Archives November 2023

Our Principal Investigator, Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, was invited to speak at a technical seminar hosted by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). The seminar took place on November 16, 2023, at the EngHub, Room 309, HK NEO, 123 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong.

Dr. Tang, a respected figure in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, discussed the team’s ongoing project, “Intelligent Non-invasive Structural Health Inspection System for Multi-part Covers.” The research aims to develop a non-invasive and AI-based method for inspecting multi-part covers installed on large drains, chambers, and box culverts across main roads in Hong Kong.

Traditional inspection methods can be disruptive and costly, especially when these covers are located on main traffic routes. The project seeks to address this issue by using AI technologies to detect signals from problematic multi-part covers amidst environmental and traffic noises, potentially reducing traffic disruptions and inspection costs.

Dr. Tang has a strong interest in a range of research areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things, Digital Twin, blockchain, sustainable technology in Industry 4.0, and healthcare applications. Over the past three years, he has contributed to over 80 journal articles, co-authored 10 book chapters, edited 4 books, and has been granted 2 patents.

The seminar was conducted in Cantonese and was well-received by the audience. We are grateful for this opportunity for Dr. Tang to share our team’s research and will continue to work diligently on our project.

Dr. Chau (Director of Asia Pacific Business Research Center and Professor, Faculty of Business, The City University of Macau), Ir. Dr. Tang (Principle Investigator of RIVRT), and visiting students

Dr. Gavin Chau, a distinguished professor from the Faculty of Business at The City University of Macau, led his students on an exhilarating and educational journey to the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 16th November, 2023. This excursion offered them a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of advanced engineering and technology, making it not only enjoyable but also highly enlightening.

The visit was led by Ir. Dr. Tang and his dedicated team, who took the students on a tour around various key labs under ISE’s aegis. These included the Digital Factory, Integrated Product Design Lab, and the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology. They also visited the Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) located in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) in the afternoon.

The day kicked off with a visit to the Digital Factory, where the students delved into immersive CAVE and VR research applications. This eye-opening encounter offered them the opportunity to understand how virtual reality technologies are reshaping modern manufacturing processes. Next on the agenda was the Integrated Product Design Lab. Here, the students had the opportunity to interact with the Metaversity project, gaining a unique insight into metaverse applications and their potential to transform traditional product design spaces. Following this, the students were introduced to the world of ultra-precision at the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology. They were exposed to the ongoing research in ultra-precision machining technologies and precision surface metrology, as well as the fabrication and measurement of advanced optics and critical precision components.

In the afternoon, the students continued their exploration at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), visiting the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab). The AiDLab is the first research platform of its kind, focusing on merging artificial intelligence with design. It was established through a collaborative effort by PolyU and the Royal College of Art (RCA) in the UK, and is funded by the HKSAR Government under the InnoHK Research Clusters.Located at the Hong Kong Science Park, AiDLab is pioneering a new creative AI cluster in design and is internationally recognized for its interdisciplinary research that drives innovation and sustainability, impacting both industry and society.

The students concluded their day expressing gratitude for the insightful visit, returning to Macau with expanded knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the advancements in engineering and technology. The visit to PolyU’s ISE department and the HKSTP was not only a joyful experience but also a significant step in their academic journey.

We are delighted to report that our research team, spearheaded by Principal Investigator Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, had an impactful presence at the DSD Research & Development Forum 2023. Organised by the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the event took place on November 14, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dr. Tang shared insightful findings on the topic “Intelligent Non-invasive Structural Health Inspection System for Multi-part Covers.” This presentation perfectly aligned with the forum’s theme, “Thinking Outside the Pipes: Exploring Alternative Approaches to Stormwater and Wastewater Management.”

The forum presentation revolved around a critical issue in Hong Kong: the costly and disruptive process of inspecting multi-part covers installed on large drains, chambers, and box culverts across main roads. Conventional inspection methods, including the use of robots, face limitations due to the variable configurations and distances of piping/channels from entry ports.

The project proposed a non-invasive inspection method that leverages state-of-the-art AI technologies to identify acoustic emissions from problematic multi-part covers against environmental and traffic noises. The result is a cost-effective, low-disruption solution for inspecting structures beneath multi-part covers, reducing the impact on traffic flow.

In addition to Ir. Dr. Tang, the team’s postdoctoral researchers, Dr. Junping ZHONG, Dr. Lerui CHEN, and Dr. Abdullah Al Noman, other project researchers, Mr. Sam Lam, Mr. Kelvin Tang, Ruby CHAN, also presented at the forum. They made significant contributions to the project and played integral parts in its success.

We are thrilled to have shared this innovative research at the DSD R&D Forum 2023 and look forward to providing more updates on our progress and reflections on our team’s contributions.