News

PolyU distinguished scholar Prof. Yang Chai receives Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2026 for revolutionising AI computation

Prof. Yang CHAI, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been awarded the prestigious Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2026 in recognition of his outstanding achievements in revolutionising artificial intelligence (AI) computation at the sensor level. Each recipient of the Senior Research Fellowship receives funding up to HK$3 million to support their research. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated Prof. Chai on this prestigious honour, “PolyU scholars are dedicated to world-leading research and innovation. This award not only recognises Prof. Chai’s pioneering work but also highlights PolyU research excellence in the field of AI computing. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” 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 and has actualised this paradigm through hardware implementation for vision sensors. His innovative research on sensory AI contributes to the advancement in machine visions with enhanced image recognition, visual adaptation in extremely dim or bright lighting, and agile perception of dynamic motion. Expressing his gratitude for the award, Prof. Chai said, “I am deeply grateful to the Croucher Foundation for recognising my research in bioinspired computing and semiconductor devices. This award is not only an encouragement for me personally, but also a recognition of the PolyU research team. We will continue to pursue innovative research to create a positive impact on society.” Prof. Chai is a distinguished academic in the field of nanoelectronic devices and emerging computation paradigms. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Nanjing University and his Master’s at Peking University, completing his PhD at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His research on in-sensor motion perception was selected as one of the “China Chip10 Sciences”. He also received the 2024 Falling Walls Science Breakthrough in Engineering & Technology, funding from the National Science Fund of China for Distinguished Young Scholars, as well as the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize in the field of AI and Robotics.

A New Paradigm for Account-Based Blockchains

As financial technology matures and cryptocurrencies become increasingly popular, the security of blockchains used to process these transactions has emerged as a significant concern. Prof. Allen Men Ho AU, Associate Head (Research and Development) and Professor of the Department of Computing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has introduced the Regulatable Privacy-Preserving Smart Contracts (RPSC), a smart contract system that effectively balances privacy with public transparency. RPSC’s compatibility has been demonstrated on Ethereum smart contract.  Smart contracts have become the backbone of decentralised finance, enabling automated transactions and the development of complex applications on blockchain platforms. As the technological foundation of Web3.0, smart contracts are increasingly relied upon to facilitate a wide range of financial and governance activities.    However, the transparency that makes blockchain technology so powerful also introduces significant privacy challenges. Every transaction and contract execution are recorded on a public ledger, exposing sensitive user data and transactional details to anyone with access to the network.    The tension between privacy and regulation has emerged as a central issue in blockchain research. Early privacy-preserving solutions, such as Zerocash and Hawk, leveraged advanced cryptographic techniques to anonymise transactions and user identities. These approaches, while effective in protecting privacy, often lacked the flexibility to selectively reveal private data when required for regulatory compliance or dispute resolution.    Ethereum, with its account-based structure, has become the dominant platform for smart contracts, hosting the majority of decentralised applications and managing billions in transaction value annually. Yet, the absence of robust privacy solutions tailored to account-based blockchains has left a critical gap in the ecosystem.   Led by Prof. AU, his research team has introduced RPSC system, a novel framework that combines fine-grained privacy controls, regulatory traceability and full compatibility with account-based blockchains, to address the above-mentioned problems.   The design of RPSC is rooted in a sophisticated system model that brings together three principal entities: users, regulators and the blockchain itself. Users are the primary participants, each equipped with a unique public-private key pair. Their public keys serve as identifiers within the system, while private keys enable the generation of privacy-preserving transactions. Depending on the application context, users may assume specialised roles, such as voters in an electronic voting system or bidders in an auction.  Regulators, typically government agencies or designated authorities, are granted the ability to view private data and trace transactions when necessary, using their own cryptographic key pairs. Importantly, regulators are restricted to observational and investigative functions. They cannot alter data on the blockchain. The blockchain, in turn, acts as a transparent, append-only ledger, hosting smart contracts that execute autonomously upon user interaction. Central to the RPSC system is the introduction of a multi-layer record commitment structure, which enables fine-grained privacy protection and flexible data state transitions. This multi-layer approach allows users to selectively disclose private data by replacing commitment values with actual data when necessary. For instance, in the event of a dispute or regulatory investigation, a user can reveal specific transaction details without compromising the privacy of unrelated data.   The construction of a transaction within RPSC is both rigorous and flexible. Each transaction consumes existing records and generates new ones, with the process governed by cryptographic protocols to ensure privacy and correctness.  To meet the regulatory traceability requirements, RPSC integrates public-key encryption and zero-knowledge proofs, specifically zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge). Users encrypt transaction details using the regulator's public key, ensuring that only authorised entities can decrypt and access sensitive information. Zero-knowledge proofs are employed to verify the correctness of transactions without revealing underlying data, thereby maintaining both confidentiality and integrity.  Transaction regulation in RPSC is achieved through a two-layer encryption mechanism. When a user initiates a transaction, a copy of the private transaction data is encrypted using the regulator's public key. This allows the regulator, and only the regulator, to decrypt and access the detailed data for oversight purposes.    The RPSC system represents a significant advancement in the design of privacy-preserving smart contracts for account-based blockchains. By combining multi-layer commitments, zero-knowledge proofs and regulatory traceability, RPSC offers a balanced solution that addresses the needs of privacy, programmability and accountability in decentralised applications. The system’s ability to reconcile the demands of privacy and regulation, without sacrificing efficiency or programmability, marks a new paradigm in the development of smart contracts and decentralised applications.    Source: Innovation Digest  

Inauguration of PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute, advancing cross-regional research and technology transfer

Jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of Luyang District, Hefei, the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute) was officially inaugurated on 4 December, alongside a plaque-unveiling ceremony for InnoHub@Hefei. This marks a new chapter in collaboration between PolyU and Hefei, further enhancing research exchange, technology transfer and the development of an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region. The Inauguration Ceremony in Hefei was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Ms ZHAO Ming, Director of the Anhui Provincial Department of Science and Technology; and Mr LUO Yunfeng, Deputy Secretary of the Hefei Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, who witnessed the official commencement of the Institute. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “In response to the new landscape of national strategic development, PolyU will work hand in hand with Hefei to deepen collaborative innovation among government, industry, academia and research sectors. Together, we aim to drive the implementation of high-level technological advancements, achieve mutual benefits and shared growth, and contribute to promoting high-quality development and building a technologically advanced nation.” Mr Luo Yunfeng remarked, “This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for Hefei to further strengthen its close ties with PolyU, connect with international resources and expand practical cooperation across various fields. Hefei is committed to providing comprehensive support and services to facilitate the development of the Institute and PolyU, accelerating the implementation of collaborative initiatives thus achieving mutual empowerment and win-win cooperation.” The work of the Institute focuses on two cutting-edge research areas - aerospace information technology and biomedical precision sensors. It has established seven research and development (R&D) centres covering the fields of deep space exploration, the low-altitude economy, BeiDou navigation applications, biosensors and ultrasonic diagnostics. Prof. Christopher Chao noted that the Institute leveraged its role as an innovation platform to strengthen collaboration with government, industry and investors, transforming blueprints into reality and accelerating the commercialisation of research outcomes. The event also featured a plaque-unveiling ceremony for InnoHub@Hefei, officiated by Prof. Christopher Chao; Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Prof. CHEN Wu, Director of the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute;  Mr. LUO Ping, Vice Chairman of the Hefei Municipal Committee and Secretary-General of the Hefei Municipal People’s Government; Mr FAN Jin, Director-general of the Science and Technology Bureau of Hefei; and Ms ZHANG Haoqi, Deputy Secretary of the Luyang District Party Committee. The InnoHub will serve as a key innovation incubation platform, bringing together diverse innovation resources. At the same event, the Institute signed framework agreements with several local enterprises in Hefei to promote collaboration in technological innovation and deepen industry integration. As PolyU’s key innovation hub in East China, the Institute leverages Hefei’s strong technological foundation and PolyU strengths in advanced technology and industrial applications to build a globally competitive innovation platform. Looking ahead, the Institute will accelerate R&D and talent development initiatives, nurture innovative talent and drive breakthroughs in smart manufacturing, the green economy and strategic emerging industries, injecting fresh momentum into regional and National innovation.

