HKPC’s Three Indigenous Innovations Garners International Recognitions
Proudly Achieving One Silver and Two Bronze Accolades at the 2023 Edison Awards
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is pleased to announce that three of its technological innovations have been recognised in the prestigious 2023 Edison Awards amidst fierce competition among nearly 400 entries worldwide and have won one silver and two bronze accolades, once again demonstrating its outstanding capabilities on the international stage. Not only has HKPC garnered this international award for the first time, but it has also become the most-awarded research institution in Hong Kong this year. The three innovations have been unanimously recognised by the judges, with HKPC being praised for its technological breakthroughs in the categories of “Innovative Services & Software Solutions – Manufacturing Process Optimisation”, “Critical Human Infrastructure – Intelligent Modelling” and “Engineering & Robotics – Enhanced Automation”.
Innovation and Description
Manufacturing Optimisation in the Industrial Metaverse
Award Category:
Innovative Services & Software Solutions – Manufacturing Process Optimisation
Implemented with HKPC-patented Industry 4.0 (i4.0) digital lean methodology, this is a novel application introducing physical production scenes into the virtual space in industrial metaverse. By using advanced i4.0, artificial intelligence, and human-machine interface technologies in the processes of design, production, operation, training and optimisation, real-time integration of data exchange between physical and virtual production processes can be achieved. With the system intelligence and data analysis of the industrial metaverse, the application can help save time and reduce costs, laying the foundation for the arrival of the intelligent factory in the near future.
Edge-AI Powered Multi-Sensor Aerial Inspector for Tunnel Surface
Award Category:
Critical Human Infrastructure – Intelligent Modelling
Co-developed by HKPC and the East Development Office (EDO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government and Hyder-Meinhardt Joint Venture, the system has been applied in the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project. This is Hong Kong’s first tunnel inspection system based on drone and on-board AI processing technologies. By successfully upgrading the tunnel structure inspection to be fully intelligent and data-driven, it enables engineers and inspectorate supervisors to conduct intelligent and safe tunnel lining inspection directly on-site. Without setting up substantive working platforms, the system saves time significantly, reduces the space required for inspection, and enhances construction flexibility, safety, and efficiency. It also automatically generates digital reports, digitising the entire inspection process.
Shaping a Smarter Medicine Industry: A Novel Packaging System and Method for Diversified Shape and Pack-size of Products in Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry
Award Category:
Engineering & Robotics – Enhanced Automation
It is a GMP-compliant Smart Packaging Solution for diversified pharmaceutical products jointly developed by HKPC and the Hong Kong well-known traditional Chinese medicine manufacturer, Wai Yuen Tong Medicine Company Limited, aiming to boost the transformation of the traditional Chinese medicine industry into smarter manufacturing. It integrates three industrial robots and nine vision systems to achieve high-speed and precise insertion of tiny vials into corresponding tin boxes, enabling the handling of various packaging materials in different sizes, shapes, and colours. The system increases packaging efficiency by six times while reducing the demand for manpower by 90%. It also effectively enhances the quality and stability of product packaging and provides real-time data to help the client improve production management efficiency and market competitiveness, meeting the needs of traditional labour-intensive processes.
