HKPC 5G Future Hall Spearheads the Promotion of 5G R&D and Applications in Hong Kong with New 5G Intelligent Manufacturing and Smart Living Solutions on Show

(Hong Kong, 7 September 2021) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) spares no effort in promoting 5G technology and applications. In May this year, the 5G Future Hall at HKPC Building was officially opened to showcase the innovative applications and business opportunities of 5G to the industry and the public. Coming to September, it is undergoing a revamp with new 5G solutions and application scenarios for intelligent manufacturing and smart living from major local 5G telecommunications operators and technology providers on show, further promoting the development of smart cities and Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The exhibition is supported by more than 50 local public and private organisations with 11 of them becoming exhibitors.

As the world enters the 5G era, HKPC aims to become the superconnector for the industry. By showcasing the latest 5G applications, it hopes to raise the awareness of 5G technology, devices, Internet of Things (IoT) and other applications in all walks of life, leading various sectors to make good use of innovative technologies to enhance their competitiveness.

In terms of intelligent manufacturing, 5G can be said to be the engine for “Industry 4.0” (i4.0). Taking the operation of the CNC Milling Machine as an example, using 5G's high speed, high capacity and low latency characteristics, through i4.0 enabling technologies including sensors, data analysis and human machine interface, it can fully automate milling and other tooling processes. Through Industrial IoT and 5G technology, the collected real-time data will be swiftly uploaded to the cloud platform for AI analysis and real-time optimisation of production performance. It will significantly raise production efficiency and capacity, and achieve the highest level of i4.0: autonomy. 5G technology can also be applied to outdoor projects, such as the use of Screw Fastening Robots for remote operation of complex and hazardous maintenance works. By realizing remote and real-time monitoring and other functions through 5G, with 4K high-resolution lens and 5G high-speed transmission, operators can have clear control and avoid issues of insufficient resolution or delays.

In terms of smart living, the integration of 5G technology into public and commercial service management has become an irreversible trend. For example, the Smart Property Management Solution can realize point-to-point data management from equipment, network to platform through diversified smart sensors and IoT. Using smart sensors to collect air quality data and measure the concentration of various pollutants in the air and monitor the flow of people and environmental data in real-time 24 hours a day, and send them to the management platform can assist users in real-time remote management. This solution effectively leverages data for efficient property management, while saving manpower and time, and improving user experience. The solution can also be applied to different scenarios, including shopping malls, residences, offices and parking lots, etc., to improve the quality of life for their users.

Dr Lawrence Cheung, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, said, “5G Future Hall is the only venue in Hong Kong to have the 5G base stations for all four major telecommunications operators, covering 3 different frequency bands. It is determined to provide a comprehensive 5G test service platform for the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector. Since its opening, it has received visitors from political sector, social welfare organisations and C&I sector, enabling people in different business areas to experience the applications and unlimited possibilities of 5G first-hand, and inspire them to develop solutions that fit their business edges. The exhibition brings together innovative 5G products and applications from the government, industry, academic and research sectors, which aim to achieve more effective use and management of the city’s resources and services through advanced technology.”

HKPC invited representatives from the Vocational Training Council (VTC) to be the first visitors of the revamp 5G Future Hall. Mr Tony Tai, Chairman of VTC, said, “This visit has been an eye-opener for us as we see the new opportunities of 5G technology in improving business services and operations. It does not only address the pain points of the industry, but also greatly improves operational efficiency and service quality, bringing significant benefits for enhancing Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness and promoting the development of smart cities in the future.”

HKPC has always supported the C&I sector to embark on a path of innovation and transformation. Its HKPC Academy provides a wide range of FutureSkills courses for companies and their employees to master the latest digital knowledge and technological skills so as to support the development of the company and maintain the market competitiveness. With the advantages of high-speed transmission and low latency, 5G is expected to be extended to various industries and daily life applications, and early acquisition of related knowledge and technology has become an important part.

The HKPC is the first R&D institution in Hong Kong to have the 5G base stations for all four major telecommunications operators with local 5G spectrum in its building, covering different frequency bands (3.5 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 26/28 GHz). It is committed to providing the industries with a comprehensive 5G testing platform and related applications, and helping companies to develop smart technologies for applications such as construction, transportation, waste management, energy, and medical care to improve the quality of life of the public with 5G network. In the future, the HKPC will continue to cooperate with the government to support I&T development, delve into 5G technology, and enable Hong Kong companies to grasp the unlimited opportunities brought by 5G.

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HKPC sets up 5G Future Hall and is committed to providing the industries with a comprehensive 5G testing platform.

VTC Chairman Mr Tony Tai (sixth from right); Executive Director Mrs Carrie Yau (fourth from left); and Deputy Chairman Dr Daniel Yip (third from right) pose for a group photo with HKPC management, led by Chairman Mr Willy Lin (sixth from left) and Executive Director Mr Mohamed Butt (fifth from right) at the revamped 5G Future Hall.

The Smart Property Management Solution can realize point-to-point data management from equipment, network to platform through diversified smart sensors and IoT.

Screw Fastening Robot can be used for remote operation of complex and hazardous maintenance works. By realizing remote and real-time monitoring and other functions through 5G, with 4K high-resolution lens and 5G high-speed transmission, operators can have clear control and avoid issues of insufficient resolution or delays.