PolyU and HKUST inaugurate State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities and gather global experts for Symposium to tackle challenges of climate change

Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China, the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKL-CRCC) – jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – was officially inaugurated today. Dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, the Laboratory aims to enhance infrastructure resilience in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and coastal cities worldwide. Its core missions include strengthening climate-risk early-warning systems and emergency response capabilities, and promoting sustainable development to address challenges posed by climate change. Concurrently, a two-day international symposium is being held, bringing together world-leading experts and scholars to discuss how climate resilience in coastal cities can be strengthened globally. The inauguration was held at PolyU’s Hotel ICON and officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Xiangdong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Director of SKL-CRCC and Director of the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) of PolyU; Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, Director of SKL-CRCC, and CLP Holdings Professor of Sustainability; and Prof. Qingrui YUE, Chairman of the Academic Committee of SKL-CRCC. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng emphasised, “The establishment of SKL-CRCC not only closely aligns with the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035, but also supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s focus on climate-resilient urban development. Its significance is far-reaching: it reflects the nation’s commitment to technological self-reliance, scientific excellence and sustainable development, and exemplifies the synergy of Hong Kong’s world-class universities. By leveraging our complementary advantages, this strategic collaboration will drive national innovation and global scientific progress. PolyU sincerely thanks the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their foresight and support. We will continue translating research into impactful solutions and make the laboratory a ‘core engine’ for resilient urban development, strengthening public safety, urban resilience and sustainable development.” Prof. Nancy Ip said, “We extend our profound gratitude to the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their steadfast and visionary support in establishing this inaugural State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities. This endeavour powerfully demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to unite world-class research expertise from leading institutions in a strategic collaboration to address one of our generation’s most urgent challenges. By pioneering solutions for urban disaster mitigation and infrastructure resilience, this laboratory represents a strategic national initiative. It will serve to enhance Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub, contributing steady and meaningful momentum to our nation’s scientific advancement and long-term sustainable development.” Prof. Xiangdong Li and Prof. Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Directors of SKL-CRCC, stated that PolyU and HKUST teams leverage the advanced facilities of both universities to conduct research in multiple areas: Climate Change and Extreme Weather, Urban Infrastructure and Resilience, Urban Compound Disasters and Evolution, Extreme Rainstorm Disasters and Nature-based Solutions, Coastal Engineering and Technology, and Climate Change Risk Perception, Early Warning, and Response Policy Management. They pointed out that data collected through various research initiatives will significantly improve coastal cities’ future forecasting accuracy and response capabilities under severe weather conditions. Group photo of the officiating party and distinguished dignitaries. Group photo of the officiating party and key members of SKL-CRCC. The two-day international symposium features approximately 30 keynotes by experts from renowned universities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, other parts of Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Topics include marine heatwaves, earthquakes, urban water management and artificial intelligence applications. Through academic exchange and in-depth discussion, the Symposium aims to advance world-class knowledge to strengthen climate resilience in coastal cities globally. SKL-CRCC was officially accredited as the status of a State Key Laboratory by MOST in August 2025. To address climate change and disaster risks, it aims to deeply integrate its work into the national strategic frameworks and global development initiatives, focusing on resilience construction and disaster mitigation. It is committed to enhancing the resilience of coastal urban infrastructure to address the compound challenges posed by climate change. The Symposium brings together world-leading global experts and scholars to discuss how climate resilience in coastal cities can be strengthened globally.

