Hong Kong College of Technology joins mainland’s Antarctic research with cutting-edge system. Photo: Fan ChenHong Kong College of Technology has partnered with a mainland Chinese institution to develop an advanced information system for Antarctic research, marking the first time a local institution has participated in China’s polar expeditions.
The system, designed for extreme conditions, was successfully tested during a recent expedition and will be used to collect data for future research.
Hong Kong College of Technology said on Wednesday that it had been involved in designing the system for Xuexiao 2 – or Snowy Owl 2 – a piece of equipment that withstood extreme weather and passed performance tests at Kunlun Station in Antarctica during a five-month expedition that concluded in April.
The experimental results would be compared with data collected from a simulation, further advancing the application of the Internet of Things in extreme conditions, such as those involving liquid nitrogen containers, the college added.
The Internet of Things refers to a network of connected gadgets and the technology that facilitates communication among the devices and a computing cloud.
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“I am happy to see more Hong Kong scientific research teams taking part in major national scientific research projects,” said Sun Dong, the city’s secretary for innovation, technology and industry.
“This not only proves Hong Kong’s innovation and technology strength but also shows the responsibility of the local community in helping the country move toward self-reliance and self-reliance in science and technology.”
The system was designed by a team from the college and Tsinghua University Suzhou Institute of Automotive Technology. The engineering and technology research institute was established by Tsinghua University and the Suzhou government.
Last year, a joint laboratory was launched to focus on software and hardware systems designed for extreme environments, such as aerospace and polar regions. Xuexiao 2 was one of the first results from the laboratory.
Next year, another project involving high-altitude hot air balloons will be launched. The project will include a pilot and payload specialist – an astronaut trained to handle complex or classified equipment on high-altitude missions – from the college.
Details are still being planned for the project, which will conduct experiments in the northwestern region of the mainland, as well as areas around Mount Everest, known as Qomolangma in China.
“This time, we only sent equipment with the expedition team. I would feel more honoured if the new project could include staff and students from our college,” college principal Chen Zhuoxi said.
The automotive technology institute also hoped to spur collaborations between Hong Kong and mainland colleges and universities, said Sun Lu, its deputy director.
“Through increased cooperation in talent and research from both sides, more solutions can be provided for the country’s Antarctic scientific studies and engineering applications,” Sun said.
Nearly 200 students and youth from 10 schools and universities took part in a science lecture organised by the college on Antarctic research and expeditions on Wednesday.
Xue Long 2, the icebreaker involved in the same expedition, visited Victoria Harbour for the first time in April. It welcomed 7,200 Hongkongers on board during its five-day stay.