Hong Kong, 20 January 2020
– Hong
Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today launched
the Robotics Catalysing Centre (RCC) 2.0 and the AI PLUG in the
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (A.I.R.) Week event at Science
Park.
As
the A.I.R. community grows even larger in Hong Kong, the launch of RCC
2.0 and AI PLUG aims to drive co-creation, knowledge transfer and
broader market adoption of A.I.R. technologies in various sectors such
as logistics, healthcare, construction, retail, food and beverage, and
manufacturing.
The
RCC 2.0 is part of HKSTP’s latest initiatives in robotics and consists
of two main laboratories – FlexLab with its plug-and-play
infrastructure, and FabLab with its fabrication equipment and technical
support. FlexLab offers flexible working space for users to conduct
proof-of-concept trials in a working environment and present live
demonstrations of their solutions to potential clients. FabLab assists
users who need laboratory services when developing and prototyping
robotics solutions, providing a wide range of tools, equipment and
materials fabrication services that include metal, plastic and
electronics.
RCC
2.0 was built on top of the original RCC 1.0, a facility that supports
Park companies working on robotics-related projects, typically at the
prototyping and pre-production stages. Since its launch in March 2018,
RCC 1.0 has supported more than 10 robotics-related development
projects, which included lab automation solutions, an autonomous
forklift solution, real-time simulation for car racing, 4D Immersive
CAVE and 3D-printed electronics.
To
further accelerate R&D of AI solutions, knowledge transfer,
technology deployment and encourage business matching, the AI PLUG
features four key areas of services – the Tech Shop one-stop support
platform, AI Infrastructure, Corporate Innovation and AI Academy. AI
PLUG members can seek consultation from Tech Shop partners who are
equipped with expertise around hardware prototyping, AI-enabling
technologies, sensor technologies, cyber security solutions, legal and
compliance services. All tech companies and AI professionals are
welcomed to join as members.
Albert
Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “A.I.R. technologies are increasingly being
applied in our everyday life, at work and at play. They open up many new
opportunities to disrupt traditional industries, and drive us forward
towards an innovation-driven diversified economy. Two research clusters
under the InnoHK initiative, AIR@InnoHK and Health@InnoHK, will soon
start operations at Science Park and look into groundbreaking R&D
for A.I.R. and healthcare. HKSTP has been playing an active role in
bringing all the stakeholders in the A.I.R. community together. We
believe that our RCC 2.0 and AI PLUG will give a fresh impetus to
further R&D and collaborations for A.I.R projects, and eventually
even more solutions benefitting various industries in Hong Kong and
beyond.”
The
A.I.R. Week event features technology showcases, training sessions and
workshops on various A.I.R.-related technologies such as cloud, edge and
fabrication that enable startups, technology professionals and industry
users to experience the A.I.R support services provided by HKSTP.