15-03-2020
(Below is a translation of the article)
The Secretary for Development, Michael Wong, published a blog today (15th March), saying that in response to the challenge of the new coronavirus epidemic, the EMSD launched an anti-epidemic thematic page to liaise with innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises for the development of new technology projects on fighting and curbing of the epidemic.
Mr SIT Wing-hang, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), said after EMSD reached out to the companies at Cyberport through the online platform, a mobile fever screening robot developed by a local tech enterprise caught their attention. EMSD has arranged similar robots for testing in government departments, which they hope the robots can be applied to various government venues.
The department has announced a series of needs for I&T solutions related to the fight against the virus on the anti-epidemic thematic page of the “E&M InnoPortal” and also strengthened liaison with its I&T strategic partners to identify suitable projects. DEMS Mr. SIT Wing-hang said they received more than a hundred relevant solution proposals within just two weeks.
Sit said after EMSD reached out to the companies at Cyberport through the online platform, a mobile fever screening robot developed by a local tech enterprise caught their attention. The robot has been designed to walk along routes set on the map and according to different environments to replace manual operation. Once it detects a person with abnormal or higher body temperature, the robot will display a red image on the monitor and an alarm will be sent to alert management staff to take follow-up actions.
He further said when the Government resumed normal operation on 2 March, the EMSD tested the robot at the main entrance of the EMSD Headquarters. The results have shown that the robot performs satisfactorily in monitoring body temperatures. The EMSD has arranged to test robots of the same type at various government departments, such as the Correctional Services Department, Transport Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It is hoped that these robots can be used at various government venues to reduce the work pressure of frontline staff.
Source: HK01