PolyU organised first RISC-V Global Ecosystem Forum, charting a new chapter for open-source development

The inaugural RISC-V Global Ecosystem Forum, hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and co-organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Institute of Software Chinese Academy of Sciences, was successfully held on 26 November. The forum covered cutting-edge topics, including compilers and foundational software, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, open-source EDA, and community governance, attracting leading enterprises, research institutions, and open-source communities from around the world. The event featured keynote speeches by renowned scholars and industry leaders on the global RISC-V community development, AI computing ecosystems, and industrial-grade open-source core development, providing valuable insights for advancing RISC-V+AI integration and ecosystem growth. To foster research collaboration and talent development, PolyU signed a strategic agreement with the Beijing Institute of Open Source Chip, and the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to establish the “One Student One Chip” Hong Kong Base Co-construction Initiative, creating an international platform for industry-academia-research integration.   This initiative was jointly launched by the School of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Beijing Institute of Open Source Chip. Upholding the core principle of “enabling students to graduate with a processor chip they designed themselves,” the program combines theoretical and practical teaching to lower barriers to chip design and nurture top-tier talent in computer systems, with over 15,000 students from over 1,000 schools worldwide already enrolled.  

PolyU develops an innovative multi-tier intelligent bridge inspection system to identify structural issues

With Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure facing immense pressure from some of the world’s highest densities of traffic, ensuring bridge safety is more critical than ever. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has unveiled a groundbreaking, intelligent bridge inspection system. This system can detect cracks and uncover hidden structural flaws invisible to the human eye. Deployed across 11 local bridges, this multi-tier system integrates PolyU’s proprietary non-destructive testing technologies (NDT) with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models. The result: inspection times slashed by a significant margin of 50% and overall accuracy rate dramatically improved to 80%, paving the way for Citywide adoption. Traditional infrastructure visual inspection (VI) methods in Hong Kong are labour-intensive, subjective and often miss subsurface defects like rebar corrosion, which necessitate road closures. Led by Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Professor of the PolyU Department of Building and Real Estate, the team’s innovation can replace these manual practices with a trio of cutting-edge tools: drones, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT). These technologies collect comprehensive data from both the surface and subsurface of bridges, while AI models automate analysis for unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Surface crack identification is vital for structural health. Using drone-enabled VI and a self-developed deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model—Smart Bridge Deck Efficiency (SBDE)—the team has achieved superior crack detection, even in challenging conditions such as low light or shadows. SBDE outperformed other leading object detection models, reducing false positives and confusion with surface scratches. Surface cracks often signal deeper issues like rebar corrosion, i.e., subsurface defects. The team’s fully automated GPR data interpretation model locates rebars with over 98% precision and maps potential corrosion zones using advanced amplitude analysis and clustering. The newly developed tool significantly streamlines the GPR-based corrosion assessment process, making it both faster and more straightforward. Concrete deterioration, such as spalling and delamination, is another major concern. The team developed an optimum thermal gradient threshold (OTGT) system for IRT, adjusting thresholds based on environmental conditions for more accurate detection. Their smart OTGT-based model automatically generates delamination maps, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. “This hybrid system— for surface and subsurface defects—enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of bridge inspection through an integrated, AI-powered approach,” said Prof. Tarek Zayed. “We have also standardised inspections with a five-point severity scale to facilitate diagnosis and prioritise repairs. The comprehensive SBDE tool thoroughly assesses bridge conditions based on data collected from various sensing devices.” He added, “We are currently exploring further collaboration with relevant government departments and industry partners to implement this system for regular bridge inspections in the City, marking a significant step towards smarter infrastructure management in Hong Kong. Our goal is to ensure that Hong Kong’s bridges remain safe and reliable for decades to come.” This two-year project was supported by the Smart Traffic Fund. With findings published in leading international journals including Construction and Building Materials, Automation in Construction and Advanced Engineering Informatics, Prof. Zayed’s team is exploring ways to advance related technologies and further promote smart bridge inspection in Hong Kong.

