Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
The competition was held in two stages. The first stage is a series of thematic forums, seminars and workshops held in mid-2020. Colleagues were invited to form teams and submit innovative proposals on using robotics technologies to enhance public services. The Smart Lab received a total of 38 proposals from departments, and ten proposals were shortlisted by the Selection Panel. The Smart Lab then matched the shortlisted proposals with local Research and Development solutions, and a six-month proof-of-concept exercise was carried out at the start of the second stage commencing in January 2021.
The final pitching was held on 28 July 2021 for the Judging Panel to select the three winning solutions from the ten shortlisted proposals. Participating teams of the shortlisted proposals were required to set up robots and present related proof-of-concept results. They presented their solution and fielded questions in question and answer session within eight minutes. The process was very exciting.
The award ceremony was also held on the day of the final pitching. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit Wing-hang, officiated at the ceremony. He commended and encouraged the participating teams and presented awards to the three winners. The Seven Merit Awards were presented by the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam Wai-kiu, who was also the Principal Judge of the Judging Panel.
EMSD
The solution makes use of image analysis to find filth inside toilet bowls, and uses the brush head on the robotic arm to clean it. It also proposes the use of Internet of things (IoT) sensors to check the status of toilet bowls, and flush automatically before and after cleaning, creating a better working environment for frontline cleansing workers.
EMSD
The solution combines automated self-guided vehicles, self-service smart lockers, a robotic control system and a warehouse management system to improve the operational efficiency of warehouses through automation technology, alleviating the work pressure of workers.
Fire Services Department
The solution proposes the use of drones equipped with accessories, such as thermal detectors and laser rangefinders, to perform search and rescue tasks, making rescue operations more effective and efficient.
Highways Department
The solution proposes combining AI image recognition and drone technology to improve the efficiency of routine road condition inspections and enhance the quality of road surfaces to further protect the safety of road users.
Information Services Department
The solution allows hikers to seek help by sending Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates through a mobile application in an emergency. Rescuers would put drinking water packs on a drone and input the GPS coordinates. The drone would then deliver the drinking water to the exact location of the persons seeking assistance.
Water Supplies Department (WSD)
The solution combines the USV system with AI, edge computing and data analytics. The USV system can also respond accordingly by automatically collecting water samples and gathering additional water quality data when there are any unexpected changes in water quality. Colleagues from WSD can then perform analysis and take follow-up action as soon as possible, improving work efficiency.
Hong Kong Police Force
The solution proposes the use of ITER to inspect traffic conditions and road usage. Any offences would then be handled by law enforcement officers, enhancing the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement and reducing public services cost.
EMSD
The boiler maintenance robot of the solution can automatically clean and inspect steam boilers’ fire tubes to enhance the performance of the boilers and perform predictive maintenance, providing workers with a safe and healthy working environment.
EMSD
The solution, via a Building IoT network, integrates smart robots, equipped with high-definition lenses or sensors, and building management systems to analyse data using machine learning. This process helps identify areas with potential anomalies, allowing EMSD to perform real-time monitoring of the conditions of a building or plant room.
EMSD
The solution “i-Cleaner” offers three-in-one functionality combining cleaning, UV disinfection and stain video analytics. Cleansing workers can remotely control the robot through tablet computers, as well as setting specific tasks and routes for the robot to perform cleaning, lessening cleansing workers’ exposure to infectious diseases.
Some winning solutions have been piloted or are being further tested in relevant government departments. The Smart Lab will continue to promote the adoption of the winning solutions by government departments to enhance both the quality and efficiency of public services.
The winning solutions were showcased in the Smart Government Pavilion at the International Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expo held in October 2021. For more details of the winning solutions, please refer to the virtual Smart Government Pavilion: https://www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/highlights/detail.xhtml?id=27.
Established in 2019, the Smart Lab is a platform for the I&T sector to communicate and collaborate with government departments. Government departments can leverage I&T solutions from different industries to formulate innovative measures that can enhance the quality and efficiency of public services. The Smart Lab will assist departments in developing more smart solutions. Colleagues are welcome to contact us to explore and help inject new ideas and give impetus into public services to promote the development of Smart Government.
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