CUHK’s Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR) has unveiled the city’s first locally developed, AI-powered robotic platform.

Comprising two core components – a quadruped robot named LY1, and a 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.

Highly versatile and applicable across various sectors such as logistics, retail and industrial automation, the platform highlights Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities in robotics and embodied intelligence and marks a new chapter for local innovation and technology.

The LY 1 quadruped robot is a compact and efficient robotic platform designed for high mobility in complex environments, including rugged and challenging terrain. The VLM-powered dual-arm embodied AI system integrates multimodal perception with a vision language model. It can adapt its responses and provide intelligent assistance to real-world situations. The dual-arm system can automatically perform tasks such as goods picking, sorting and transport, reducing manual labour demand and increasing operational throughput. It can also help restock shelves, fulfil orders and perform collaborative functions in supermarkets and unmanned retail stores. Together, these two systems form a unified platform which enhances operational efficiency in warehouse and retail environments.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government Professor Sun Dong said he was delighted to witness the launch of Hong Kong’s first locally developed robotic platform 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,” he said.

CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Chairperson of Board of Directors of HKCLR Professor Sham Mai-har (third from left, above) noted: “Since its inception, HKCLR has been closely collaborating with prominent international and local research teams, achieving continuous breakthroughs in key technologies. These 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.”

Director of HKCLR Professor Liu Yunhui (far left, above) added that 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.