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The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has garnered accolades at the “Hong Kong Business Technology Excellence Awards 2023” for its commitment to driving technological innovation across traditional industries and property management through the application of smart manufacturing and robotics technology.
Two inventions, “Smart Pack@TCM” and the “IoT Smart Toilet Cleaning System,” have been recognised in the categories of “Smart Technology-Manufacturing Technology” and “Robotics-Property Service,” respectively.
The Executive Director of HKPC underscored the importance of integrating technology and innovation in line with President Xi Jinping’s recent call to harness technological and innovative resources. President Xi emphasised the need to drive emerging and future industries while accelerating the establishment of new productivity standards.
HKPC will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, striving to create industrialisation solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. The recognition received at the local business technology awards underscores HKPC’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance convenience and efficiency across various sectors. With a commitment to working closely with industries, HKPC aims to develop more innovative technology applications, bolstering competitiveness and productivity and contributing significantly to a smarter and sustainable future.
One of HKPC’s notable achievements is its collaboration with a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturer renowned for its certification with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Proprietary Chinese Medicines. Together, they designed and established the “Smart Pack@TCM,” a GMP-compliant smart packaging system for traditional Chinese medicine powders.
The system leverages cutting-edge technologies, including intelligent robotics, machine vision systems, mechanical structures, and control software, to meet the complex and stringent requirements of packaging traditional Chinese medicine powders.
The “Smart Pack@TCM” system represents a groundbreaking leap in the traditional Chinese medicine industry’s journey towards new industrialisation. By integrating three industrial robots and nine machine vision systems, the solution achieves precise and high-speed insertion of small medicine vials into metal cans. It accommodates packaging materials of varying sizes, shapes, and colours, resulting in a remarkable doubling of packaging output and a staggering 90% reduction in manpower requirements.
The freed-up manpower can be redeployed to handle other essential tasks. Furthermore, the system significantly enhances packaging quality and stability while providing real-time data for improved production management efficiency and enhanced market competitiveness.
The Executive Director of the TCM manufacturer praised the collaboration, highlighting the brand’s strong emphasis on product quality and reputation in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. Traditionally, the packaging and production of traditional Chinese medicine involved intricate and labour-intensive processes that demanded a substantial workforce.
However, thanks to the tailored efforts of HKPC, an exceptional smart packaging system was devised for their factory. This revolutionary solution effectively doubled their packaging output, allowing manpower to be reallocated to tasks that cannot be automated, such as herb processing. As a result, the overall efficiency of the company experienced a significant boost, marking a transformative moment in its operations.
Another achievement by HKPC is the co-development of the “IoT Smart Toilet Cleaning System” with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the HKSAR Government. This innovative system harnesses the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide autonomous cleaning functionality, making it more convenient for application and management in various venues. The system comprises a toilet bowl cleaning robot, an automated guided vehicle, and an IoT-based sanitation monitoring platform.
The system is equipped with the ability to collect real-time data on the usage and odour levels of individual toilet cubicles, enabling precise monitoring of toilet cleanliness. In addition to scheduled cleaning, the robot can dynamically adjust its cleaning frequency based on data collected through IoT monitoring, ensuring that high-traffic areas receive the attention they require.
The robot employs artificial intelligence to conduct real-time image analysis of toilet bowl interiors, categorising cleanliness into three levels. Based on this assessment, the robot employs specific cleaning modes with varying water usage and scrubbing procedures to effectively clean toilet bowl interiors and rims. After each cleaning cycle, the robot evaluates the cleaning results and initiates another cleaning cycle if stains are still detected.
Currently undergoing a trial run within the HKSAR Government premises, the “IoT Smart Toilet Cleaning System” represents a promising technological leap in enhancing sanitation and maintenance in public facilities. Plans are underway to commercialize this research and development outcome in the future. This remarkable innovation has also garnered acclaim at the “2023 World Genius Conference” organized by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations.
The innovations showcased by the HKPC align with the goals of Hong Kong’s Smart City Blueprint. HKPC’s integration of advanced technologies, such as smart manufacturing and IoT, into traditional industries and property management resonates with the blueprint’s focus on technological integration.
These innovations enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and improve competitiveness while embracing sustainability principles. The collaboration between HKPC and the HKSAR Government in developing the “IoT Smart Toilet Cleaning System” exemplifies the blueprint’s emphasis on public-private partnerships.
OpenGov Asia previously reported on the establishment of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) by the HKSAR government. The move represents a pivotal step in aligning with Hong Kong’s Smart City Blueprint and its commitment to technological advancement.
CITID will promote research and development, nurture and attract I&T talent, and develop essential I&T infrastructure, all of which resonate with the objectives of advancing technology, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability as part of Hong Kong’s journey toward becoming a smarter city.
CITID will also contribute to the realisation of new industrialisation strategies; these are complemented by HKPC’s recent innovations and the government’s commitment to driving technological transformation across traditional industries and property management.
