The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has recently developed a generative AI that can create real-time 3D scenes through voice or text commands, applicable in fields such as video game design and interior design.
Nearly 20 projects from universities, institutions, and companies have been approved for funding after the government allocated HK$3 billion for a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme to support eligible organizations in leveraging the computing power of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) since October 2024.
Among them, HKU’s Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering has developed a generative AI capable of real-time 3D scene generation and rendering.
Associate Professor Ngai Wong said that the program can transform concepts or produce ideas into images. By providing commands through voice or text input, such as “creating a luxury hotel with a long corridor and golden lighting,” users can receive corresponding 3D scenes.
“For example, if we do interior design, we do not need to physically build the interior or the model for it. We can just use a voice prompt to change the interior design into a different style,” he said.
For game design, this technology allows for quick creation of adventure and treasure-hunting scenarios set in locations like the Amazon rainforest, he added.
Wong noted that, unlike similar global AI initiatives, this technology does not require large-scale cloud computing, enabling it to function on devices such as mobile phones and desktop computers, thus broadening its market reach.
Crystal Fok, Head of Business Development of Cyberport, said that acquiring supercomputing capabilities can be difficult for businesses.
Organizations looking to enhance their computing power often face challenges in finding suitable locations and technical support. She said the Cyberport’s AISC is available to assist with these needs, fostering AI development in the city.
“Cyberport aims to introduce more diverse types of AI models to enhance the AI ecosystem, enabling the technology to benefit society and assist various industries,” she added.
