Search Constraints
Number of results to display per page
Results for:
Technology Application and Innovation
Remove constraint Technology Application and Innovation
« Previous |
1 - 10 of 81
|
Next »
Search Results
-
Video
People are now regularly interacting with voice assistants (VAs), which are conversational agents that allow users to use spoken language to interface with a machine to complete tasks. The huge adoption and daily use of VAs by millions of people - and its increasing use for financial, healthcare, and educational applications - raises important questions about the linguistic and social factors that affect spoken language interactions with machines.
We are exploring issues of linguistic and social biases that impact speech communication in human-computer interaction - particularly during cross-language transfer, learning, or adaptation of some kind. In this talk, I will present two case studies illustrating some of our most recent work in this area. The first study looks at a case of cross-language ASR transfer. We find systematic linguistic and phonetic disparities in language transfer by machines trained on a source language to speech recognition of a novel target, low-resource language. The second study looks at a case of social bias in word learning by humans using voice-enabled apps. We find the word learning is inhibited when there are mismatching social cues presented by the voice and the linguistic information.
Together, along with highlights from other ongoing work in my lab, the aim of this talk is to underscore that human-computer linguistic communication is a rich testing ground for investigating issues in speech and language variation. Examining linguistic variation during HCI can enrich and elaborate linguistic theory, as well as present opportunities for linguists to provide insights for improving both the function and fairness of these technologies.
Event date: 25/03/2025
Speaker: Professor. Georgia ZELLOU (University of California, Davis)
Hosted by: Faculty of Humanities
- Subjects:
- Communication and Language and Languages
- Keywords:
- Linguistics English language -- Variation Speech processing systems English language -- Spoken English Human-computer interaction
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
Prof. Jesse ZHU, Senior Advisor to the President, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China, delivered the 36th PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Research Strategy and Planning: How to Prepare a Research Career?” on 12 March 2025 on the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted over 110 participants to join in person and captivated an online audience of over 13,300 from different countries and regions who watched the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat, Weibo and YouTube.
Prof. Zhu kickstarted his presentation by sharing his personal anecdotes from his journey through academia and industry, emphasising that innovation, curiosity and a commitment to societal impact have guided his research trajectory. He stressed the importance of identifying meaningful research themes to ensure both academic rigor and real-world relevance, noting, “True scientific breakthroughs emerge when we chase fundamental truths, not just external accolades.”
Prof. Zhu illustrated these principles with examples from his cross-disciplinary work, including (i) healthcare innovation, the development of a rotating fluidiser which is a device that enable uniform particle suspension to optimise drug delivery systems; (ii) sustainable manufacturing, the application of nanoparticles in paint production to enhance flow efficiency and reduce environmental waste; and (iii) urban sustainability, pioneering compact wastewater treatment technologies for space-constrained urban environments.
In conclusion, Prof. Zhu underscored the transformative role of research in advancing global well-being, advocating for a balance between theoretical exploration and applied solutions. He urged students to cultivate resilience, collaborate across disciplines, and align their work with societal needs, that is, “persistence and purpose are the bedrock of a fulfilling research career.”
The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Chen, where attendees explored topics ranging from funding strategies to various considerations in technology development with Prof. Zhu.
Event date: 12/03/2025
Speaker: Prof. Jesse ZHU
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Research -- Methodology Research -- Vocational guidance Science--Vocational guidance
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted its inaugural Public Forum for Research and Innovation. Titled “DeepSeek and Beyond”, the keynote speech was delivered by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing, who highlighted the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The event attracted over a thousand participants, including faculty members, students, alumni, and leaders from the innovation and technology sector, as well as academics and the public. Additionally, over 390,000 viewers tuned in through the live streaming platforms.
The Forum began with a welcoming speech delivered by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science of the PolyU Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. This was followed by Prof. ZHANG Chenqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence of the PolyU Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Director of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute introducing the speaker.
Prof. Zhang said, “The development of large models is at the core of competition in the AI wave. DeepSeek has demonstrated that high-performance AI models can be achieved using fewer and less advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), demonstrating that cutting-edge AI technology can be realised through the optimisation of algorithms.”
The large AI model developed by the mainland Chinese startup DeepSeek has garnered wide acclaim around the world for its low-cost, high-performance, and open-source framework, disrupting the traditional “computing power-first” logic of AI model training. At the Forum, Prof. Yang highlighted the potential of generative AI (GenAI), adding that it presents abundant opportunities for various sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, media and fashion, and for applications in medical imaging analysis, fraud detection, predictive maintenance, retail inventory management, content creation, and design and marketing.
Prof. Yang also recounted the evolution of AI and shared her professional milestones with the audience, notably the development of the M6 large model, which trained a 10-trillion-parameters model using just 512 GPUs. Prof. Yang further elaborated on how her GenAI project, Co-GenAI, improves the accessibility of AI technology while minimising dependence on large-scale centralised computing resources, thereby transforming the trajectory of AI progress. This ground-breaking effort has positioned Hong Kong and the Mainland at the forefront of global advancement in GenAI.
