The 15th World Conference of the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG 2026) concluded successfully in Vancouver, Canada, held from March 26 to 29, 2026. Dr. Eric Tam (Director of Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Clinic and Deputy Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub), led team of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to join international scholars and industry leaders to explore technology-driven solutions for the global ageing population.
Academic Leadership: Pioneering Research Presentations
During the conference’s oral presentation sessions, Dr. Eric Tam presented two seminal research papers on behalf of the RISA team, underscoring PolyU’s leadership in clinical application and geriatric care:
"Impact on the use of gerontechnology in group activities for persons with dementia: a pilot study"
This study investigates the optimization of social engagement for individuals with dementia through technological intervention, offering critical insights into enhancing activity efficacy within residential care settings.
"Use of digital imagery technology for management of post-operative delirium: A feasibility study"
Addressing a critical challenge in elderly surgical care, this research demonstrates the potential of digital imagery to prevent and manage post-operative delirium, establishing a new framework for smart healthcare.
Innovation Spotlight: The "Smart Companion Robot"
Beyond academic discourse, RISA hosted a booth featuring the "Smart Companion Robot," a flagship development from the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. Specifically engineered to meet local care requirements, the robot features Cantonese language capabilities and interactive cognitive games. The exhibit garnered significant acclaim for its "human-centric" design and its ability to provide person-centered companionship in diverse care environments.
The Vancouver summit provided a vital platform for RISA to showcase PolyU’s research excellence and forge strategic international partnerships. We remain committed to the spirit of innovation, translating advanced scientific research into practical health technology to address the multifaceted challenges of an ageing society.
