MTR invested HK$70 million to bolster smart railway technology through research with ASTRI

To strengthen smart railway operations management and intelligent maintenance with the latest technology, the MTR Corporation has invested and reserved a total of about HK$70 million to deepen its collaboration with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI).

Given ASTRI’s rich research and copious experience in applying communication technology, artificial intelligence technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics, the collaboration between the two parties will enhance the performance and efficiency of MTR’s railway operations and intelligent maintenance.

This collaboration is marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which establishes a framework for fostering innovative solutions and technology applications. Officiating at the signing ceremony are Dr Tony Lee, Operations Director of MTR Corporation and Dr Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, Mr. Chan Hing-keung, Chief of Operations Engineering Service & Innovation of MTR Corporation, and Mr. David Chan, Chief Operating Officer of ASTRI.

MTR has been working with ASTRI since 2021, during which MTR allocated approximately HK$50 million to embark on projects with ASTRI. They kick-started multiple contracts and projects, including the use of precise automatic optical inspection technology to monitor railway safety, joint research and development of a portable escalator gap clearance inspection tool, and the application of digital twin to enhance the operational efficiency of the maintenance centre in the future.  

Moving ahead, MTR and ASTRI look forward to further collaboration, jointly researching, developing and applying new technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence and data analysis to build a smart railway system.

Dr. Tony Lee, Operations Director of the MTR Corporation, notes that MTR spares no effort in applying technology to enhance operational and management performance, and strives for excellence in providing safe and reliable railway services for its passengers. He is grateful for ASTRI being its close partner over the years, assisting MTR to improve its operational and management efficiency with innovative solutions.

“We look forward to working with ASTRI’s experts to contribute to ‘industry-academic-research’ collaboration and facilitate the development of Hong Kong’s smart railways,” Lee adds.

Dr. Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, is keen on working with MTR to promote the comprehensive application of intelligent railway technology. “ASTRI is pleased to establish a close cooperative relationship with MTR to develop an intelligent railway using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, digital twin, optical inspections and more,” says Yip.

Yip adds that as intelligent railway service plays an essential role in building an international smart city, this collaboration will bring epoch-making breakthroughs to smart mobility technology in Hong Kong, continuously providing passengers with better travel experience and services and empowering smart living with technology.

Under the new corporate strategy “Transforming the Future”, the MTR Corporation actively joins hands with research institutions, universities and start-ups to continuously promote smart railway services and operations, while contributing to local scientific research to help Hong Kong get ahead.

Meanwhile, ASTRI will remain steadfast in solidifying Hong Kong’s status as an international smart city. By actively supporting the improvement of the innovation and technology ecosystem, and promoting cooperation among the government, industry, academia and research sectors, ASTRI seeks to transform advanced technology into practical applications, creating intelligent living and business environments for the public.