Case Studies

Video Analytics Technologies and Applications in Hong Kong

Case Study: Baggage Trolley Availability Monitoring and Management at Hong Kong International Airport

This real-time, video-based trolley availability monitoring system has been jointly developed by LSCM and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is now fully deployed in the Baggage Reclaim Hall at Hong Kong International Airport. This research project uses artificial intelligence technologies to turn video imagery of baggage trolley pickup points into trolley availability data in real-time. The project also develops a trolley availability monitoring system to disseminate up-to-date trolley availability statuses via a mobile application to frontline staff. The system is designed to ensure enough trolleys are available for passengers to use.

When the number of trolleys in a pickup point drops below a certain level, the system will notify frontline staff via the mobile app. The system reduces the number of staff and the frequency needed to patrol all the pickup points distributed over a large floor space. It also helps frontline staff to effectively replenish trolleys as required.

The goal of this video analytics technology is to improve the service quality for worldwide passenger by ensuring reliable trolley availability in Hong Kong terminals. Initially, the computed results from the video analysis technology were not quite perfect - the trolley detection rate was about 87% during the early R&D stage. Through the continuously collected data, the detection rate was improved to 92% at the end of 2016 after applying machine learning techniques. Since then, the video analytics technology has been automatically processing the numbers of trolleys available for use over all 18 pickup points in real-time for Hong Kong International Airport’s entire Baggage Reclaim Hall.

This trolley availability monitoring system does not require any equipment installation on any trolley. This saves corresponding one-time installation procedure with long-term maintenance management. Via artificial intelligence technology, the system can extend its capability to detect other baggage trolleys of different sizes or models. Thus, Hong Kong International Airport has carried out a plan starting in 2018 to gradually extend the video-analytics technology cover other trolley pickup points in arrival and departure halls.

Bird’s eye view of real-time trolley availability in Baggage Reclaim Hall

Number of trolleys detected for a specific trolley pickup point at a particular moment

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LSCM: Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre in Hong Kong

Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) is Hong Kong’s leading Centre of technology research and development (R&D) across numerous sectors, both public and private. Since its founding in 2006, LSCM has been dedicated to fostering technological innovation to enhance the efficiency in the logistics and supply chain industries.

The role of Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) in Hong Kong and Beyond

Hong Kong is considered as one of the world’s leading logistics hubs. LSCM aims to reinforce this position through the continuous enhancement of technological facilities within areas of logistics, supply chain, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce, etc.

Always on the move, LSCM seeks to ensure Hong Kong keeps up on a global scale, cementing our place on the world stage as a progressive adopter of innovative technology. With an extensive range of projects developed over the years, LSCM nurtures ideas for growth not only in Hong Kong but also in Mainland China.

Facilitating Innovation Across Multiple Industries

To promote economic growth through heightened efficiency, LSCM has spurred the development of numerous cutting-edge technologies, including supply chain technology, robotics technology for logistics, and an AIoT Chinese Medicine dispensing and delivery system. These projects were undertaken to not only enhance efficiency, but also to provide effective solutions for the ageing problems across multiple industries in Hong Kong.

LSCM has a wealth of case studies in our database. These range from sophisticated virtual reality training modules to secure E-Lock system and E-Cheque Wallet applications, and many more. Our case studies showcase the impact of technology deployment on different sectors, demonstrating how a seemingly simple idea can transform the entire industry operations.

Future Development of Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM)

Moving forward, LSCM will work closely with the Government, academia and the industry in Hong Kong to continuously foster the development and adoption of technological innovations that address emerging supply chain and logistics challenges. As part of this effort, we prioritise building a community that focuses on collaboration to accelerate the progress.

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