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E M E R G I N G T E C H N O L O G I E S
R E S E A R C H @ H K U S
cluttered spaces, and even fly through
a skyscraper window. They will also be
equipped with perception capabilities,
utilizing algorithms to know what they
need to do next – fundamental tech-
nology that will underpin future drone
applications in complex environment,
such as post-disaster recovery and close-
range inspection of infrastructure.
The autonomous navigation tech-
nology is already enabling the vehicle to
avoid most obstacles in the laboratory
setting at HKUST. Testing is now under-
way to ensure its full reliability for com-
mercial use, in which it will need to sense
and avoid anything from a mountain
to an electric wire. The applications for
this new level of mobility and control are
almost limitless.
Working with Industry
In addition, a number of companies that
have their origins in robotics and autono-
mous system breakthroughs achieved by
PROF ZEXIANG LI
Professor of Electronic and
Computer Engineering, and Director,
HKUST Automation Technology Center
Soaring
Together
HKUST students have explored the
potential of drone technology in recent
international competitions.
In November 2015, a team of research
students led by Prof Shaojie Shen won
first prize in the International Aerial
Robotics Competition, Asia/Pacific.
The team used the latest autonomous
navigation technology to enable the
flying robot to move a number of
ground robots out of the contest field.
Meanwhile, a HKUST-led team
of Hong Kong undergraduates
demonstrated an innovative
application for drones at the 2015
Global Grand Challenges Summit,
organized by the Chinese Academy
of Engineering (CAE), US National
Academy of Engineering and UK Royal
Academy of Engineering. 15 elite
teams, rigorously selected from China,
the US and the UK, competed to create
novel solutions. The competition was
hosted by CAE in Beijing in September
2015.
The cross-disciplinary group of
undergraduates presented innovative
ideas and a business plan to
develop drones to inspect high-rise
buildings and civic structures. The
entry involved a unique integrated
system that could autonomously
survey a building or structure using
advanced simultaneous localization
and mapping technologies. Thermal
imaging and sensor fusion technology
would enable it to recognize surface
cracks and abnormality for disaster
prevention and mitigation. The team
was awarded third place, sharing this
prize with MIT, for their impressive
ideas.
Our top priority should be what kind of
skills we want to equip our students
with so they become a major force in
advancing technology, industry and the
economy – not just to set up their own
companies but to change the world
