quality requirements. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked, “IntraSpect™ fully demonstrates PolyU’s unique strengths and potential in deep industry-academia-research integration. We are committed not only to achieving original breakthroughs in frontier technologies, but also to translating research outcomes from campus to industry for the benefit of society. The National 15th Five-Year Plan continues to emphasise the development of new quality productive forces, and intelligent manufacturing is the core engine driving industrial upgrading through technological innovation. PolyU will continue to actively align with national strategies and the HKSAR Government’s new industrialisation policies, contributing to the upgrading of high-end manufacturing in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and further consolidating Hong Kong’s unique position as an international innovation and technology hub.” The team aspires to combine Hong Kong’s research strengths with the Greater Bay Area’s industrial ecosystem to build a safer, more efficient and more intelligent high-end manufacturing system for the Nation, while injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development.

PolyU’s breakthrough in Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel wins 2025 Outstanding New Engineering Contracts Team Performance Award

The Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a significant research breakthrough by developing an effective use of ultra-high-strength S960 steel stiffened box section. The solution has been successfully adopted for the design of two major pedestrian bridges, Footbridge F4 and F6 in the Northern Metropolis, replacing the originally proposed in‑site reinforced concrete box girders. This achievement provides a complete engineering pathway for the application of ultra-high-strength S960 steel in civil infrastructure and marks a major milestone in supporting greener and more efficient infrastructure development in Hong Kong. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between CNERC and Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government in 2023, Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the CNERC, led a research team conducting extensive experimental studies and numerical analyses to investigate the structural behaviour of stiffened box sections of S960 steel. They also prepared test and design reports, developed automated welding systems, robotic site welding, and key techniques for controlling distortion in welded sections and inspecting welding defects. These technological advancements significantly reduce structural self‑weight, pile foundation requirements, and material use, resulting in improved structural performance and significant reductions in embodied carbon. The project has received recognition across government and industry. At the Outstanding New Engineering Contracts (NEC) Team Performance Awards, the project titled “The World’s First Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel Footbridges in the Northern Metropolis” was honoured with the Excellence in Innovation and Technology Adoption Award among a total of about 60 shortlisted public projects. The project client was Civil Engineering and Development Department, together with the team comprising AECOM Asia Co. Ltd., and the Joint Venture of Daewoo E&C, Chun Wo C&E and Kwan Lee Holding. The Outstanding NEC Team Performance Awards were organised by the Development Bureau to recognise project teams that have excelled in project delivery practices by successfully adopting innovative and technological solutions under a collaborative partnering approach.  

AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness

Loneliness has a critical impact on the mental health of citizens, particularly among the elderly. Robots capable of perceiving and responding to human emotions can serve as heart-warming companions to help lift the spirits. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has discovered that the combined power of music and empathetic speech in robots with artificial intelligence (AI) could foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. These findings underscore the importance of a multimodal approach in designing empathetic robots, offering significant implications for their application in health support, elder care, education and beyond. The research project, A Talking Musical Robot over Multiple Interactions, was led by Prof. Johan HOORN, Interfaculty Full Professor of Social Robotics of the School of Design and the Department of Computing at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Ivy HUANG at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The study investigated how music and empathetic speech could enhance the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, revealing that music can act as a powerful adjunct to empathetic speech. As part of the study, the team examined how Cantonese-speaking participants interacted with empathetic robots across three interactive sessions. The findings showed that combining music and speech significantly increased the participants’ perceived empathy of the machines. “Our data indicate that the presence of music continued to enhance the robot’s resemblance to humans in later sessions,” explained Prof. Hoorn. “One interpretation is that music made the interaction feel more like a real conversation with a personality, something human counsellors might do by playing music to comfort their clients, which in turn made the robot seem more lifelike or socially present.” However, the research pointed out that the impact of music could diminish over time when the participants became attuned to the music after repeated sessions, highlighting the importance of tailoring interaction strategies to individual users’ needs to sustain effective human-robot interaction. The study suggested that empathetic robots should be designed to adapt their responses to user feedback and context, for example, by adjusting various musical elements or gradually personalising dialogue content to maintain sustained relevance of empathy. Prof. Hoorn emphasised: “Our research points to the significance of multimodal communication encompassing music, speech and more through empathetic robots. It holds considerable promise for application in real-world settings, particularly in the fields of mental health support and elderly care. The integration of empathetic robots capable of delivering tailored musical experiences and engaging in sensitive conversation could provide meaningful companionship and emotional support to individuals who may experience loneliness or social isolation.” Prof. Hoorn is leading another project, “Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population”, which has received funding of over HK$40 million from the Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme. Concurrently serving as Associate Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology, Prof. Hoorn is set to explore quantum-inspired models of human affect to better capture and respond to the inherent vagueness and ambiguity of emotional experience. Unlike traditional computational systems that struggle with the fluid and context-dependent nature of affective responses, quantum models can represent emotional states as probabilistic superpositions, reflecting the genuine uncertainty and complexity of human feelings. “What excites me the most is the possibility of developing social robots that not only recognise the complexity of human affect but also embrace it. These robots could offer support that is adaptable, open-ended and compassionate, similar to the individuals they are designed to help,” added Prof. Hoorn. The study has been published in ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, a leading peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal in the field.