On 14 April 2025, the Trustworthy AI and Autonomous Systems Laboratory (TASLAB) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) presented its Smart Building Cleaning UAV System at InnoEX 2025, Asia’s innovation and technology expo in Hong Kong. The system was demonstrated to a delegation of enterprise leaders from Jiangsu Province, China. It aims to transform high-rise building maintenance through autonomous aerial robotics, in line with national goals for smart city development and low-altitude economy (LAE) growth.
Approval under the LAE Regulatory Sandbox enables TASLAB to conduct a series of real-world unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trials across key zones in Hong Kong, advancing the lab’s work in aerial robotics, low-altitude applications and smart city integration.
TASLAB presented the Smart Building Cleaning UAV System to enterprise leaders from Jiangsu at InnoEX 2025.
Key features and demonstration
The system showcased at InnoEX 2025 includes:
- AI-Powered Navigation: SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology for obstacle avoidance in complex urban terrain.
- Adaptive Cleaning Modules: water-efficient, chemical-free spray systems adjustable for glass, concrete and solar panels.
- Real-Time Structural Health Monitoring: onboard sensors detect cracks, corrosion or thermal leaks and transmit the data to facility managers.
- Low-Altitude Compliance: operates within Hong Kong’s 300-foot AGL regulatory framework, validated through the LAE Regulatory Sandbox.
Strategic interest from Jiangsu enterprises
Jiangsu, home to over 60% of China’s skyscrapers above 200 meters, is a key market for the technology. During the event, Nanjing Smart City Group and Suzhou Industrial Park Authority expressed their intent to pilot the system for maintaining commercial towers and industrial facilities.
Mr. Wei Zhang, CEO of Nanjing Smart City Group, remarked:
“Hong Kong’s expertise in autonomous systems complements Jiangsu’s infrastructure needs. This UAV solution could reduce rooftop maintenance costs by 40% while enhancing worker safety—a win for our ESG goals.”
Next steps: cross-boundary collaboration
Building on the LAE Sandbox trials, TASLAB plans:
- Joint Pilots: deploy UAVs in Jiangsu’s Nanjing CBD and Suzhou Industrial Park in Q1 2026.
- Regulatory Alignment: work with Mainland authorities to harmonise UAV operations across the Greater Bay Area.
- AI Expansion: integrate generative AI for predictive maintenance scheduling based on sensor data. <!– ## Project Scope and Locations
The approved project runs from January 2 to December 30, 2025, and includes UAV operations at:
- Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP)
- Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (GHK)
- Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP)
These locations were chosen for their strategic importance in innovation, healthcare logistics, and cross-boundary technological collaboration. All operations will be conducted within the regulatory limit of 300 feet above ground level (AGL) and under strict safety protocols. –>
For more about the Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox, visit TLB’s official website.