Hong Kong Tech Boffins Look to Biometrics, AI for ‘Smart City’ Boost

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government, marking their first collaboration. The partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of public services, supporting the development of Hong Kong as a “Smart City.”

The MoU focuses on the adoption of technologies in four primary areas: innovative immigration clearance modes, biometric identification and authentication, AI-assisted immigration applications, and collaborative robotics technology. This initiative is expected to improve the Immigration Department’s service levels by increasing staff efficiency and meeting growing public demand.

A significant aspect of the technology application includes the use of multi-camera matrix sensing, facial recognition, AI algorithms for fast searching, and AI out-of-focus de-blur engines. These technologies are designed to speed up the immigration clearance process, including vehicle immigration, by enabling quicker and more accurate identification of individuals, even through potential obstacles like non-moving vehicle windows.

The collaboration also sets a precedent for other cities, indicating Hong Kong’s ambition to export these technologies as part of its role as a technology transfer hub. ASTRI, which was established in 2000 to boost Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research, has been working to position itself as a key player in the region’s technology sector, contributing to various fields including Smart City applications and digital health.

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April 30, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy