image: Dr Jimmy Li Chi-ho, Assistant Professor in the School of Science and Technology at HKMU (left), explains that the MR system guides users step by step through the building-inspection process.
Credit: Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is committed to developing impactful applied research. In collaboration with Hong Yip Service Company Limited (Hong Yip), a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP), Dr Jimmy Li Chi-ho, Assistant Professor in the School of Science and Technology, has developed an intelligent property inspection system. This innovative solution improves the efficiency of property management staff in inspecting new residential units, while significantly reducing training time and labour costs for property management companies.
This smart inspection and training system has won multiple awards in applied science, including a Gold Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
Each year, many private residential units are completed in Hong Kong. Before handover to the new owners, developers typically have property management staff conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the developer's standards. The process may involve inspecting over 100 items in each unit, with any defects identified requiring prompt rectification. To optimise this traditionally complex, time-consuming process, HKMU secured over HK$2 million in funding from the Research Grants Council's Research Matching Grant Scheme and partnered with Hong Yip to develop this intelligent inspection system.
Dr Li explained that the system focuses on the five most common inspection items: washbasins, toilets, wall and floor tiles, aluminium windows and sliding doors, and glass shower doors. Utilising digital twin technology, the system integrates and compares the actual unit environment with the unit layout drawings and wall structures. Property management staff wearing mixed reality (MR) glasses can view the unit environment with real-time visual guidance highlighting areas that require inspection. “The system directs users to employ methods such as 'visual', 'touch' and 'functional testing' to inspect potential defects, such as shower screen leaks, hollow wall tiles and damaged glass,” explained Dr Li.
In building inspection training, instructors usually assess trainee performance by cross-referencing their unit inspection reports against actual site conditions. According to data from Hong Yip, trainees using conventional inspection methods detected an average of 75% of defects, while those using the new smart inspection technology identified over 90% – a marked improvement in accuracy and consistency.
The system also has an interactive quiz feature to evaluate inspectors' understanding of acceptance standards, thus serving as an effective training tool for property management staff.
Mr Pius Lam King-lok, Senior Project and Program Development Manager of Hong Yip, who co-developed the project, stated that the system has revolutionised inspection training. In the past, property management staff had to carry printed booklets and work under the guidance of on-site engineers. Now, they can conduct self-guided training simply by wearing MR glasses.
“Hong Yip's inspection team currently comprises over 1,000 officers and technicians,” said Mr Lam. “If this system is fully adopted, it is expected to save up to 30,000 hours in training time.”
The system has already been implemented in several SHKP developments managed by Hong Yip, including Wetland Seasons Bay. The HKMU team has secured a short-term patent in Hong Kong for the system.
Titled “MR and Digital Twin Powered Environment for Training and Education”, the project, led by Dr Li, was awarded a Gold Medal at the recent International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
In addition, Dr Li and his research team have received 22 other awards, including the Platinum Award (Champion) at the Inter-Institutional Competition on Facility Management, organised by the International Facility Management Association Hong Kong Chapter, and the Best Innovation Award at the Young Professional Exhibition and Competition 2024, organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology Hong Kong.
Dr Li emphasised that the system is highly versatile and can be used in various types of properties, including residential, commercial and industrial buildings. It requires no professional background to operate, enabling even inexperienced users to easily detect defects and report issues to building contractors for prompt rectification.
Looking ahead, HKMU and Hong Yip plan to collaborate with public organisations to expand the adoption of this system and will continue to work with the construction and property management sectors to advance smart inspection technology.