Hong Kong, 1 March 2019 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today held the “AI+U: Explore and Experience Exhibition”, its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI)-themed showcase that brought together around 70 companies demonstrating various ready-for-deployment AI technologies and applications, and showcased the unlimited potential of the city’s AI capabilities. The event attracted nearly 1,000 attendees and gathered large corporations, businesses and industry players to connect with the participating AI companies.
HKSTP also announced two new initiatives aimed at further boosting the development of AI and Robotics (AIR) in Hong Kong. These announcements included firstly the establishment of AI Plug@HKSTP dedicated to providing technical support and knowledge exchange on AI technologies, and secondly, the expansion of the Robotics Catalysing Centre (RCC) to provide a more comprehensive range of support to facilitate the development of Robotics solutions. Both initiatives will be set up at Hong Kong Science Park for the AIR community in Hong Kong.
Themed Showcase to Converge Industries and Drive AI Deployment
To accelerate the application of AI technologies in different industry sectors, the “AI+U: Explore and Experience Exhibition” gathered around 70 local and overseas companies with their ready-for-deployment AI technologies and innovations in six key areas, namely Smart Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail & E-Commerce, Finance, Platform and Next Generation. Some of the innovations on show that impressed attendees were commercialised solutions for various industries, such as factory production line management systems, workforce planning systems, financial data analytics, AI-powered alarm systems, and AI-powered healthcare solutions.
In addition to the solution demonstrations, business matching sessions were also arranged for the participating companies to connect with potential partners and investors.
Fun-filled AI-themed Challenges
Along with the main exhibition, two fun-filled AI activities were organised during the event. One of the highlights was the Chatbot Millionaire Challenge, in which six companies specialising in chatbot solutions competed their chatbots for the most accurate replies and fastest response speed in answering a set of challenging questions. The winning chatbot, developed by Emos Technologies received a prize of HK$30,000 sponsored by Kerry Logistics Ltd.
Another highlight was the sharing session by Kerry Logistics Ltd on their recent hackathon held on February 23-24, 2019, jointly supported by HKSTP, Microsoft, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and ThinkCol. The hackathon involved a competition where participants were asked to develop autonomous drones for the use in smart warehouse operations. The winning team championed with the most outstanding smart drone solution with the highest accuracy and speed.
A Host of New Infrastructure and Service Support for AIR
With AIR as one of its strategic technology focuses, HKSTP announced the launch of AI Plug@HKSTP, featuring four key programmes in the first phase of its roll-out – the A.I. Academy, Tech Shop, Corporate Innovation and AI Infrastructure. These programmes will expedite technology development and adoption in various industries, through providing technical support services that can aid in shortening product development cycles, offering tools and infrastructure for R&D, running AI training programmes, as well as organising business matching services.
Meanwhile, the existing RCC will also be expanded from the current space of 4,000 sq. ft. to a total of 25,000 sq. ft. The RCC 2.0 will provide even more comprehensive support for robotics-related research and testing. Additional laboratory facilities and equipment will be set up to support companies across proof-of-concept testing, product development, prototyping and technology trials, etc.
Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, said, “AI and robotics technologies open up new possibilities to disrupt traditional industries and create tremendous opportunities for an innovation-driven diversified economy. With the “AI+U: Explore and Experience Exhibition”, HKSTP is taking an active role in bringing the AIR community together to accelerate innovations and technology adoption and collaboration across different sectors. By working closely with various partners, we aim to bring the AIR evolution to new heights.”
“We are glad to see many home-grown AI technologies developed at the Park, adopted and deployed across various sectors and industries. As the market continues to expand, we are seeing more companies, especially start-ups, getting on the AIR bandwagon. As such, we will further dedicate more resources to expanding our infrastructure, providing extensive training and value-added services, as well as strengthening industry connections with strategic networks and talent. With the launch of the AI Plug@HKSTP and RCC 2.0, we hope to drive more Hong-Kong-based AIR innovations and develop Hong Kong into a regional AIR hub,” Wong added.
