BrainCo and PolyU Launch Inclusive Tech Initiative in Hong Kong: Providing Free Smart Prosthetics to Local Amputees

The launch ceremony was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China; Mr. Choi Kit-ming, Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology; Mr. Lee Kwok-bun, Director-General of Innovation and Technology; Mr. Han Bicheng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BrainCo; Ms. Xu Zhiwen, Representative of BrainCo; as well as Professor Teng Jinguang, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU); Professor Zhao Ruheng, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Professor Zheng Yongping, Liang Show-Lei Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU. The event also invited trial users who have been fitted with smart prosthetic limbs during the first phase, experts in the medical rehabilitation field, and representatives from social welfare organisations. It aims to further promote the initiative to the disabled and injured community in Hong Kong, enabling more individuals in need to become aware of and benefit from it. The programme is now open for applications from eligible individuals.

“BrainCo—The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Technology for People Initiative” Launch CeremonySuccessfully held at the HKSAR Government Headquarters

In his address, Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government of the People's Republic of China, pointed out that the project aligns with the “AI+” initiative proposed in the national 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the empowerment of public livelihoods through technology. He noted that Hong Kong boasts robust scientific research capabilities, with five universities ranked among the world's top 100 and two medical schools ranked in the global top 40. With profound expertise in life and health technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics, Hong Kong is well-equipped to realize the vision of “technology benefiting the people.” The launch of the initiative also embodies the original aspiration of technology for social good and a people-centric approach, enabling cutting-edge technologies to step out of laboratories and truly integrate into citizens' daily lives.

Address by Professor Sun Dong

Mr. Han Bicheng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BrainCo, stated: “Over the next two years, with the support of the HKSAR Government, BrainCo will collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and partners from all sectors of society to diligently implement the project and ensure service support, providing free smart bionic hands and legs to more eligible amputees in Hong Kong, while continuously optimizing product experience and rehabilitation support services.”

Address by Mr. Han Bicheng

Professor Teng Jinguang, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), emphasized that scientific research must ultimately benefit society. The people-centric technology development approach advocated in the Chief Executive’s *Policy Address* aligns closely with PolyU’s motto, "To do and to be." In this collaboration, BrainCo will provide its world-leading core technologies for intelligent bionic prosthetics, while PolyU will be responsible for technology implementation, promotion, and research support. The team will evaluate the technological efficacy in clinical application scenarios, collect user feedback, and make timely adjustments and optimizations to continuously improve the user experience. With the strong support of the SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Fund, this initiative ensures that cutting-edge technology truly serves public needs and benefits society.

Address by Professor Teng Jinguang

In the first phase of the collaborative project, the PolyU team will conduct smart prosthetic fittings for amputees in Hong Kong, covering two types: smart bionic hands and smart bionic legs. Specifically, the smart bionic hand assists upper-limb amputees in restoring grasping and fine motor functions; the smart bionic leg is equipped with multi-sensor fusion and an intelligent hydraulic system, enabling real-time adaptation to walking intent. It supports daily activities such as stair ascent and descent and transitions between different walking paces, and features an emergency stop mechanism for fall prevention. It is anticipated that users will experience a significant enhancement in their self-care abilities and confidence in returning to work after wearing these prostheses.

Prof. Zheng YongpingIntroduction to the Huimin Technology Program

At the launch ceremony, the first cohort of beneficiaries shared their firsthand experiences. By detecting myoelectric signals from the residual limb, the intelligent bionic hand enables precise control of hand movements without requiring any surgical implantation. With training, it facilitates daily fine motor tasks such as writing and playing musical instruments. Meanwhile, the intelligent bionic leg significantly enhances gait mobility and stability for amputees, even supporting participation in sports activities.

Experiences Shared by Recipients of the Smart Bionic Leg Program

Testimonials from Program Recipients Fitted with Smart Bionic Hands

Professor Sun Dong (right) interacting with product users on-site

Group photo of distinguished guests at the launch ceremony