Business Meets Engineering: Visit from the Business Students of City University of Macau

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.

Ir. Dr. Tang gives a warm welcome speech to the visitors
Visiting the newly opened University Square at PolyU
Visiting the IPD Lab
Playing around with Metaversity
Playing around with Metaversity

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.

Visiting AiDLab in HKSTP, leading by Dr. Mohammed
Welcome speech from the AiDLab
Research insights shared by Dr. Mohammed
Background introduction about AiDLab

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.