Delegation from Zibo Municipal Science and Technology Bureau Visited PolyU

A delegation from the Zibo Municipal Science and Technology Bureau visited PolyU on November 19 for an exchange visit. The purpose was to deepen innovative collaboration between the two regions in cutting-edge technology fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence. It also aimed to promote the introduction of Hong Kong’s scientific achievements and talent resources, fostering regional synergy in science and technology development. Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and Immunology at PolyU, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the university’s latest developments in scientific research. Following this, Prof. Liqiu WANG, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering at PolyU, presented the recent progress of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation directions and exchanged views on promoting the construction of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. The delegation also toured several research facilities on campus, including the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, the Industrial Centre’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory, and the Human-Machine Symbiotic Design and Manufacturing Laboratory. This visit laid a solid foundation for future collaboration. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to continually promoting the transformation of research outcomes and talent exchange, jointly advancing technological innovation and industrial development.

PolyU and SINOFAITH Group | ARTiSTORY join forces to establish PolyU-SIPIC Joint Laboratory to drive innovation in cultural heritage and tourism

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and SINOFAITH Group | ARTiSTORY have officially launched the "PolyU-Sinofaith IP Investment Company Joint Laboratory” (CORE LAB) on 19 November.  As an innovative platform integrating academia, research, and industry, the Laboratory focuses on "Systematic Construction and Sustainable Development of Cultural Heritage and Tourism IP Brands," aiming to become a key driver of China’s cultural and tourism innovation. During the ceremony, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr SUN Kai, President of SINOFAITH Group, jointly unveiled the Laboratory, marking the official commencement of collaboration. The cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Sylvia Xihui LIU, Assistant Dean (Academic Programmes) and Associate Professor of School of Design at PolyU, and Mr YU Fei, Managing Partner of SINOFAITH | ARTiSTORY. Prof. LIU remarked that PolyU positions itself as design-driven university and hopes the research outcomes of the Laboratory will be closely aligned with industry needs, setting a benchmark for future commercialisation and implementation. Mr SUN emphasised that culture should not merely “protected,” but “reinvigorated”. By integrating cultural IP with advanced technology to transform heritage into industrial power, creating smarter, more international, and more human‑centred experiences of Chinese culture. The initiative seeks to link national strategic directions, Hong Kong’s international advantages, and cultural‑technology industry needs. Guided by the principles of “resource assetisation, asset systematisation, and system scenarioisation,” CORE LAB will empower museums, art galleries, science museums, libraries, and cultural‑tourism organisations to enhance cultural heritage dissemination and innovation. By bridging culture with economic and societal development, the Laboratory will promote industry upgrading and strengthen the international influence of Chinese civilisation. Moving forward, CORE LAB will prioritise key research areas through in-depth studies and pilot practices. The outcomes will be shared through joint research reports and academic publications, offering essential reference models for digital transformation and sustainable development of the cultural and tourism sectors.  

