News

RISA Showcased Innovations at the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2025

The 9th Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2025, jointly organized by the HKSAR government and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), was successfully held from 20 to 23 Nov 2025 at The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with enticing over 37,000 visitors. As a supporting organization, The Research Institute for Smart Ageing proudly showcased the following 9 gerontech innovations:  1. ORAR: Oral-motor Assessment and Rehabilitation Mobile App 2. Smart Motion Capture System (SMCS) 3. Powered Rehab Skateboard 4. An AI Robot-Assisted Tailor Physical Activity Program for Families with Dementia 5. Shining Light on Brain Health: 40Hz BCI Research for Alzheimer’s Disease 6. COSMICS- Contactless Sleep Assessment System 7. Tendon Driven Soft Exoskeleton Glove 8. Rhythm of Life 9. CarePlatter- Hong Kong’s first app that brings together care food restaurants and IDDSI-related information RISA booth garnered strong interest from senior citizens, caregivers, academia, health professionals and industry leaders. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all visitors for supporting us. GIES 2025 successfully serves a platform for RISA and multisectoral stakeholders to foster collaboration and exchange insights in pursuing impactful ageing-related research and innovation. We will remain dedicated to co-create a prosperous silver economy ecosystem and an age-friendly community.    由香港特別行政區政府及香港社會服務聯會(HKCSS)合辦的「樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會2025」在11月20至23日於香港會議展覽中心順利舉行，活動吸引超過37,000人次入場。 作為活動的支持機構，智齡研究院展示了下列9件由成員研發的創新產品: 1. 口復易: 口肌評估及復康訓練流動程式 2. 智慧動作捕捉系統 3. 動力康復滑板車 4. 人工智能機械人輔助的認知障礙家庭定製運動計劃 5. 腦健康新契機：40赫茲腦機接口阿茲海默症研究 6. 智慧睡眠多模系統 – 非接觸式睡眠評估系統 7. 柔軟外骨骼手套 8. 鼓動心弦 9. 同枱食- 全港首個集合照護食餐廳及IDDSI相關資訊的應用程式 智齡研究院攤位吸引了長者、照顧者、學者、專職醫療人員及業界領袖的强烈興趣，我們感謝參觀者的支持。樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會2025成功作爲連繫智齡研究院及持份者建立合作及交流的平台，攜手推動具影響力的老齡化研究與創新。我們會繼續致力共建銀髮經濟生態圈及年齡友善城市。

RISA researchers showcased AI-driven healthcare innovation to the delegation led by Vice Minister of Science and Technology of China

Mr CHEN Jiachang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, led a delegation to visit The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 5 November 2025. During the visit, The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) proudly showcased the following cutting-edge medical innovations integrated with artificial intelligence (AI): 1. A portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system, developed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering 2. A 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, developed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping 3. A virtual MRI contrast enhancement system, developed by Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of RISA, Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics 4. An ankle rehabilitation robot, developed by Prof. ZHANG Dan, Member of RISA, Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering 5. Robots for post-stroke telerehabilitation, developed by Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of RISA, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering The delegation expressed strong interest towards the showcased projects during the visit, they affirmed PolyU’s commitment and contribution towards the knowledge transfer in AI and healthcare. RISA will remain dedicated to leveraging our robust interdisciplinary expertise to translate research achievements into impactful healthcare solutions for fostering smart and healthy ageing.  Press release: https://polyu.me/43Pqgnt (Chinese only) Online coverage: Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4oYwgCK CCTV - https://polyu.me/47qmBif HK01 - https://polyu.me/4p06kqg hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/47NQiIZ Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3WIuMjJ   國家科技部副部長陳家昌先生於2025年11月5日率團到訪香港理大大學(理大)。在參觀中，智齡研究院展示了以下應用人工智能(AI)的醫療前沿研究創新成果: 1. 由智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授兼生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授研發的「無線掌上式超聲脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備」 2. 由鄭永平教授研發的「無輻射三維超聲脊柱側彎評估設備」 3. 由智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授蔡璟教授研發的「基於人工智能的虛擬增強磁共振影像系統」 4. 由智齡研究院成員、香港理工大學（南京）技術創新研究院院長及理大機械工程學系智能機器人與自動化講座教授張丹教授研發的「踝關節康復機器人」 5. 由智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎教授研發的「支援中風患者遠端復康自動化管理功能的移動式外神經肌骨系統」。 訪問團對理大展示的項目展示出濃厚興趣，他們肯定理大在推動人工智能及醫療保健知識轉移的決心和貢獻。智齡研究院將繼續努力運用跨學科的專業知識，將研究成果轉化為具影響力的健康方案，推廣智齡及健康老齡化。 理大新聞稿：https://polyu.me/43Pqgnt 網上報導： 巴士的報 - https://polyu.me/4oYwgCK 央視頻 - https://polyu.me/47qmBif HK01 - https://polyu.me/4p06kqg 香港新聞社 - https://polyu.me/47NQiIZ 香港新聞網 - https://polyu.me/3WIuMjJ

