Hong Kong, 14 September 2025 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Meituan MarsTalk, bringing together leading experts in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence to explore technological breakthroughs in intelligent systems for dynamic environments.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by representatives from HKISA, who emphasized the critical role of the new index in promoting trust and scalability in commercial and civic drone applications. The index will provide a measurable framework to evaluate drone performance, maintenance standards and operational safety, which are key factors for integration into urban airspace.
Speakers
The event featured speakers from both academia and industry, highlighting the growing collaboration between universities and technology companies in advancing robotics research.
- Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President of Meituan and Director of Meituan Academy of Robotics Shenzhen, delivered a keynote presentation on the company’s latest innovations in autonomous systems. “The integration of robotics and AI in real-world applications is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, particularly in service delivery and urban logistics,” Dr. Mao emphasized.
- Prof. Ning Xi, Chair Professor of Robotics and Automation and Head of the Department of Data and Systems Engineering at HKU, as well as Director of the Advanced Technologies Institute, spoke about the academic research underpinning these technological advances, focusing on the convergence of data science and robotic systems in creating more intelligent and adaptive machines.
- Prof. Wen-Hua Chen, Interim Head of Aerospace Engineering at PolyU, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and Director of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy, discussed emerging opportunities in the low-altitude economy. “Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are uniquely positioned to lead in the development of low altitude economy applications, from drone delivery to urban air mobility,” Prof. Chen noted.
- Dr. Wu Haotian, Senior Director of Meituan and Head of Hardware Platform of Keeta Drone, presented practical applications of drone technology in Meituan’s delivery ecosystem, showing how autonomous drones are deployed to navigate complex urban environments and deliver services more efficiently.
- Dr. Wenbo Ding, Associate Professor and Director of the Office of Research at Tsinghua SIGS, rounded out the speaker panel with insights on research collaboration opportunities between institutions in the Greater Bay Area.
Conversation among leading industry participants and academic innovators.
Bridging academia and industry through talent development
The event went beyond traditional academic presentations by offering career development opportunities for students and young professionals. Two special sessions were organized to connect talent with industry opportunities: Express Resume Submission and Fast-track Interview Pass.
TASLAB at MarsTalk
Members of the Trustworthy AI and Autonomous Systems Laboratory (TASLAB) also helped host the event.
TASLAB group photo.