Hong Kong trials AI water tank cleaning robots for public housing

The Hong Kong Housing Bureau is introducing a specialized water tank cleaning robot developed by the Hong Kong Construction and Intelligent Research Centre (HKCRC) to improve safety and efficiency in public housing estates. The technology aims to replace the hazardous practice of requiring workers to enter confined spaces to clean water tanks.

Since May, the fourth-generation robot has been undergoing trials at Mun Tung Estate, Hoi Ying Estate, and Lai Yiu Estate. The device features an amphibious autonomous navigation system, high-pressure cleaning, vacuum suction, and disinfection capabilities. It utilizes artificial intelligence to identify tank dimensions and specific areas requiring intensive cleaning, and can transmit wireless signals underwater up to 25 meters.

The robot received a gold award at the 51st Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. Following the successful trials, the Housing Bureau expects mass production to begin within the year, with plans to expand the technology to all public housing estates in Hong Kong and potentially to international markets, including Singapore, South Korea, and the Middle East.