November 2020

HKU ROBOMASTER AI Challenge 2020

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence are two promising directions in the future. RoboMaster University AI challenge is an AI-based robotics challenge for university students aimed to inspire AI and robotics research for young engineers and scientists.

Mobile App Game

Play2study is an interactive and fun educational game app. Currently, it is targeted to HKDSE candidates who study Chemistry (we plan to expand into other subjects in the future), with each chapter of the game corresponding to relevant topics of the syllabus. This game is a vivid example of ‘saying no to just reading long boring texts and books’. Upon playing this game, users can find their strengths and weaknesses in each topic and various skills, which will be provided by the game through detailed analysis from the users’ gameplay.

Robomaster 2021

Robomaster is a national robotic competition for university students, hosted by DJI during the summer vacation on a yearly basis. It combines technology and e-gaming competition style, thus being exciting and unconventional. HKU Robomaster has been recruiting enthusiastic engineering students since 2017. We aim to cultivate the quality of members that will benefit their career with the practical experience gained during the preparation and participation process. Our work is divided into technical management, machinal & hardware management, and software & algorithm development.

Communication Enhancements through Asymptotically Long Sequences of Noisy Quantum Channels

Conventionally, information suffers from exponential decay in long distance transmission. However, in exciting projects like building the quantum internet, an information carrier has to pass through many intermediate quantum servers before reaching the receiver. Such a goal cannot be achieved without a scheme of reliably transmitting data over a long sequence of noisy channels. Chiribella et al. formulated the second level of quantization of quantum information theory by considering the superposition of quantum trajectories and quantum channels and demonstrated communication advantage of this model. We apply the model further and show the theoretical feasibility of communication through asymptotically many noisy channels.

Investigation of Influencing Factors on the Engineering Properties of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) Treated Soils

Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is an emerging bio-geotechnical soil improvement technique to enhance the engineering performance of soil. Application of biotechnology has been suggested as an environmental-friendly alternative to conventional approaches. MICP involves using bacteria to hydrolyze urea into carbonate ions through bacterial metabolism. The carbonate ions combine with calcium ions to produce calcite crystal precipitates, which fill the soil pores and bind the soil grains together.

In this project, the effects of several influencing factors on the engineering properties of the MICP treated silica sand are investigated. Permeability and unconfined compressive strength tests will be carried out to characterize the engineering properties of the treated sand. Precipitation patterns of calcite crystals within the sand after MICP treatment will be investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

FOODator

FOODator is the world’s very first interactive culinary app. With FOODator, you will browse through the restaurants in the area with confidence and peace of mind. Find your perfect match in three simple steps! Swipe left to cycle through nearby restaurants, swipe right on your restaurant match to be presented with its relevant information. Chat with restaurant representatives to gain more information or to make reservations. Yes, it’s that simple. With FOODator, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect match! And the best part is, you’ll never second guess your decision ever again.

FOODator – new tastes, every day.

Soccer Robot

This project revolves around the construction of a prototype RC soccer robot toy fabricated through laser cutting and 3D Printing. Though the use of basic mBot coding and electronic structure there is flexibility in the design and modelling of the robot itself. This particular robot was designed with a focus on retaining possession of the ball through its unique design, as well as convenient assembly for ease of use. Through this simple design we hope to encourage increased user engagement in the products they buy through creating their own designs.

Enhanced Landslide Mobility Analysis Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a remote sensing technique utilizing photogrammetry for inspection, surveillance and modelling issues. The application of UAV as a surveying tool allows geotechnical engineer to capture topographic data for landslide suspected site is relatively new. It is advantageous to adopt UAV technique to inaccessible natural terrains and unstable slopes which have repetitive failures. Those useful data would be extracted for further landslide analysis, and is particularly applicable for debris flow runout analysis which is sensitive to the topographic profile. Computed result shows UAV resolution accuracy with less than 20mm. This project evaluates the resolution of UAVs and compares their applicability for post-landslide mobility assessment by 2-Dimensional Debris Mobility Model (2D-DMM).

BREED Robotics (Official)

BREED is a student group committed to developing and promoting bio-inspired technology. Our flagship VAYU project – the world’s fastest robotic fish – and our upcoming initiatives such as our robotic dog aim to educate and enhance awareness in the general student body. Using designs perfected by millions of years of natural evolution, we adapt selected features into increasing effectiveness of man-made robots. We aim to establish a hub based in the Innovation Wing where this development can take root in the local community, increasing awareness and interest while promoting scientific innovation: this will be done through outreach projects, educational initiatives, as well as the continuation of various bio-inspired initiatives under BREED.