Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) celebrated the launch of its “ConTech and PropTech Alliance,” marking a pivotal step towards advancing construction efficiency, quality, and safety through cutting-edge technologies. The ceremony, graced by Ms Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing of the HKSAR Government, Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI, and Dr Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, underscored the initiative’s strategic importance.
Ms Winnie Ho highlighted the government’s proactive approach in integrating innovative technologies into public housing construction and management. She emphasized collaborative efforts with ASTRI and other partners to enhance methods like Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), aiming to boost speed, efficiency, quantity, and quality in housing development.
Ir Sunny Lee reiterated the significance of the construction sector to Hong Kong’s economy, acknowledging its capability in high-density construction despite challenges like high costs and an aging workforce. He expressed confidence that advanced technologies can reshape the industry by lowering costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety, thus driving the development of “New Quality Productive Forces.”
Dr Denis Yip highlighted the Alliance’s role in creating a robust ecosystem involving government bodies, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and technology providers. This ecosystem aims to revolutionize traditional construction practices, enhance safety and efficiency, and contribute to Hong Kong’s evolution into a smart city. He emphasized ASTRI’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies in collaboration with partners like the Hong Kong Housing Society and Hip Hing Construction.
ASTRI’s innovations include a range of advanced technologies tailored for the construction industry:
Site Safety: Innovative solutions integrate passive cooling and edge AI to enhance safety management on construction sites, including the world’s first neuromorphic sensing-based monitoring system.
Crane Safety: ASTRI’s solutions monitor operators’ conditions using advanced sensor technologies like Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG), ensuring safe and efficient crane operations.
MiC Positioning: The Smart Optical Sensing System provides precise positioning for Modular Integrated Construction, leveraging non-Visible Light Communication (nVLC) technology and digital twin integration.
Mixed Reality Helmet: ASTRI’s Modularised Emerging Sensing and Display Technology (M-ESDT) integrates AR, AI, and BIM technologies to enhance training and operational efficiency in construction.
AI Predictive Maintenance for Lifts: Leveraging IoT data, ASTRI’s AI system predicts lift maintenance needs, reducing downtime and improving property management services.
The inauguration also featured insightful panel discussions on construction safety, sustainability, and the future of PropTech innovation. These discussions, attended by industry leaders and experts, underscored the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of Hong Kong’s construction and real estate sectors.
