The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) shone brightly at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva by earning a total of 12 awards, including its first-ever Prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva awarded by the Cantonal Government of Geneva. This award is one of the seven prestigious awards presented as the highlight of the event, and is the first time that department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has received this distinction. Other awards included two gold medals with the congratulations of jury, four gold medals, one silver medal, three bronze medals and one prize of the Best International Invention & Innovation. EMSD is steadfastly committed to implementing the two major strategies, “Providing Customer-oriented Innovative Services” and “Strengthening Innovative Collaboration between Stakeholders”, as stated in the third Five-year Strategic Plan of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF), helping clients realise their innovative electrical and mechanical (E&M) solutions. Four award-winning projects developed by the EMSD in collaboration with client departments are presented below. Some of the technologies have been successfully applied with outstanding results.
Collaborative Projects with CAD Won the Prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury
The Two-phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation, a collaborative endeavour between the EMSD and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), achieved remarkable recognition, winning not only a gold medal but also the distinguished Prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. By immersing heat-generating computer components in a sealed container filled with a non-conductive coolant, the system improves heat dissipation efficiency and reduces energy consumption for cooling, with a view to enhancing the performance and extending the lifespan of equipment. The system has been successfully deployed in the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator workstation.
Furthermore, the Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, jointly developed by the EMSD and the CAD, garnered a gold medal with the congratulations of jury. This system leverages positioning devices connected to the Government-Wide Internet of Things Network and mobile networks, alongside diverse satellite positioning technologies, facilitating real-time tracking of users’ precise locations even in remote or challenging terrains. It effectively enhances the safety of paragliding and other outdoor activities.
DEVB’s Project Received Silver Medal and the Best International Invention & Innovation
The SmartEye: Remote site supervision system-cum-integrated site management platform, a project developed by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and supported by the EMSD, won a silver medal and the Best International Invention & Innovation prize awarded by the National Research Council of Thailand. As an all-weather, real-time remote monitoring system with functions such as building structural quality inspection, progress monitoring, site object measurement and safety management, SmartEye serves as a one-stop intelligent solution tailored for high-risk construction projects, and has been successfully deployed in several public works projects.
Collaborative Project with the HKPF Won Bronze Medal
The AI Visual Intelligence-enabled Glasses for Drone Operations jointly developed by the EMSD and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) received a bronze medal. The system integrates data collected by drones with real-time flight information and artificial intelligence (AI) analysis, then projects the consolidated data onto the smart glasses. Operators wearing the smart glasses can maintain situational awareness of their surroundings while controlling the drones. The system also features a dedicated online platform that delivers real-time information such as heat map analysis and footfall to the working team, providing effective support on crowd management at large-scale events.
Apart from the above projects, the Integration of AI and Optical Fiber Technology for District Cooling/Heating System Plants developed by the EMSD won a gold medal with the congratulations of jury, while the System of Wireless Connection to Field Equipment for Control and Monitoring, RopeVision: Cost effective solution to detect lift rope defects using AI and Hauling Rope AI Condition Monitoring System received gold medals.
With a shared vision on continued promotion of the application of innovative solutions to enhance work efficiency and optimise equipment performance, the EMSD and its client departments have achieved impressive results. EMSD will continue to connect with stakeholders including clients, the trade and partners to foster innovative collaboration, work together to drive smart city development and serve the public.
For details about the EMSTF’s third Five-year Strategic Plan, please visit the thematic website at http://5yearplan.emsd.gov.hk and subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates.
