CUHK’s InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics unveils Hong Kong’s first self-locally developed AI-powered quadrupedal robots and humanoid dual-arm platform

The Chinese University Hong Kong (CUHK)’s InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR) has unveiled Hong Kong’s first self-locally developed, AI-powered robotic platform. It comprises two core components, the LY 1 quadruped robot and the dual-arm embodied AI system powered by vision language model. This platform integrates high mobility with intelligent manipulation capabilities, showcasing advanced technologies in perception, decision-making and hardware execution. This is highly versatile and can be applied across various sectors such as logistics, retail and industrial automation, highlighting Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities in robotics and embodied intelligence, and marking a new chapter for local innovation and technology.

Promote smart city development through robotic technology

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, said: “HKCLR is a R&D centre under AIR@InnoHK, focusing on the development of applied robotics and AI technologies. I am delighted to witness the launch of Hong Kong’s first self-locally developed quadruped robot and humanoid dual-arm manipulation platform based on advanced AI models. This technology and product launch is closely aligned with the HKSAR Government’s strategy of focusing on developing the AI and robotics industries, demonstrating the results of close collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors.”

Professor Sham Mai-har, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Chairperson of Board of Directors of HKCLR, said: “Since its inception, HKCLR has been closely collaborating with prominent international and local research teams, achieving continuous breakthroughs in key technologies. This latest embodied AI research outcomes not only inspire the industry but also foster cross-sector collaboration, facilitating the industry towards a more efficient and intelligent future.”

Hong Kong’s first locally developed AI quadrupedal robots and humanoid dual-arm platform

The LY 1 quadruped robot is a compact and efficient robotic platform designed for high mobility in complex environments. Its innovative differential drive system enhances structural efficiency and load capacity, while reinforcement learning-based motion control and visual navigation algorithms enable autonomous movement across rugged and challenging terrain.

The VLM-powered dual-arm embodied AI system integrates multimodal perception with a vision language model, enabling semantic understanding and environment perception. It can adapt its responses to real-world situations, providing intelligent assistance across household, industrial and logistics settings. Through semantic sorting and multi-robot coordination, the system enhances logistics and warehouse efficiency, while enabling flexible handling, precision assembly and seamless human-robot collaboration in industrial operation. This contributes to the advancement of smart city development.

These two systems form a unified platform which enhances operational efficiency in warehouse and retail environments. The dual-arm system can automatically perform tasks such as goods picking, sorting and transport, reducing manual labour demand and increasing operational throughput. It also supports shelf restocking, order fulfilment and collaborative functions in supermarkets and unmanned retail stores.
Professor Tsang Hon-ki, Dean of Engineering at CUHK, said: “The research achievements of CUHK’s InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics in embodied intelligence have provided practical solutions for industrial upgrades through automation and intelligent technologies, and brings new momentum to the sustainable development of smart cities. The CUHK’s Faculty of Engineering will continue to support HKCLR to promote the wider applications of robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, and to reinforce the position of Hong Kong, China as a major international hub for smart logistics and robotics innovation.”

Professor Liu Yunhui, Director of HKCLR, and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at CUHK, said: “HKCLR has made technological breakthroughs in quadrupedal robots, dual-arm manipulation and embodied AI, providing cutting-edge technologies for Hong Kong. These innovations can be applied to robotic inspection, warehouse automation, intelligent sorting, delivery, and services, contributing to the sustainable development of smart cities locally and globally.”