Moderated by Prof. Zhang Chenqi, a panel discussion was also held, featuring esteemed panellists Prof. Yang Hongxia and Prof. LI Qing, Head and Chair Professor of Data Science of the PolyU Department of Computing, and Co-Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism. The scholars discussed the opportunities and challenges that advancements in AI present for higher education and research. They also engaged in fruitful discussion with participants during the question-and-answer session. The topics included the application of AI in industry, the regulation of information, its impact on the employment environment and economic development, and the integration of AI technologies.
PolyU is committed to advancing AI education and research. In January 2025, the University established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences with a vision to lead global advancements in digital transformation and AI through distinguished education, research, and knowledge transfer.
Event date: 11/03/2025
Speaker: Prof. YANG Hongxia
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
-
Video
The lecture commenced with a warm welcome and a brief introduction of the speaker by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. Prof. Zheng kickstarted his presentation by outlining the key driving forces of innovation and technologies. He shared that achieving success in the “from zero to one” and the subsequent “from one to N” innovation stages often come with the inevitable “valley of death” period, which spans over a decade. He then elaborated on how he and his team have spent 20 years of relentless effort overcoming the “valleys of death” in studying structural superlubricity, building a model for talent development, and entering into the next “one-to-N” development phase. Prof. Zheng also shared the key turning points in his academic and research journey and outlined how the X-Institute nurtures interdisciplinary research talents.
Event date: 21/11/2024
Speaker: Prof. ZHENG Quanshui (Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Founding Principal of X-Institute and Professor of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, China)
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Scientists Technological innovations
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
MOOC
Explore the frontiers of technology, predict the future, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Our immersive course combines cutting-edge insights, expert guidance, and creative vision to help you become a disruptor, not a bystander. From emerging technology to AI to storytelling and speculative design, gain the knowledge and skills to shape tomorrow's opportunities. Embrace innovation, foresee challenges, and chart your path in the era of disruption. Join us now and unlock your potential to lead and innovate in a dynamic digital landscape.
- Subjects:
- Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Keywords:
- Technology Information technology Artificial intelligence
- Resource Type:
- MOOC
-
Others
The Virtual Reality (VR) Training for Laser Cutter Operation was developed as a supplementary training tool for the PolyU Library’s technical support staff to practice and become familiar with the operation of a laser cutter. The application simulates the environment, laser cutter model, essential operational procedures, and corresponding responses of our laser cutter in service as realistically as feasible. A computer with a simplified laser cutting software interface was also built to simulate the software operation. Interactions (primarily on/off) with all other peripheral equipment, such as the ventilation system, air compressor, and earmuffs, are triggered through button clicks in an on-screen menu. The application simulates the operational procedures and corresponding reactions of the real laser cutter as closely as necessary. New technical staff members who are trained but not yet proficient with laser cutting can practice safely in an immersive environment enabled by VR technology.
- Keywords:
- Laser beam cutting Makerspaces in libraries Virtual reality Virtual reality -- Library applications
- Resource Type:
- Others
-
Video
A rapidly expanding research area involves the development of routes to shape programmable three-dimensional (3D) structures with feature sizes in the mesoscopic range (that is, between tens of nanometres and hundreds of micrometres). A goal is to establish methods to control the properties of materials systems and the function of devices, through not only static architectures, but also morphable structures and shape-shifting processes. Soft matter equipped with responsive components can switch between designed shapes, but cannot support the types of dynamic morphing capabilities needed to reproduce continuous shape-shifting processes of interest for many applications. Challenges lie in the establishment of 3D assembly/fabrication techniques compatible with wide classes of materials and 3D geometries, and schemes to program target shapes after fabrication.
In this talk, Prof. HUANG Yonggang will introduce a mechanics-guided assembly approach that exploits controlled buckling for constructing complex 3D micro/nanostructures from patterned two-dimensional (2D) micro/nanoscale precursors that can be easily formed using established semiconductor technologies. This approach applies to a very broad set of materials (e.g., semiconductors, polymers, metals, and ceramics) and even their heterogeneous integration, over a wide range of length scales (e.g., from 100 nm to 10 cm). To allow realisation of 3D mesostructures that are capable of qualitative shape reconfiguration, Prof. HUANG devises a loading-path controlled strategy that relies on elastomer platforms deformed in different time sequences to elastically alter the 3D geometries of supported mesostructures via nonlinear buckling. Prof. HUANG will also introduce a recent work on shape programmable soft surface, constructed from a matrix of filamentary metal traces, driven by programmable, distributed electromagnetic forces that follow from the passage of electrical currents in the presence of a static magnetic field. Under the guidance of a mechanics model-based strategy to solve the inverse problem, the surface can morph into a wide range of 3D target shapes and shape-shifting processes. The compatibility of these approaches with the state-of-the-art fabrication/processing techniques, along with the versatile capabilities, allow transformation of diverse existing 2D microsystems into complex configurations, providing unusual design options in the development of novel functional devices.
Event date: 08/08/2024
Speaker: Prof. HUANG Yonggang (Northwestern University)
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Buckling (Mechanics) Materials science Elastomers Microstructure
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Others
This video is made by Dr. Pearl Lin and Dr. Clare Fung 's project, "Great Case of Marketing in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry." A special thanks to Cai Qiyao, who provided information and insights for this video. This case discusses that InterContinental Xiamen has created the "Whale Fantasy World" Metaverse family vacation experience, which combines immersive MR technology, interactive devices, and upgraded art and visual displays to provide a unique and engaging parent-child travel experience. The hotel has used a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, including online promotion, offline activities, and strategic partnerships, to attract family tourists and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Despite the high investment and potential competition in the market, the hotel is confident in maintaining its innovation and standing out in the fierce competition by continuously optimizing its product experience and service quality.
本視頻由林博士和馮博士的專案「酒店和旅遊業行銷的傑出案例」製作。特別感謝蔡琪瑶為本視頻提供信息和見解。本案例探討廈門洲際酒店打造了「鯨魚奇幻世界」元宇宙家庭度假體驗，結合沉浸式MR技術、互動設備、升級的藝術和視覺展示，提供獨特而引人入勝的親子旅行體驗。酒店採用全面的數字行銷策略，包括線上推廣、線下活動、戰略合作等，吸引家庭遊客，提高客戶滿意度和忠誠度。儘管市場投資高昂，競爭激烈，但酒店有信心保持創新，通過不斷優化產品體驗和服務品質在激烈的競爭中脫穎而出。
- Subjects:
- Hotel, Travel and Tourism
- Keywords:
- Hotels -- Marketing Target marketing Family vacations Hospitality industry -- Marketing
- Resource Type:
- Others
-
Others
This video is made by Dr. Pearl Lin and Dr. Clare Fung's project, "Great Case of Marketing in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry." A special thanks to Liu Hao, who provided information and insights for this video. This case discusses how the Chinese tea brand Naixue collaborated with musician Jay Chou's Fantasy album to create a successful marketing campaign. Naixue leveraged Chou's massive fanbase by co-branding with the album, allowing them to use Chou's image and music without the high endorsement fees. They created a "Fantasy Music Universe" virtual space where consumers could access digital products and rewards by purchasing co-branded items. This innovative digital and experiential marketing strategy led to record-breaking sales, enhanced Naixue's brand image, and showcased the power of AI and digital technology in modern marketing. However, the case also highlights the need for brands to balance technological innovation with maintaining brand integrity and transparency to sustain long-term consumer trust.
本視頻由林博士和馮博士的專案「酒店和旅遊業行銷的傑出案例」製作。特別感謝劉昊為本視頻提供信息和見解。本案例討論了中國茶飲品牌奈雪如何與音樂家周杰倫的Fantasy專輯合作，打造成功的營銷活動。奈雪利用周杰倫的龐大粉絲群，與周傑倫的專輯進行聯合品牌推廣，使他們能夠使用周杰倫的形象和音樂，而無需支付高昂的代言費。他們創建了一個「范特西音樂宇宙」虛擬空間，消費者可以通過購買聯名商品來獲得數位產品和獎勵。這種創新的數位和體驗式行銷策略帶來了創紀錄的銷售額，提升了奈雪的品牌形象，並展示了人工智慧和數位技術在現代行銷中的力量。然而，該案也凸顯了品牌需要在技術創新與保持品牌完整性和透明度之間取得平衡，以維持長期的消費者信任。
- Subjects:
- Food and Beverage and Hotel, Travel and Tourism
- Keywords:
- Strategic planning Beverages -- Marketing
- Resource Type:
- Others
-
Video
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech and speaker introduction by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU. This was followed by Prof. Leng’s presentation. He first provided a brief background about shape memory polymers (SMP), pointing out that these smart materials can reversibly change between permanent and temporary shapes in response to changes in external stimuli such as temperature. Next, he gave an overview of the researchers from different scientific research institutions and universities around the world who specialise in SMP research, and the types of SMP materials that HIT researchers focus on. He said that SMP are hard to actuate and their recovery strength and speed are low, and so relevant solutions to these challenges are important for the development of SMP composites (SMPC). Prof. Leng then gave examples demonstrating how SMPC can be prepared through actuation methods involving different stimuli such as heat, electricity, magnetism, radio frequency, solution/water, light, etc. He mentioned that SMPC can be used to prepare various structures for aerospace, smart manufacturing, photoelectric applications, microelectromechanical systems applications, and smart clothing. After that, Prof. Leng introduced 4D printing, a novel additive manufacturing process for producing printed objects that can adaptively change their configurations/properties in response to external stimuli. He mentioned that 4D printing is important for producing a range of SMPC-based materials for biomedical applications. To conclude, Prof. Leng said that SMP research is a fast-growing emerging research field. He anticipated that shape memory smart structures incorporated with sensors, actuators, and controllers, would be widely used in aerospace, civil aviation, automotive, energy and daily life.
Event date: 15/07/2024
Speaker: Prof. LENG Jinsong
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Smart materials Polymeric composites Additive manufacturing Shape memory polymers
- Resource Type:
- Video