Tag education

We’re excited to share that a team of final-year students from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) achieved 1st Runner-Up in the prestigious Dr. Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024–25!

Their award-winning project, titled “InnovWalk – Innovation + Walking Stick”, is a socially driven innovation designed to enhance mobility and safety for individuals in need. The team members are:

• LEE Chun Lok (Year 4, ISE)
• HEUNG Pui Yin (Year 4, ISE)
• WONG Yat Chun (Year 4, ISE)

The competition was held on 19 May 2025, and organized by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) with support from the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP). Out of 26 submissions, only 8 teams were shortlisted, and all participants showcased impressive levels of creativity and innovation.

While the champion team from the Department of Applied Physics (AP) took home the top prize and a HK$100,000 PolyU Micro-Fund, our ISE team’s performance was a proud testament to the innovation and impact ISE students are capable of delivering.

👏 Congratulations to our student innovators for their dedication and achievement, and thank you to all who supported them along the way. Their success highlights RIVRT’s mission to drive real-world impact through human-centered design and smart product innovation.

🔗 Full competition details: U3DP News – Product Innovation Prize 2024–25

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/

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.

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

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Yuk Ming Tang’s interview video is now accessible on the Educational Development Centre (EDC) website as part of the Good Practice Showcase! This platform highlights outstanding teaching practices at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), featuring contributions from award-winning educators and innovative researchers.

To further promote this insightful interview, EDC will be sending a mass email to all staff and broadcasting a promotional video on campus TV. These efforts aim to share Dr. Tang’s expertise and contributions to virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies with the wider academic community.

We encourage everyone to watch and share the video, which can be accessed via the following link:
🔗 Dr. Tang’s Interview on PolyU Video Platform

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tang for his dedication and passion for education, which continue to inspire both students and fellow researchers. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Research in Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology (RIVRT)!

We are excited to share that Jump@MingPao has featured The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) in their recent article. The feature highlights the department’s comprehensive undergraduate curriculum revamp, which aims to cultivate the next generation of innovation-driven, problem-solving leaders equipped to face the challenges of Industry 4.0.

In the article, Dr. Tang Yuk Ming, Senior Lecturer and Supervisor at PolyU’s Integrated Product Design Laboratory, shares insights on the essential skills that modern industrial engineers need, from mastering AI and robotics to integrating IoT and big data into production processes. The article also showcases the department’s efforts to provide immersive learning experiences through cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), CAVE systems, and the metaverse.

We are proud of the recognition PolyU’s ISE department has received and are grateful to Jump@MingPao for the opportunity to showcase the innovative strides being made in engineering education.

Thank you again to Jump@MingPao for this wonderful feature! You can read the full article here.

For more information on PolyU’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, visit their official website: www.polyu.edu.hk/ise.

RIVRT recently welcomed a group of enthusiastic secondary school mentees to the Integrated Product Design (IPD) Laboratory at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 22 Jul, 2024. The visit provided the mentees with a unique opportunity to explore and experience the latest advancements in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse.

The visit was part of an ongoing mentorship program aimed at inspiring young students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The mentees, eager to learn about the practical applications of these emerging technologies, were guided through a series of interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the VR setup, where mentees donned VR headsets and were transported into immersive digital environments. They engaged in various simulations, allowing them to understand how VR can be used for training, education, and product design.

The students also explored AR and MR technologies, which blend digital information with the real world, providing a rich, interactive experience. They were particularly fascinated by the potential of these technologies in fields such as architecture, engineering, and medical training.

AI and the Metaverse were also major points of interest during the visit. The mentees were introduced to AI-driven applications and discussed the growing importance of AI in automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and creating intelligent systems. They also delved into the concept of the Metaverse, learning how it represents the future of interconnected virtual worlds and the potential it holds for social interaction, commerce, and entertainment.

Throughout the visit, the mentees were encouraged to ask questions and explore their curiosities. The hands-on experience not only provided them with a deeper understanding of these technologies but also sparked their interest in pursuing further studies and careers in the tech industry.

The event was a resounding success, with the mentees expressing their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to experience these cutting-edge technologies firsthand. The visit underscored PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of technologists and innovators by providing them with early exposure to advanced research and practical applications.

RIVRT looks forward to hosting more educational visits and continuing to inspire young minds to explore the limitless possibilities of technology.

For more information about our mentorship programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly.

RIVRT is delighted to report the success of a recent visit by a group of enthusiastic secondary school students to the Faculty of Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The visit was part of a two-day (17-18 Jul, 2024) “University Experience Programme” titled “From Physics and ICT to Engineering,” aimed at inspiring young minds and providing them with hands-on exposure to the world of engineering.