RISA organized Research Seminar-Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) successfully hosted Research Seminar- “Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations” with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU RS) on 4 Nov 2025. The event aims to foster meaningful international connections to pursue academic excellence and impactful innovation. We are honoured to have Prof. Paulo FERREIRA, NHMRC Research Fellow, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Director of the Musculoskeletal Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, Research Academic Director, University of Sydney as the speaker.  In the seminar, drawing from his successful projects that connected public hospitals with health coaching services and developed holistic back exercise apps with multisectoral health professionals, Prof. Ferreira illustrated the edges of building global interdisciplinary synergies in research. He also emphasized the importance of creative thinking, proactive engagement and persistence in creating effective partnerships and high-quality research projects. His insights sparked vibrant discussions among partakers. This event successfully serves as a platform for global researchers to exchange insights in research and knowledge transfer. As a hub of converging multisectoral experts in ageing, RISA will continue to host different events for forging cross-border network and drive innovative solutions for ageing population.  This news is available in English only.

RISA member featured on HOY TV programme “Health Concern Group”

Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Associate Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recently featured on HOY TV’s “Health Concern Group” programme to introduce the home-based innovation “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton”, a multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation pioneered by her team.  In the interview, Prof. Hu explained that stroke patients would likely experience lower limb motor functioning impairment including foot drop and foot inversion, thus might increase the risk of falls. Incorporating multiple advanced multimodal assistive technologies such as functional electrical stimulation, mechanical assistance provided by artificial muscles and sensory stimulation, Prof. Hu highlighted that the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” could complement the drawback of traditional ankle-foot orthoses of leading to muscle atrophy. Clinical studies demonstrated its effectiveness in fostering lower limb motor function, mobility, foot drop and foot inversion of stroke patients.  This ground-breaking invention reflects the contribution by RISA members in advancing knowledge transfer in stroke rehabilitation. RISA will continue to address stroke and health challenges of ageing population by delivering impactful and accessible solutions.  Online coverage: HOY TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4y4j4soO0c (07:39 - 11:11)   智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎教授近日接受HOY TV《健康關注組》專訪，介紹由其團隊首創的移動式多模態居家足踝復康機械人「智雲行健步儀」。   胡教授在專訪中指出，中風患者普遍會出現下肢活動功能障礙如足下垂及足內翻，有機會增加跌倒風險。結合多種先進的多模態輔助技術包括功能性電刺激、由人工肌肉提供的機械輔助及感知刺激，她指出「智雲行健步儀」能解決傳統足踝矯形器容易引致肌肉萎縮的問題。臨床研究顯示該裝置有效促進中風患者的下肢運動功能、活動能力；改善足下垂及足內翻問題。   胡教授的開創性發明體現智齡研究院成員在推動中風復康知識轉移的貢獻。我們會繼續透過提供具影響力及可便利的方案，應對中風及人口老齡化帶來的健康挑戰。   網上報導： HOY TV -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4y4j4soO0c (07:39 - 11:11)

Start-up co-founded by RISA Director shines at GITEX Dubai

Eieling Technology Limited, a PolyU start-up co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, participated in GITEX North Star Expand (GITEX) at Dubai from 12 to 15 October 2025. GITEX Dubai is one of the largest global technology events which bridges investors, industry leaders and start-ups.  Aspiring to advance the early screening and management of chronic liver disease, Eieling Technology Limited proudly showcased its knowledge transfer achievements, including Liverscan®, a portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system and FattaLab®, the world’s first lightweight intelligent fatty liver detection device. Its booth garnered interest from visitors and potential partners. This event successfully underscores the capabilities in healthcare research and innovations of RISA. We will remain dedicated to building global network in addressing healthcare needs and challenges in ageing societies.  Press release: English - https://polyu.me/3IRb6ad Chinese - https://polyu.me/4hitxBl Online coverage: Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/4o4D0yH (English only) Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4osGyuA (Chinese only) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/493o67a (Chinese only)   由理工大學和智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授共同創辦的初創企業「意領科技有限公司」於2025年10月12至15日參加在杜拜舉行的GITEX North Star Expand（杜拜GITEX）。杜拜GITEX是其中一個全球最大型的科技盛會，旨在連繫國際投資者、業界領袖與初創企業。   意領科技有限公司銳意推動慢性肝病的早期篩查及管理，在活動展示了其知識轉移成果Liverscan®- 無線掌上式超聲波脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備及FattaLab®- 全球首款輕量化脂肪肝檢測儀，成功吸引參觀者及潛在合作夥伴的興趣。   是次活動成功展現智齡研究院在健康領域的研究及創新能力。我們將繼續建立並拓展國際網絡，應對老齡化社會下的健康需要及挑戰。   理大新聞稿: 英文版 - https://polyu.me/3IRb6ad 中文版- https://polyu.me/4hitxBl   網上報導: Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/4o4D0yH (只有英文版) 大公報 - https://polyu.me/4osGyuA (只有中文版) 文匯報 - https://polyu.me/493o67a (只有中文版)

