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The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is leading the way in advancing smart, innovative construction technologies (ConTech) across Southeast Asia through a strategic partnership with 14 companies. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and sustainability innovations into the construction industry, marking a significant expansion from Hong Kong into the broader Southeast Asian market.
HKSTP is showcasing a variety of ConTech innovations that span the entire building lifecycle, from design and construction to operations and sustainability. Among the standout technologies is a rebar-tying robot developed by the Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics (HKCRC) under the InnoHK initiative.
This award-winning robot employs autonomous identification and positioning systems to automate the rebar-tying process, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing construction time in large-scale projects. By automating a traditionally labour-intensive task, this technology addresses a key challenge in the construction sector.
Another notable innovation comes from one of the partnering companies, which has introduced a cutting-edge tile-laying robot. This robot operates nearly five times faster than manual bricklaying, heralding a new era of intelligent transformation in the construction industry. By automating this process, the robot aims to substantially boost productivity and accelerate the industry’s digitalisation.
In the realm of smart building solutions and sustainability, another partner company stands out with its advanced energy management systems. These systems leverage real-time data and AI to optimise building operations, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs. This technology is particularly effective in large commercial buildings where enhancing operational efficiency is crucial.
On the sustainability front, a different company is making strides with its innovative electricity-free cooling technologies. Their revolutionary cooling paint, already in use at prominent international sites including the UAE, significantly reduces the reliance on air conditioning, thereby making buildings more energy-efficient. By integrating such sustainable technologies, HKSTP and its partners are addressing long-standing environmental challenges in the construction industry.
AI and robotics are playing transformative roles in enhancing safety and operational efficiency within the construction sector. One of the partnering firms has developed an AI-powered LiDAR scanner that digitises physical environments in real-time, facilitating faster and more accurate planning. This technology supports Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) by improving crane operation accuracy, using AI and machine learning to minimise operational risks and enhance precision.
Additionally, the company has collaborated with a construction tech firm to create a smart control system for tower cranes. This system, which integrates AI, machine learning, and precise positioning technology, enhances the safety and efficiency of lifting operations by enabling accurate adjustments and predicting potential failures. As the system learns from real-world operations, it is expected to drive even greater safety and efficiency in complex construction projects.
The ConTech Accelerator Programme, co-organised by HKSTP and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), has been pivotal in supporting startups, such as a firm specialising in AI-powered video systems for worksite safety. This company, having completed successful proof-of-concepts (PoCs) in Hong Kong, is now expanding its solutions to major construction projects. The firm has also joined HKSTP’s Incubation Programme, using Hong Kong as a springboard for further growth into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Mainland China.
The Hong Kong SAR government, in partnership with HKSTP, continues to promote technological innovation in construction. Initiatives like the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) underscore the government’s commitment to advancing ConTech and solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a global leader in construction technology.
Through these efforts, HKSTP is not only supporting startups and facilitating technology adoption but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for innovation and technology.