The event saw the participation of over 100 students from various secondary schools. The visit was meticulously organized to offer the students a glimpse into the cutting-edge research and educational opportunities available at PolyU’s Faculty of Engineering. Students engaged in various interactive activities, including demonstrations of virtual reality (VR) and 3D modeling technologies, which are at the forefront of RIVRT’s research.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to explore the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) system, an immersive VR environment that allows users to interact with 3D simulations. This experience provided them with a deeper understanding of how VR can be used in engineering and industrial applications. The students also participated in a hands-on session where they learned the basics of 3D modeling and virtual simulations, sparking their interest in the potential of these technologies.

The faculty members, along with RIVRT researchers, guided the students through various labs and facilities, explaining the real-world applications of engineering principles. The sessions were designed to be both informative and engaging, encouraging students to ask questions and explore their interests in engineering and technology.

The visit concluded with a group photo session, capturing the excitement and enthusiasm of the students who left the campus with a newfound curiosity and inspiration to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

This event underscores PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators. By providing students with early exposure to advanced technologies and research environments, RIVRT and the Faculty of Engineering aim to inspire and empower them to contribute to the future of engineering.

We look forward to welcoming more students to our campus in the future and continuing to foster a passion for engineering and technology among young learners.

For more information about our outreach programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Site Visit
Facilitator: Ir. Dr. Y M Tang, ISE
Date: 16 Jul 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Venue: IPD Laboratory, Digital Factory

Lunch Discussion
Facilitator: Ir. Dr. Y M Tang, ISE
Date: 16 Jul 2024
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Ju Yin House Seafood Restaurant, 4/F Communal Building, PolyU

The gathering provided an excellent platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions on the latest trends and developments in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and their applications in healthcare and industrial sectors. Dr. Tang shared his insights on emerging research areas, including digital twin technologies and the integration of AI in extended reality environments.

The informal setting allowed for an open exchange of ideas, fostering collaboration among attendees. Researchers, faculty members, and students from various departments participated in the discussion, contributing their perspectives on the potential impacts of these technologies on their respective fields.

The lively conversation covered a range of topics, from the challenges of implementing VR/AR solutions in healthcare to the future of AI-driven innovations in industrial applications. The discussion also touched on the ongoing projects at RIVRT, highlighting the team’s dedication to advancing research in these cutting-edge areas.

The lunch discussion concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation in virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The event was well-received by all attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to connect and explore new ideas in a relaxed and engaging environment.

RIVRT looks forward to organizing more such events in the future, providing platforms for intellectual exchange and collaborative research. Stay tuned for our upcoming events and discussions!

For further inquiries or to participate in future discussions, please contact Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang at mfymtang@polyu.edu.hk.

The Digital Factory Laboratory hosted a visit from students of Wuhan University of Technology on 11th July, 2024. This visit was organized to provide hands-on experience and insight into the various aspects of integrated product design, latest technologies in VR/AR, and AI.

The visit featured a range of engaging presentations and interactive sessions designed to showcase the latest advances in virtual reality technology and explore the potential applications of the Metaverse in various fields.

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) continues to offer its innovative service learning subject, “Engineering for the Needy” (ISE3S01), bridging classroom learning with real-world community service.

Led by a team of dedicated faculty members including Prof. CY Tang, Dr. Kris Law, Dr. Gary Tsui, Dr. Dennis Lo, and Ir. Dr. YM Tang, this subject provides a unique opportunity for engineering students to apply their skills and knowledge to benefit underprivileged communities.

From July 9-11, 2024, students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully conducted a service learning project at a local secondary school, St. Joan of Arc Secondary School, as part of the course “Comprehending and Overcoming Learning Hurdles in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for Local Schools” (ISE2S02).

This initiative, led by Ir. Dr. YM Tang and his colleagues from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, aims to promote scientific thinking, literacy, and problem-solving skills among underprivileged secondary school students. The project is part of PolyU’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible graduates while addressing educational needs in the community.

Key Highlights of the Service Learning Project:

1. PolyU students worked in groups to design and implement STEM-related activities for secondary school students.
   
2. Activities included interactive demonstrations of STEM concepts, specially designed worksheets, and hands-on experiments.
   
3. The project helped cultivate scientific literacy and thinking among participating secondary school students.
   
4. PolyU students gained valuable experience in applying their knowledge to real-world educational challenges.

The service learning subject (ISE2S02) is open to all students from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Construction and Environment, and Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles. It provides a unique opportunity for university students to contribute to the community while developing their own skills in communication, problem-solving, and project management.

For more information about this service learning subject and future initiatives, please contact Dr. YM Tang at yukming.tang@polyu.edu.hk