Amid a growing talent shortage in artificial intelligence worldwide, Hong Kong is looking to position itself as an international hub for innovation and technology talent. The city’s push was on full display in the final of the inaugural Physical AI Hackathon, which attracted over 1,000 applications from more than 240 universities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Focusing on AI systems that operate in, perceive, and interact with the real physical world, the contest showcased real-world AI applications across domains such as robotics engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Participants said the competition inspired them to see vast new possibilities for real-world AI applications.

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The competition’s HK$100,000 ($12,750) Most Valuable Player Award went to a team that innovated an assistive companion device using a robotic arm for beauty assistance. By pre-setting commands, the robotic arm can help users apply makeup, blow-dry hair, and tidy up the vanity on a customized schedule.

Team member Luo Yuqing said the contest allowed her to connect with friends from diverse backgrounds and regions. “Everyone was scrambling to get the work done, which exceeded my expectations,” she said.

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Another team unveiled an AI-empowered wearable device that can locate earthquake survivors through signal tracking, design safe rescue routes and monitor vital signs in real time. “We hope to use this AI application to shorten rescue times,” said Li Xin, a team member from Sichuan province.

Li, who has long been focused on earthquake rescue operations, brought the idea to the competition’s preparation phase, and formed a team with other contestants. “Hong Kong has provided me with a collaborative platform and helped turn my innovative tech ideas into reality,” she said.

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“We hope to leverage both Hong Kong’s international talent advantages and Shenzhen’s hardware supply chain strengths simultaneously,” said Chen Jing, brand manager of Alloop AI, a company that designs smart wearable ecosystems to monitor human health and one of the competition’s sponsors. She added that Hong Kong possesses a vibrant atmosphere for international academic exchanges.

Hong Kong has established an innovation and technology ecosystem that gathers global enterprises and talent, ranking first in Asia in its ability to attract international professionals, said Terry Wong Ping-sau, CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp.

He added that physical AI is moving from simulation platforms into real-world factories and homes, and Hong Kong is positioned to be “the absolute epicenter of this revolution”.

Contact the writer at akirawang@chinadailyhk.com