Hong Kong university renews Boeing partnership as its AI research on aviation expands
PolyU centre covers 1,500 square metres with HK$35 million spent on new equipment
A Hong Kong university has redoubled its commitment to Asia’s booming aviation industry with AI research that can help determine whether damaged aeroplane parts need to be replaced or repaired.
Boasting a diagnostic robotic arm among its arsenal, Polytechnic University on Tuesday unveiled a state-of-the-art facility at its aviation services research centre. It also used the occasion to sign an agreement with American aviation giant Boeing to extend by five years a partnership that dates to 2012, when the centre was established.
Will this robot start-up be the next Tencent in the era of artificial intelligence?
School president Timothy Tong Wai-cheung said the signing and new building were meant to bolster the city’s role in the world’s “fastest growing region for aviation”.
The expanded centre now occupies 1,500 square metres on the Hung Hom campus, and university officials claimedthey spent HK$35 million on its new equipment.
Aviation is fast growing industry especially in mainland China
Robotics and artificial intelligence feature prominently at the centre. Future projects relate to aircraft damage inspection and assessment, automated surface preparation and inspection, and automated removal of defective composite airframes.