RISA member featured on Now TV programme “Medicine Online”

Prof. LO Ka-hei Kenneth, Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, has recently featured on the Now TV programme “Medicine Online” to share his insights on topics including sugar control, the use of next-generation sugar substitutes and the glycaemic index. In the program, Prof. Lo highlighted that excessive sugar consumption could lead to weight gain and health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. To manage sugar consumption, he suggested consumers should pay attention to the nutritional labels on food packaging. Prof. Lo also addressed the growing popularity of natural sugar substitutes, he did not recommend them as main replacements for sugar-free diets since they could have higher sweetness levels compared to regular sugar, special care should be taken when consuming. Additionally, Prof. Lo suggested the public be more aware of high glycaemic index (GI) foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, longans and lychees, which could cause more rapid and drastic rise of blood glucose levels. Prof. Lo’s comments shed light on building healthier lifestyles through food selection. As a hub of converging interdisciplinary researchers, RISA will continue to foster the health of senior citizens and the broader community through diverse and innovative approaches.  Online coverage: ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)     智齡研究院成員、理大食品科學及營養學系助理教授羅家禧教授近日接受Now TV節目《杏林在線》專訪，分享他對控糖、食用新式代糖及升糖指數等議題的見解。   羅教授指出攝取過量糖分會導致體重增加及可能引發糖尿病、心臟病等健康問題。他建議消費者應多留意食品包裝上的營養標籤，以幫助管理糖分攝取。此外，羅教授注意到近年天然代糖(natural sugar substitutes) 的流行，他不建議代糖作為「無糖飲食」的主要代替品，因為前者的甜度有時可比砂糖更高，在食用時需要特別注意。羅教授亦建議大家應多留意升糖指數 （GI）較高的食物如白飯、薯蓉、龍眼、荔枝等，它們會令血糖上升速度較快及高。   羅教授的見解有助我們建立更健康的生活及飲食習慣。作爲匯聚跨學科研究人員的平台，智齡研究院會繼續致力透過多元及創新的方式，提升長者和社區的健康水平。   網上報導： ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)

RISA hosted Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

RISA Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, organized by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), took place on 30 September 2025 at PolyU. The seminar attracted over 100 researchers from local and overseas universities attending onsite and online, achieving a resounding success. In the seminar, Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, shared his insights of writing high-quality scientific research articles and publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (OAC) - a renowned interdisciplinary journal which publicized OA research insights. The seminar sparked vibrant discussion regarding the challenges of publishing journals and their solutions. RISA is thrilled to see that this seminar fosters global collaboration among passionate researchers to pursue impactful OA research and demonstrate our commitment to building an international community for healthcare innovation. We are looking forward to seeing you at our future events. This news is only available in English version.

RISA organized Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) successfully hosted the RISA Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis on 29 September 2025 at PolyU. We were honoured to have Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital as the speaker to share his insights on improving current therapies of osteoarthritis (OA). In the seminar, Prof. Hunter highlighted that most OA patients were not getting appropriate care. He further advocated for patient-centred care and holistic assessment of OA. He also proposed innovative solutions including developing AI-powered platforms to offer personalized exercise programs, goal setting and pain tracking. The seminar wrapped up with a lively discussion between the participants and Prof. Hunter, they had in-depth interaction on how to enhance OA patients and community engagement with sharing cases from Hong Kong and Australia. This seminar successfully served as a hub for global researchers to advance OA research and innovation. RISA will continue to foster multisectoral collaboration on promoting holistic and person-centred care to meet the healthcare needs of ageing population and demographic shift. This news is only available in English version.

