Tongues and typhoons
The public will have a chance to get to grips with local universities' weird and wonderful inventions and innovations next week, including an electronic tongue and a typhoon simulator.
Six local universities are taking part in the Innovation Expo, where they will be vying for the public's attention with exhibits from commercial research and development centres.
The University of Hong Kong plans to have at least 45 exhibits, including an electronic device that is capable of 'tasting' the air around it and a genetically-engineered plant that purifies lead-contaminated soil by absorbing the metal.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is hoping to shake up a storm with the centrepiece of its display, a simulator which can replicate the effect of a major typhoon on a skyscraper's highest floor. Visitors will be able to sit on the machine and experience the motion for themselves.
In a workshop run by City University, visitors will be able to use a computer program to build their own virtual 'artificial-intelligence' robots, which they will then be able to fight against one another.
Chinese University, Polytechnic University and Baptist University will also be exhibiting at Innovation Expo, which will be at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for five days starting Friday.
