HKSTP Boosts Industry Adoption of Robotics Through Technology Validation

(Hong Kong, 4 December 2023) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) organised the “Smart Campus Challenge: Robots Everywhere” Demo Day, sharing knowledge and experience in robotics validation with over 200 representatives from property management, real estate, and hospitality sectors.

The event aimed to boost market confidence in technology applications and encourage the adoption of innovative solutions by businesses.

Improving Property Management Efficiency and Quality with Robotics

Guided by the vision of Lead with Adoption, HKSTP aims to take a leading role in implementing suitable technology in the market through the Smart Campus Challenge.

Launched in June 2023, its Cohort 1, “Robots Everywhere”, focused on property management tasks such as lawn mowing, cleaning, and security patrols. The goal was to adopt best-fit robot solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety at Hong Kong Science Park (the Park).

Albert Wong, CEO, HKSTP, said, “Technology adoption goes through a series of trials and errors. Starting with new technology might have 70-80% failure rate in adoption and might not work at the beginning. Through continuous testing and adjustment, productions and solutions will be customised to your own needs. HKSTP is helping technology companies to explore production application opportunities of products, and is committed to driving smart facility management and development of I&T.”

Filla Mak, Chief Operations Officer, HKSTP, said, “From managing its own diverse ecosystem, HKSTP has faced the same complex challenges of Hong Kong’s real estate operations, from the shortage of manpower, to the very specific facilities management tasks that frequently occur. We are confident in using the ready-to-the market robotics technology, we set up scenario-based validation processes to help nurture and support tech ventures in resolving real life customer issues and problems. Our goal is to identify and optimise the best-fit solutions for client implementation that maximise operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

Introducing “Discovery” for Sharing Technology Validation Results

During the "Robots Everywhere" program, HKSTP received robot solution submissions from 55 local and overseas technology companies. Over 20 on-site scenarios were provided within the Park for validating the participating solutions.

Through scenario validation, HKSTP evaluated the on-site performance of each solution and gained valuable knowledge in technology validation.

In light of this, HKSTP has launched the “Discovery” webpage to share these validation results and experiences, aiming to support decision-makers in making more efficient decisions.

Speaking at the Demo Day, Dr Crystal Fok, Head of STP Platform, HKSTP, said, “Through scenario validation, technology companies obtained real-life data, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation. This assessment enables them to meet diverse customer need and ultimately accelerate market adoption. Additionally, the 'Discovery' webpage will provide ongoing updates with results and insights we have from technology validation, serving as a trusted resource for enterprises to explore more suitable solutions.”

Collaborating with Development Bureau for Interactive Park Environment

HKSTP also announced a collaboration with the Spatial Data Office of the Development Bureau to launch “Tech Challenge: Location Matters!”, as Cohort 2 of the Smart Campus Challenge. The objective is to create a more dynamic environment within the Park by leveraging spatial data.

The Challenge will invite proposals in four key areas: Community and Entertainment, Retail and Marketing, Assistive Devices and Technology, and Transportation and Connected Mobility.

Participants will have the opportunity to utilise spatial data, along with provided equipment, resources, and visualisation technologies, to design, test, and develop their innovative proposals tailored for the Park.

To further enhance the availability of spatial data, HKSTP has deepened its partnership with the Development Bureau. By integrating an additional 200 location-based APIs from Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) Portal, HKSTP aims to enrich the available data resources. These APIs include population characteristics, community facility distribution, building data, as well as address standardisation solutions. These datasets and solutions will be made accessible to promote innovation in spatial data for the wider public. 

For more information on the Smart Campus Challenge, please visit:

https://www.platform-event-hkstp.org/smartcampuschallenge

Appendix 1 - Full list of showcased tech ventures: