We are thrilled to share exciting developments from our home department — the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — which has been spotlighted in a recent feature by Sing Tao News for its pioneering role in Industry 4.0 innovation and research.
📖 Read the full article here: https://www.stheadline.com/ad-edu/3451498/
Founded in 1960, ISE has evolved into a global leader in education, research, and knowledge transfer, offering world-class, multidisciplinary programs to develop top talent for the Industry 4.0 era. According to Professor Xiaowen Fu, Head of the Department, the curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and innovation, equipping students with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) — all key technology pillars that align with RIVRT’s core research directions.
The department focuses on advancing key fields such as:
- Smart manufacturing and robotics
- Precision engineering and microfabrication
- Product innovation and miniaturization
- Operations and supply chain management
- Aviation and transport logistics
Among ISE’s most significant recent achievements is its collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop the “Surface Sampling Execution Device,” which played a critical role in China’s Chang’e-6 mission — marking the first successful collection of lunar samples from the far side of the moon. This landmark accomplishment showcases PolyU’s global impact in space exploration and precision mechanics.
ISE is also home to cutting-edge laboratories such as, Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Ultra-Precision Machining Technology, Integrated Product Design Laboratory, etc. These facilities provide RIVRT researchers and students with state-of-the-art tools to explore immersive VR/AR applications, AI-driven systems design, and digital twin technologies.
In terms of academic offerings, ISE provides two highly interdisciplinary undergraduate programs that reflect the department’s commitment to innovation-driven education:
- JS3236: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Scheme in Product Innovation and Smart Manufacturing (Product Innovation with Marketing / Smart Manufacturing)
- JS3237: BSc (Hons) Scheme in Intelligent Supply Chain and Engineering Management
Both programs integrate engineering, data analytics, design thinking, and business strategy to prepare students for the complex, tech-driven challenges of modern industry.
At RIVRT, we are proud to be part of a department that not only advances groundbreaking research but also cultivates the next generation of innovators and engineers through strategic industry-academic collaboration.
In the article, our Year 3 intern Leo Matthias Sturm highlighted the value of exchange and mentorship opportunities provided by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), including support from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and career development programmes. These experiences have played a vital role in preparing him for future challenges in the tech-driven workplace.
Our Year 4 intern Wong Chun Wai shared his insights on how the ISE curriculum — with its focus on engineering, innovation, and management — is essential for business operations in the Industry 4.0 era. He also noted how access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence during internship experiences helps students face real-world technological challenges.
Both students have actively contributed to RIVRT’s ongoing projects in AI, VR/AR, and product innovation, and we are thrilled to see their efforts and growth being recognized in the wider PolyU community. Their perspectives echo the mission of ISE to nurture next-generation talent for the smart industry and align closely with the interdisciplinary goals of our lab
Stay tuned as we continue to showcase RIVRT’s contributions to this dynamic ecosystem of innovation and excellence.
#PolyU #ISE #RIVRT #Industry4_0 #Innovation #VR #AI #SmartManufacturing #DeepSpaceResearch #STEMLeadership
