The adoption of advanced technologies is reshaping the construction industry, and the MiC Trio, originally developed by the HKU iLab team led by Professor Wilson Lu with support from Hong Kong Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) and the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), is a prime example of how integrated digital innovation can drive transformative benefits of the industry. As MIC continues to gain momentum, efficient coordination of offsite production, cross-border transportation, and on‑site installation has become essential. The ‘MiC Trio’ (MiC三寶) represents an innovative, end‑to‑end digital ecosystem that enhances the entire lifecycle of modular construction through mobile applications.

Its first application, e‑inStar, digitalises factory production by capturing inspection records, photos, and test reports in real time. All information is uploaded to a dashboard supported by blockchain, enabling project teams to remotely monitor off-site manufacturing and ensure consistent production quality. 

Once modules are in transit, i‑Core sensors capture critical environmental data, including temperature, vibration, and humidity, while e‑TranStar uses blockchain and logistics intelligence to provide real‑time tracking, condition monitoring, and accurate arrival time predictions. 

Upon arrival on site, the third application, e‑InstalStar, supports precise and efficient installation. It verifies hoisting paths, checks module placement accuracy, and ensures that installation follows the planned sequence. 

The MiC Trio significantly improves transparency, accuracy, and productivity across MiC production and supply chain, establishing a new benchmark for digital construction management. This solution has already been successfully piloted and validated in six MiC projects, including:

• HKU’s Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence project
• HKU’s High West Student Residence project
• Hong Kong Housing Authority’s (HKHA) Anderson Road
• HKHA’s Tak Tin Street project
• Architectural Services Department's (ArchSD) Light Public Housing project in Tuen Mun
• ArchSD's Light Public Housing project in Ma On Shan

Based on the developments, the team has won the following awards:

• Hong Kong ICT Award 2025 (Bronze Award of the Smart Mobility category and the “Best Use of AI” award)
•  48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (2023) (Bronze Medal)

• Hong Kong ICT Award 2022 (Gold Award of the Smart Logistics Category)
• Best Paper Award from Journal of Management in Engineering (2022), American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE)
• The buildingSMART International (bSI) Awards 2021 (Professional Research Category)

These successful applications demonstrate how scientific research can provide practical solutions to the construction challenges of today. The MiC Trio not only addresses immediate industry needs but also showcases how innovation can unlock infinite possibilities for the future of construction.

Prof. Wilson LU, Chair Professor (Digital Construction) and Head of the Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong