First Round of "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme Open for Applications

First round of "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme open for applications

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (November 9) that the "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme is now open for applications from eligible organisations to borrow robots for demonstrations and performances at free community events. The application deadline is November 20, 2026, and applying is free of charge.

The Digital Policy Office. Photo source: reference image

By lending a humanoid robot named "Smart Bot" (see Annexes 1 and 2) for free to participate in events organised by community organisations, the Pilot Programme enables members of the public to interact with humanoid robots firsthand, thereby enhancing citizens' understanding of embodied AI.

The "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme is open for applications from eligible organisations to borrow robots starting today (November 9). Photo shows the humanoid robot “Smart Bot” available for lending. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Applicants must be an organisation established to serve the public or residents of a region in Hong Kong, such as a company, a society, an office of a member of the Legislative Council/District Council, a district organisation or a welfare agency. The proposed community events under this round of applications must be held during the period from December 15, 2026, to February 28, 2027. "Smart Bot" can perform dancing and kung fu at community events; it can also transform into a popular science ambassador to share knowledge of embodied AI and other digital technologies with participants. For details of the programme, please visit the webpage (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/digital_infrastructure/digital_inclusion/robots_in_the_community/).

The "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme is open for applications from eligible organisations to borrow robots starting today (November 9). Photo shows the humanoid robot “Smart Bot” available for lending. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The DPO is committed to taking forward digital government services and actively narrowing the digital divide. To enable people from different backgrounds to enjoy the benefits brought about by digital technology, the DPO has rolled out a series of measures under the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme to assist persons in need (especially the elderly) in understanding and using digital products and services, helping them fully integrate into the digitalised society. The "Robots in the Community" Pilot Programme will become the newest member of the "Smart Silver" Programme, further promoting digital inclusion.

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected controlled injections worth about $16,000

Hong Kong Customs detected two cases of importing suspected controlled injections in early November and seized six injections suspected to be pharmaceutical products with a total estimated market value of about $16,000.

Customs officers on November 4 inspected two express parcels imported from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of injections suspected to be pharmaceutical products from the two parcels.

After follow-up investigations, Customs officers on November 5 arrested a 40-year-old male consignee and a 41-year-old female consignee suspected to be connected with the cases.

Investigations are ongoing, and the two arrested persons have been released on bail.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected controlled injections worth about $16,000 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases