In a series of release, the incubatees at Hong Kong’s Smart Government Innovation Lab have sustained relevant innovations amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently two other firms announced that their solution is now ready to be acquired by companies and institutions.
Solution one – Automatic Monitoring System (AMS)
The first solution was developed by South Instruments Technology Limited, an equipment supplier in Hong Kong. It is called the Automatic Monitoring System (AMS).
Solution description
The Automatic Monitoring System (AMS) includes a web-based application and different IoT geotechnical sensors such as Tilt, Vibration, Water Level & Crack as well as IoT Surveying Sensors such as GNSS & Robotic Total Station. Measurements from these IoT Sensors are sent to the AMS regularly via a mobile communication network (for example, 4G) and the data is processed and visualised in graphical format.
The IoT Sensor has a built-in battery which can last for weeks or months and be designed to support full time (24/7) automatic operation. Users can access the graphical data easily by mobile phone or PC using a browser. If the movement is out of the 3A (Alert Action Alarm) limit, an email or SMS will be sent to the concerned and related persons. Users can access the data anytime in anyplace for the latest update. This means that the need for on-site inspections, surveying and maintenance can be reduced. The solution is highly applicable in the current pandemic situation for this reason. Moreover, the system will continue running and users can access the gathered data from home.
Application Areas
The solution can be applied across the areas of City Management, Climate and Weather, Environment, Housing, Infrastructure as well as Transport.
Technologies Used
The solution employs Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Technologies.
Use case
8 GNSS was set up in the Kai Cheung Road Bridge (above Kai Fuk Road) to monitor the settlement of the bridge. 8 Tilt sensors were set up in 4 bridge columns and 4 abutments to monitor the movement. All data are sent to AMS. Engineers and surveyors of a government department, consultants and contractors can access the AMS in office or at home to check the bridge status and changes. Routine site inspection, surveying and maintenance can be highly reduced. Construction can be carried out without stop. If there is any movement or settlement out of the 3A limit, related persons will be notified by email. It also saves time for reporting. Action can be taken on time. In overall, it saves time, labour & simplifies the workflow and reporting. It also improves safety and breaks the limit of normal working time and place.
Solution two – Life Planning & Blockchain
The second solution was developed by another Hong Kong-based firm. It is a life planning blockchain solution.
Solution description
At certain life stages, personal certificates would act as recognition from education institutions, recruitment consultants, and friends’ circle etc. At present, recruiters spend much capacity to verify the certificates of applicants. On the other hands, applicants sometimes find difficulties to retrieve all the certificates. In addition, their data inside the resume may sometimes easily be leaked in the recruitment world.
Application Areas
The solution can be applied across the areas of Education, Health as well as Commercial Application.
Technologies Used
The solution employs Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT).
Use case
The solution connects educators and learners; human resources consultants and applicants through blockchain technology where user privacy data can be protected by everyone’s private key and they can choose to open their data with authorization. Recruiters and educators can easily connect with individuals’ certificates under a decentralized and trusted environment. Users do not need to worry even if major hardware or connectivity failure encountered, physical loss or damage of certificates. They also offer other blockchain solutions like medical and healthcare services, as well as other commercial applications.