Launch of People-oriented Technology Programme to Provide High-Tech Prostheses for Amputees in Hong Kong

Kick-off Ceremony of People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks implementation of smart prosthetic technology

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi; and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, attended the Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today (May 26) to witness a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong, through the collaboration between Qiangnao Technology and PolyU. The ceremony also marked another innovative technological achievement to benefit the public. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology, Mr Han Bicheng; representative of Qiangnao Technology Ms Sienna Xu; the President of PolyU, Professor Teng Jin-Guang; the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, Professor Christopher Chao; and the Henry G Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, Professor Zheng Yongping, also attended the ceremony.

The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address announced that the Government would support people-oriented scientific research through the Innovation and Technology (I&T) Fund to introduce prostheses built with new research and development technologies. Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces and is also one of "Hangzhou's Six Little Dragons", representing China's breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. PolyU, meanwhile, has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. With funding support from the I&T Fund, the two sides earlier launched a collaborative project. In the first phase of the programme, 60 amputees in Hong Kong will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge, together with professional assessment and rehabilitation support services by a PolyU team to help recipients gradually adapt to and master the use of prosthetics, thereby comprehensively improving their daily living abilities and quality of life.

In his speech, Professor Sun said that today's I&T initiatives respond to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the "AI+" action plan to empower public well-being through AI. Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities, with five universities ranked among the world's top 100 and two medical schools in the global top 40. It has a solid foundation in life and health technology, AI, and robotics, and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people. The launch of the programme also embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.

Mr Han said: "Over the next two years, with the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Qiangnao will work with PolyU and partners from all sectors of society to diligently implement the project and provide service support, so that more eligible amputees in Hong Kong can receive high-tech prostheses free of charge. We will also continue to enhance product experience and rehabilitation support services."

Professor Teng said, "Advanced scientific research must ultimately benefit society. The vision for developing people-oriented technology, as outlined in the Chief Executive's Policy Address, aligns perfectly with PolyU's motto, 'To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind'. This Programme holds immense significance: Qiangnao brings world-leading core technologies in intelligent bionic prostheses, while PolyU provides local implementation, promotion, and scientific research support. The team will evaluate the effectiveness of the technology based on clinical application scenarios, collect user feedback for timely adjustments and optimisations, and continuously improve the overall user experience. With the support of the I&T Fund, this initiative ensures that cutting-edge technology truly serves public livelihood and benefits society."

At the ceremony, amputees who had been fitted with the high-tech prostheses under the programme shared their experience and stories. The high-tech prostheses used in this collaboration do not require any implantation. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, they use the wearer's myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control, opening up a new direction for the development of rehabilitation technology.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University today (May 26). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Kick-off Ceremony of People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks implementation of smart prosthetic technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Kick-off Ceremony of People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks implementation of smart prosthetic technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Kick-off Ceremony of People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks implementation of smart prosthetic technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH announces latest situation regarding Legionnaires' disease case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 26) reported the latest number of Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

From May 17 to 23, the CHP recorded 10 LD cases. Among them, eight were community-acquired cases and two were imported LD cases. All patients had underlying illnesses. The details are as follows:

Community-acquired cases

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a 61-year-old male living in Sha Tin District;

a 63-year-old male living in Kwai Tsing District;

a 79-year-old male living in Yuen Long District;

a 44-year-old male living in Kwun Tong District;

a 68-year-old male living in Sai Kung District;

a 66-year-old male living in Yau Tsim Mong District;

an 80-year-old female living in Sha Tin District; and

a 72-year-old male living Sha Tin District.

Imported cases

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A 63-year-old male and a 79-year-old female, who both travelled to the Chinese Mainland during their incubation periods.

The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that the eight community-acquired cases are sporadic cases. No epidemiological linkages have been established between these cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of May 23, 59 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD cases respectively.

Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.

Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

Immunocompromised persons should:

Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;

Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and

If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.

The public should observe the health advice below:

Observe personal hygiene;

Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;

Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;

If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;

Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;

Seek and follow doctors' professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and

When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:

Wear gloves and a face mask;

Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;

Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;

Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and

Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

The public may visit the CHP'sLD page, theCode of Practice for Prevention of LDand theHousekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Managementof the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP'srisk-based strategyfor prevention and control of LD.

Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urgesmembers of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also developed and promulgated the Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention tool to primary healthcare service providers to facilitate the early identification and management of at-risk drinkers. For information on alcohol-related harm, please visit the DH'sChange for Health website.

Source: AI-found images