HK develops AI-equipped trolley to ease strain on workers
Hong Kong researchers have invented a motorized trolley equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to help cleaners and workers in the logistics sector transport heavy items and reduce the risk of work-related injuries.
Users of the electronic power-assisted trolley can maneuverer it fully loaded as if it were empty by simply holding onto its handlebar, according to researchers from the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Center.
The trolley employs sensors to measure the pressure of the user’s grip on the handlebar, as well as an onboard AI controller to calculate the required torque — the twisting force that causes the rotation.
Two electric motors in the wheel then generate force to overcome the weight of the trolley, allowing users to steer a fully loaded vehicle with ease, according to researchers.
Researchers say their aim is to help workers handle heavy loads and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and work-related injuries.
The project received HK$6.45 million ($825,066) from the Innovation and Technology Fund and won a gold medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva last year.
The prototype is being tested by a cleaning company, where it is helping staff transport tools for street-cleaning work.
The trolley is among multiple research projects being funded by the government’s InnoHK initiative, which set up 28 research centers focused on developing solutions for different industries.
The Innovation and Technology
Commission would focus on providing funding for upstream and midstream research centers and universities in the coming year, according to its commissioner, Ivan Lee Kwokbun.
“If we want to build a complete innovation and technology ecosystem, converting the research endeavors from the upper stream into technical ideas in the midstream is very important,” he told a press briefing.
“But researchers must also show investors their potential and how their products can serve the market. The results of their research must materialize or else they will forever be stuck in a meaningless phase.”
Lee said the government’s Innovation and Technology Fund, set up in 1999, had provided HK$14 billion to more than 4,000 projects and the number of applications for grants, as well as the amount of funding given out, had increased significantly in recent years.