The 14th episode of HOY TV’s innovation series “AI for Humans” spotlights “Smart Cities and Innovation in Construction”, showcasing how the government is harnessing spatial data for urban planning, and how industry leaders and Cyberport-incubated startups are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and safety of construction site management.
The episode takes audiences inside the Development Bureau’s Geospatial Lab and the Construction Industry Council’s Centre for Future Construction, featuring interviews with the founders of two Cyberport startups, R2C2 and AT-VIBE. These startups demonstrate how AI is being applied in real-world construction settings.
David Lam, Under Secretary for Development, emphasized the increasing role of spatial data in city planning and operations. From visual impact assessments to climate risk analysis, spatial data now supports initiatives like the “15-minute living circle”.
The Government is also advancing the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM), enhanced by digital twin technology, to improve cost management, energy efficiency, and operational oversight in public works.
Chan Yue-chun, Head of the Spatial Data Office, noted that the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) has already integrated and standardized over 1,000 datasets since 2022. The platform serves as a single “data supermarket,” enabling seamless data sharing among government departments, researchers, enterprises, and the public, thus fostering cross-sector innovation.
Ir Prof Thomas Ho On-sing, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), introduced the 4S Smart Site Safety System, which is now widely adopted across local construction sites. Using smart cameras, wearable devices, and a central monitoring hub, the system delivers real-time alerts to improve safety outcomes significantly.
To further support industry transformation, the CIC offers AI and BIM Masterclasses and hands-on demonstrations at the Centre for Future Construction. The Council aims to train 7,000 professionals in smart construction technologies within the next year, accelerating the industry's transition into the age of AI and robotics.
Cyberport startup R2C2, founded by San Wong, has developed a universal AI-powered “robotic brain” capable of managing robots from multiple brands. The platform supports high-altitude inspections, material transport, and 3D laser scanning, enabling safer and more efficient workflows. It also drives the digital transformation of processes across industries such as construction, surveying, and civil engineering.
Meanwhile, AT-VIBE, a Cyberport-incubated startup led by founder Wilson Chan, offers a suite of smart infrastructure solutions. These include a LiDAR-based system for accurate vehicle height detection to prevent bridge collisions, as well as an edge computing image analysis system that enhances construction site safety, confined space monitoring, and environmental surveillance.
Both startups have leveraged Cyberport’s funding, networking, and mentorship resources to scale their innovations and expand industry partnerships.
The programme concludes that Hong Kong is steadily building a robust smart city ecosystem through data standardisation, cross-sector collaboration, and talent development. With AI infrastructure — including the upcoming AI Supercomputing Centre — continuing to grow, the integration of AI and spatial data promises to enhance everyday life, improve public services, and drive industrial upgrades.
AI for Humans airs every Saturday at 8:30pm on HOY TV Channel 78. Re-runs are available on Sundays at 6:30pm on Channel 77, and on Tuesdays at 10:00pm on Channel 78. All episodes will also be made available online through HOY TV’s official digital platforms for on-demand viewing.
Audiences are encouraged to tune in each week to discover how emerging technologies are reshaping the way we live, work, and build the cities of the future.