PolyU breakthrough in underground navigation unlocks hidden cultural heritage

Sustainable city management recognises the importance of not only the busy above-ground urban systems but also the invisible underground infrastructure, utilities, and hidden heritage and their stories. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is at the fore-front of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies, advancing land surveying research that supports cultural preservation and the sustainable development urban environment. Harnessing a range of advanced technologies, Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics of PolyU, and his research team have made significant strides in underground exploration. His research supports a wide range of impactful applications, from detecting urban infrastructure issues such as voids and pipe leakages to uncovering hidden historical heritage.  Prof. LAI said, “Imagine a time when doctors had to drill into a patient’s body to make a diagnosis. Today, non-invasive imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans have transformed medical diagnostics. Similarly, in construction, the way we access infrastructure has evolved from drilling holes for inspection to using non-invasive technologies. Advances in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology have enabled applications that go beyond simple locating, imaging, inspection and monitoring of construction works, including underground utilities, road pavements, tunnel liners and more.” Uncovering cultural heritage with geospatial technology-driven archaeology Leveraging PolyU’s multidisciplinary research strengths, one focus of Prof. LAI is the innovative use of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies in archaeological exploration. Collaborating with partners in history and archaeology from various institutions, his research team contributes to both the interpretation of historical contexts and community education.  Notably, the team has initiated a four-tier geospatial technology approach for applications in heritage and archaeological mapping, including the exploration of wartime heritage in Hong Kong and the Dairy Farm heritage in Pokfulam. Their research projects were supported by two Innovation Technology Fund grants from the Innovation and Technology Commission from 2023 to 2026.  To begin the four-tier approach, the research team starts by identifying potential features of interest at hidden historical sites, such as lost World War II locations, through the analysis of old maps, texts, images, and aerial photos. The team then uses point cloud data, either from the Government’s airborne or drone/terrestrial LiDAR from the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatic, to remove forest and generate 3D digital terrain models for geo-referencing within a geographic information system (GIS).  A red relief image map (RRIM) is used to reveal detailed underground features by analysing topographical openness. Guided by satellite navigation, they arrive at the sites, conduct on-site terrestrial LiDAR scanning, and fill in the unknown gaps in history. Deep learning-based characterisation is also being developed for large-scale surveys. Finally, the field work involved survey and validation for hybrid air-ground 3D modelling of the heritage sites, which were then applied to generate 3D augmented reality experiences in indoor environment.  Through this approach, Prof. LAI’s research revealed both hidden features, such as war relics and burials, using geospatial technologies, as well as buried structures identified through GPR, drone-based infrared thermography, magnetometer, and metal detector. The research, titled “Unfolding WWII heritages with airborne and ground-based laser scanning” was published in Heritage.  Furthermore, the project team successfully helped a Canadian family locate the most likely burial of their great-grandfather, Mr. Pickthrone, a lost seafarer who died and was buried in 1900, bringing great relief to the family. The story and the science behind it, titled “Archaeological investigation of burials preluded by ground penetrating radar and geospatial technologies,” was published in Archaeological Science.  Prof. LAI said, “Our research allows us to step beyond our traditional boundaries as scientists. By collaborating with historians, archaeologists, schools and non-government organisations, we innovatively apply the three-tier geospatial technology approach to uncover and understand valuable but hidden historical features concealed within forests or vegetation. In the past two and a half years, the multidisciplinary team has delivered more than 40 STEAM talks, workshops, field visits, and Art-Tech exhibition tours, directly engaging over 4,800 students and members of the public. This cross-disciplinary effort demonstrate that science and the humanities can meaningfully complement each other, and that genuine collaboration always leads to unexpected discoveries.”   

PolyU receives three awards at CES Innovation Awards 2026

Three innovations developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. Among the award-winning projects, the Smart Firefighting Robots received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category, earning the coveted “Best of Innovation Award”, the best result PolyU has achieved since first participating in the event. PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous firefighting operations, the Smart Firefighting Robot was developed by the research team of Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE)  and Co-founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, together with Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of BEEE as well as the Founder and CEO of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited. This AI-driven robot can navigate smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, and select and release optimal extinguishing agents. By sending real-time data to command centres, it can also enhance firefighting efficiency and help safeguard the health and safety of firefighters and the public. PolyU was also recognised for its Arm Rehabilitation Robot (also known as “Powered Rehab Skateboard”) and FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, which received awards in the Accessibility & Longevity and Digital Health categories respectively. These accolades highlight the University’s strong capabilities in health technology research and development. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable training device designed to support home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. Developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs, particularly for stroke survivors. Unlike traditional rehabilitation devices that are often bulky and expensive, this solution allows users to engage in effective therapy in the comfort of their homes or in community centres, catering to patients’ needs with simple setup and real-time tracking of training progress. Development of the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection, the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, was spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are excited by the remarkable accomplishments of PolyU researchers and start-ups on the international stage. As PolyU marks its third consecutive year at CES, the growing number and diversity of award-winning innovations signal a new milestone in its journey, highlighting PolyU’s rising prominence in the global technology arena.” Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. PolyU and its startups will showcase the award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations at CES 2026, to be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January next year.