HKUST Annual Report 2023-2024

30 Lab to Market Sweet Smell of Success for Odor-Detecting Robots Revolutionary biomimetic olfactory chips, developed by Prof. FAN Zhiyong (Electronic and Computer Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering) and his research team, have paved the way for applications that allow people to smell normally undetectable odors, and monitor breath and skin to warn of potential diseases. Achievements include miniaturization, high sensitivity to complex odorant mixtures, and cost- effectiveness. The research was carried out with Tsinghua University, Jilin University, and Prof. Fan’s start-up Ai-Sensing Technology Co. Ltd. Cementless EcoBrix Build Way to Sustainable Future Research headed by Prof. Charles NG Wang- Wai (Civil and Environmental Engineering) has led to the development of cementless eco- bricks from municipal solid wastes. The innovation upcycles plastic, food, construction and other wastes to produce the economically viable EcoBrix, facilitating CO 2 sequestration and promoting carbon neutrality. The innovation received a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. The Hong Kong government and construction sector are supporting adoption of the bricks.