Hong Kong Launches First Smart Catering Robot for Automated Meal Services

InvestHK and FEHD collaborate to support Mainland enterprise in launching Hong Kong's first smart catering robot

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (March 15) announced that the department has collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to facilitate China Resources Enterprise Property Investment Company Limited (CREP) in launching Hong Kong's first smart catering robot. The robotic system provides instantly prepared hot meals around the clock, with fully automated operations that handle ordering, reheating and meal dispensing, applying AI technology to local food and beverage retail scenarios.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "InvestHK has always maintained close communication and collaboration with government bureaux and departments to continuously enhance Hong Kong's business environment. The latest Budget emphasises on promoting the industrialisation of AI and encouraging its wider adoption. We are very pleased to see these technologies being adopted in the catering industry, opening up new directions for smart retail. This project also fully demonstrates the result of cross-departmental collaboration in facilitating the successful implementation of innovative technologies while ensuring compliance with local regulations and food safety requirements. I look forward to seeing more companies leverage Hong Kong's business advantages to further expand its presence in the city and across the Asia-Pacific region."

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, said, "The FEHD has always encouraged and facilitated innovation in the catering industry to bring more diverse dining experiences to the public, while safeguarding food safety and public hygiene. For this project, the FEHD maintained close communication with the relevant companies, providing guidance on legal requirements and hygiene standards to facilitate their acquisition of the necessary food business licences. I am pleased to see the smooth implementation of this project and look forward to more technological applications in the catering industry in the future to continuously elevate service standards."

Deputy General Manager of CREP Mr Zhang Linjun said, "CREP is committed to building a one-stop overseas expansion service platform to help Mainland brands establish a presence in Hong Kong and explore business opportunities. Leveraging our two decades of resources and experiences in Hong Kong's commercial market, we have assisted Mainland companies in establishing their technological and business operations in Hong Kong. We have also developed a deep partnership with InvestHK to promote the application of innovative technologies in the catering sector, while tackling daily challenges in the industry. This initiative will offer Hong Kong residents more diverse dining options in various scenarios, including remote areas, busy districts and late-night hours. Going forward, we will further expand the scope of co-operation to help the smart catering business form a scaled operational network."

Named the "Hey Food Smart Catering Robot", the initiative is officially launched in Hong Kong by CREP, integrating innovative technological solutions from the Mainland with local business expertise. Founded in 2000, CREP currently owns a portfolio of commercial properties in core business districts and community neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. The company has continuously optimised its property portfolio and has actively explored investment and operational opportunities in retail real estate. In recent years, by building a one-stop overseas expansion service platform, CREP has assisted Mainland enterprise brands and products in going global, while providing higher quality services and products for Hong Kong.

For more information about the smart catering robot, please visit CREP at: www.crep.com.hk.

Invest Hong Kong today (March 15) announced that the department has collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to facilitate China Resources Enterprise Property Investment Company Limited in launching Hong Kong's first smart catering robot. Photo shows one of the food items offered by the smart catering robot. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Invest Hong Kong today (March 15) announced that the department has collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to facilitate China Resources Enterprise Property Investment Company Limited in launching Hong Kong's first smart catering robot. Photo shows the smart catering robot. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (March 15) announced that the department has collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to facilitate China Resources Enterprise Property Investment Company Limited (CREP) in launching Hong Kong's first smart catering robot. Photo shows the Head of Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong (first right); the Senior Superintendent (Licensing) of the FEHD, Mr Hui Kar Nung (second left); the Deputy General Manager of CREP, Mr Zhang Linjun (second right); the Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Xixiang AI Kitchen Robotics Ltd, Ms Liu Yunxi (middle); and the Senior Vice President, Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Mr Raymond Hou (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government concludes second-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units

Today (April 21) is the second day of phased arrangements for residents of seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units. Ten middle-zone floors of Wang Sun House were opened. The access arrangements were carried out in an orderly manner and operated smoothly.

A total of 77 households (271 people) registered to return to their units today through the "one social worker per household" service, while 78 households (275 people) actually turned up (one household reported sick and absent yesterday joined the arrangement today). The average time residents spent entering and leaving the building today was one hour and 48 minutes, with the shortest time being 21 minutes and the longest three hours and 25 minutes. About 13 per cent of the residents stayed in the building for less than one hour. A total of 14 households (34 people) went up and down the building more than once within three hours. Among them, eight households (23 people) made one additional trip, four households (eight people) made two additional trips, while one household (one person) made four additional trips, with the highest record of one person of one household making five additional trips and another making four additional trips.

The integrated enquiry counter set up by relevant departments today received 11 cases of requesting police assistance and two cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort, as well as two cases seeking psychological counselling services.

The 11 cases of requesting police assistance involved suspected loss of property, including camera, jewellery and gold items. Officers were immediately deployed to assist in searches, and lost property was recovered in four cases. In another four, the units concerned were severely damaged and residents believed after investigation that the property might have been destroyed by fire. For the remaining three cases, there were no signs of ransacking in the units and the residents could not provide details on the concerned property.

After reviewing the experience from the first day of arrangements, two adjustments have been made on site starting today:

(1) expanding the personal protective equipment donning area at Kwong Fuk Community Hall, adding more tables and chairs, and setting up more marquees for rain protection; and

(2) adding more tables and chairs in the resident waiting area at Tai Po Baptist Public School, and expanding the on-site storage area to facilitate residents while they wait for transport.

Each day, the Government deploys over 1 000 personnel from various departments, including the Police, the Civil Aid Service, the Fire Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, and the Housing Bureau, and staff mobilised from other departments, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams members to fully support residents returning to their units.

Government concludes second-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government concludes second-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government concludes second-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government concludes second-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases