The Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was held today, marking a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong.

In the first phase of the programme over the next two years, 60 amputees in the city will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge.

No implantation will be required for the programme participants. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, the high-tech prostheses will use the wearer's myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation support services will also be provided 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.

Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces, representing China's breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. Meanwhile, PolyU has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. 

The collaborative project is backed by the Government’s Innovation & Technology Fund.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the programme responds to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the "AI+" action plan to empower public well-being through artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people.

Prof Sun also noted the launch of the programme 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.