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Drainage Services Department Engineers Share Safer and Smarter Drainage Solutions in "Science in the Public Service"
23 November 2024
Two Drainage Services Department (DSD) engineers presented their innovative solutions for safer and smarter drainage works at the Hong Kong Science Museum on 23 November 2024. The lecture, part of the "Science in the Public Service" series, featured Ms Jolly CHAN Pui-ching and Mr Dennis HO Ka-kit.
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant
Ms CHAN introduced a breakthrough in construction site safety monitoring - the first-ever such system powered by Generative AI. Her Virtual Construction Safety Assistant brings a fresh approach to site safety by analysing what cameras see against what rules state in ways not possible before. The system's unique strength lies in its ability to understand complex situations just as a human safety officer would, catching unsafe acts that typical AI monitoring systems would not. This new way of monitoring site safety could fundamentally change how workers are protected on construction sites.
Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot
Mr HO briefed the audience on the TIB Robot, which represents a breakthrough in the inspection of underground pipes and tunnels under confined space conditions through the integration of modern robotics and AI technologies. Shaped like a roly-poly toy, the TIB Robot can remain upright as it navigates pipes and tunnels, even under rapid flow conditions. Additionally, its internal camera stabilising system and AI enhance video quality, providing stable and clear 360-degree panoramic videos for condition surveys.
Both innovations received gold medals at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2024, demonstrating the DSD's commitment to and success in developing innovative and practical solutions that prioritise workplace safety and operational excellence in drainage works.
The lecture was part of the "Science in the Public Service" campaign, a joint initiative by government bureaux/departments and other organisations to promote scientific work and technological applications in public services. This year's theme is "Science and Innovation".
The recorded live videos are available on the Hong Kong Science Museum's YouTube Channel at the following links (Chinese only):
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant
Senior Scientific Officer of the Hong Kong Observatory Dr. YEUNG Kwok-chung (first left) presenting souvenirs to DSD speakers
DSD Engineer Ms Jolly CHAN Pui-ching introducing the Virtual Construction Safety Assistant
DSD Engineer Mr Dennis HO Ka-kit introducing the Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot