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Innovative works of VTC students showcased in InnoCarnival 2015 A vivid application of academic theories for scientific research
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The Smart Robotic Companion for Elderly is developed by students and teachers of the IVE Engineering Discipline. The first-ever robot NAO programmed with a Cantonese recognition system addressing the need of elderly homing, the Smart Robotic Companion for Elderly is equipped with two systems specialised in monitoring health conditions of the elderly and providing information and entertainment. At a later stage, it may even be able to find lost items for forgetful elderlies. The project provides a timely and relevant solution for the ageing population and attendant care associated in Hong Kong.
Programmed with a healthcare monitoring system, Smart Robotic Companion for Elderly assists healthcare practitioners to monitor old people’s vital signs and daily movements like recording the frequency and range of hand tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease for medical diagnosis. For the social side, the Cantonese-speaking robot can read out news headlines and provide weather alert and music such that the elderly confined to home can also keep abreast with current affairs without venturing outside. The robot is programmed to identify small objects like newspapers and magazines. In the near future, families of the elderly can monitor the latter’s daily life via smartphone or instruct NAO to remind the elderly of daily routines by SMS prompts like taking medicine on time, measuring blood pressure etc.
Developed by teachers and students of the IVE Information Technology Discipline and leveraging the concept and application of the Internet of Things, the “Mini-Mobile Formula” links the model four-wheel-drive (4WD) car to the Internet by means of microcontrollers. Merging the information and resources made available on the web, the ordinary 4WD gets its functions enhanced. Controlling the model car by tablets or mobile phones, users can observe real time and collect data on the surrounding environment through the video camera mounted on the model car. Data on the weather can be obtained in times of adverse situation. Underground investigation can be conducted as well. The data so obtained can also be forwarded to designated database through 3G networks. The smart Mini-Mobile Formula applyjng WiFi to connect to and control dedicated programmes and fixtures, providing more room for manoeuvre by the model car and hence more potential for development when compared with the connectivity offered via the blue tooth in the past.
Underscoring the theme “InnoTech - Key to a Boundless Future”, InnoCarnival 2015 is run from today (31 October) to 8 November at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. Members of the public are welcome to view the 9 innovative projects by VTC member institutions THEi, IVE and HKDI.
Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong with some 250,000 students and trainees each year. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and also to provide valued supports to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 13 member institutions including the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) , the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK) , the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) , the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) , the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) , Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI) , Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) , International Culinary Institute (ICI) , Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI) , Youth College , Pro-Act by VTC , Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and Shine Skills Centre.
Website: www.vtc.edu.hk
Media Enquiries: 2836 1340 / 2836 1047