RISA successfully co-organized Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025

On 4 October 2025, the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) co-organized the Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025 with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at The University of Hong Kong. The event featured expert talks, booth exhibitions and workshops to foster awareness of joint health, enticing around 300 partakers including senior citizens, healthcare professionals and academia. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, affirmed that the event demonstrated robust healthcare expertise of PolyU. He believed that the event not only strengthened PolyU’s capacity to address care needs under ageing societies but also laid a solid foundation in its preparation for establishing the third medical school. Prof. WEN Chunyi, Management Committee Member of RISA and Associate Professor at PolyU BME, underscored that knee degeneration had become a global public major health challenge due to ageing population, the promotion of primary healthcare and early prevention would reduce the societal medical burden. In the booth exhibition, RISA proudly showcased the following two innovations on sarcopenia screening which received great enthusiasm from elderly visitors: Sarcopenia assessment kit for sarcopenia assessment based on AI using Ultrasound Subcutaneous fat measurement for sarcopenia-related muscles RISA is delighted to see that the event successfully serves as a collaborative platform in addressing healthcare challenges of ageing population, empowering senior citizens to manage their health and supporting the advancement of primary healthcare system. We will remain committed to promoting healthy ageing in the community. Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4hfYGFH (only Chinese version available) Orange News- https://polyu.me/4mUhGud (only Chinese version available)   智齡研究院、香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系及香港大學矯形及創傷外科學系於2025年10月4日合辦香港關節健康日。活動旨在透過舉辦健康講座、攤位展覽及工作坊，以提高社會對膝關節健康的關注，吸引約300位長者、醫療專業人士及學術單位師生參與。 在開幕禮的致辭環節中，智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授表示此次活動充分展現了理大在專職醫療領域的實力。他相信活動不僅有助於推動理大在高齡化社會中應對照護需求的能力，也為籌辦香港第三所醫學院奠定堅實基礎。智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授溫春毅教授指出人口高齡化的加劇令膝關節退化問題已成為全球公共衛生的重大挑戰，推動基層醫療發展和早期預防將能有效減輕社會醫療負擔。 在攤位展覽中，智齡研究院展示了以下兩項用於肌少症篩查的創新研究成果，長者參觀者都對它們展示出濃厚興趣： 基於人工智能(AI) 與超聲的肌少症評估系统 關於肌少症主要相關肌肉的皮下脂肪厚度的測量 智齡研究院樂見是次活動成功作為應對人口高齡化下的健康挑戰的協作平台，賦能長者自主管理健康及推動基層醫療系統的發展。我們會繼續致力在社區中推動健康老齡化。 網上報導: HK01- https://polyu.me/4hfYGFH (只有中文版) 橙新聞- https://polyu.me/4mUhGud ((只有中文版)

RISA Director signed MoU with Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited to advance Brain-Computer Interface and intelligent prosthesis knowledge transfer

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ms Nyx HE, Partner of the Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited (Qiangnao Technology) at Cyperport on 29 September 2025. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Mr. Bicheng HAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology. The strategic partnership will explore the future collaboration of establishing the “PolyU- Qiangnao Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface”. The collaboration will enable PolyU and Qiangnao Technology to integrate their expertise in research and development of brain-computer interface (BCI) related products. Qiangnao Technology is the first unicorn in the BCI field in China and the first Chinese team to be selected by Harvard Innovation Lab. Contributing his robust experiences on research and knowledge transfer on ultrasound imaging, rehabilitation and smart ageing technologies, Prof. Zheng will lead the PolyU team. Through joint installation and evaluation of intelligent bionic limbs, this strategic partnership also supports the two-year scheme for granting full subsidies to amputees in Hong Kong for configuring and utilizing high-tech prostheses, as announced in “The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address”. RISA welcomes this synergy between academia, enterprise and the government for driving healthcare technology transfer and innovation in Hong Kong, China and the world. We are looking forward to this exciting collaboration between Qiangnao Technology and stakeholders on delivering accessible, cutting-edge medical technologies to the community. Please click here for further coverage. Press release: English- https://polyu.me/4pU0TdN   智齡研究院院長、香港理工大學（理大）梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授與強腦科技合夥人何熙昱錦女士分別代表理大及強腦科技簽署合作備忘錄。簽署儀式在2025年9月29日於數碼港舉行，由香港特別行政區政府創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授、理大校長滕錦光教授、強腦科技創始人兼首席執行官韓璧丞先生共同見證。是次合作將探討共建「香港理工大學 — 強腦科技腦機接口聯合研究中心」。 此合作將有助雙方結合研究及開發腦機接口產品的專業知識。強腦科技是中國首家腦機接口領域獨角獸企業及首支入選哈佛大學創新實驗室（Harvard Innovation Lab）的中國團隊。鄭教授將運用他在超聲成像、復康及智齡科技研究與知識轉移的扎實經驗帶領理大團隊。是次合作亦呼應《行政長官2025年施政報告》中透過創科基金支持新科技義肢落地配置的兩年全額資助計劃，雙方將攜手推動高科技智能仿生手及仿生腿的安裝及評估。 智齡研究院歡迎是次銳意推動香港、中國及全球醫療保健科技轉移及創新的政產學協作。我們期待未來能與強腦科技及持分者合作，向社區提供可負擔的醫療前沿技術。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿： 中文版- https://polyu.me/4nTuguJ