The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pioneering research that contributes to a smarter and safer future. In the 23rd batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, three PolyU projects have received total funding of HK$18.6 million. With a focus on intelligent driving systems, wearable monitoring technologies and bus emergency braking solutions respectively, these projects aim to enhance transportation efficiency and driving safety.
Prof Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, "We are delighted to receive support from the Smart Traffic Fund. These PolyU projects bring forward novel solutions to address critical and emerging challenges in transportation and logistics. They have the potential to propel transport technology toward new frontiers. PolyU remains committed to translational research, steadfast in our vision of creating tangible benefits for society."
Led by Prof. Weisong WEN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project "Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry" secured funding of approximately HK$7.06 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop an end-to-end intelligent driving system for the logistics industry, incorporating a unified artificial intelligence framework for spatial localisation through multi-modal sensor fusion, a Bird's Eye View perception system for 360-degree environmental understanding, and sim-to-real training and validation based on the Hong Kong landscape. By providing this integrated solution, the system supports the future development of intelligent driving technology in Hong Kong.
Led by Dr Qinbiao LI, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project "Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitoring and Alerting System" secured funding of approximately HK$4.51 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop a real-time driver attention monitoring and alerting system using data collected from wearable health-tracking wristbands. The system continuously tracks physiological signals such as photoplethysmogram (PPG), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation to assess attentiveness while driving. Leveraging deep learning algorithms, it detects signs of drowsiness and distraction, generates a Unified Attention-Loss Index and issues graded alerts, providing early warnings to drivers and fleet managers in support of enhancing road safety.
Led by Prof. SZE Nang Ngai, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project "Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions" secured funding of approximately HK$7.04 million for 24 months. This project aims to design an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for buses tailored to Hong Kong's road and traffic conditions. It will analyse traffic accident records and real-time bus trajectory data collected during shadow tests to evaluate AEBS performance and its effectiveness in reducing collisions while ensuring passenger safety. The research deliverables include providing empirical evidence for bus operators to formulate AEBS deployment strategies in Hong Kong and the enhancement of overall bus safety.
PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with 31 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to-date. This achievement underscores the University's contribution to advancing innovation in transportation technology.
The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.
