The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute (HKUST CKSRI) serves as a multidisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing robotics and autonomous systems through breakthroughs in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It aims to foster cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.

The "Autonomous Blimp Design and Competition," one of the most significant events in the local academic community, is hosted this year by CKSRI. To help participants achieve optimal performance, CKSRI has organized a series of training workshops, online training sessions with instructors, and practice workshops. Supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, the top-performing teams will qualify for the competition, which challenges participants to compete in teams, testing their skills in robot programming, control, strategic decision-making, and teamwork. The competition is divided into two categories: secondary school and university divisions. This project provides students with a platform to integrate their knowledge and skills into the design and construction of intelligent robots, enabling them to explore their interests and potential in robotics science and engineering. 

• Inspire Interest in STEM Fields: Engage secondary school and university students by sparking their curiosity and passion for robotic engineering, analytical thinking, and coding.
• Provide Knowledge and Practical Experience: Equip students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in robotic engineering, artificial intelligence, and automation, fostering their skills and confidence in these fields.
• Prepare Students for High-Tech Careers: Empower students with the essential tools and expertise they need to pursue future careers in high-tech industries, contributing to the growth and innovation of the global technology sector.
• Cultivate Local Innovation Talent: Nurture a new generation of innovators and technology leaders in Hong Kong, driving the city’s development as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.

In this project, six awareness workshops will introduce students to various robotic technologies and skills. Additionally, a one-day workshop on Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs), one-day practical workshop with 2-days blimps competition will provide practical experience. The hands-on workshops allow student teams to operate ROVs and explore their potential applications in marine technology.

The blimp competition enables students to apply their knowledge to design and build a blimp, completing specific tasks such as transporting goods. These practical workshops and competitions help cultivate students' interest and skills in problem-solving during the design and construction process, while also enhancing their collaboration and communication abilities.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 28, 2025, at the prestigious Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). This highly anticipated event will mark the official kickoff of the program, setting an inspiring and exciting tone for the journey ahead.

The ceremony will serve multiple purposes, starting with an overview of the program’s key highlights and activities, giving participants a clear picture of what to expect in the coming days. A detailed introduction to the competition rules will also be provided, ensuring that all participants are thoroughly informed, well-prepared, and confident about the expectations and guidelines for the event. It will be a unique chance to bring together individuals who share a common passion for innovation, technology, and collaboration. With its blend of informative sessions and networking opportunities, the Opening Ceremony will lay the foundation for a successful, engaging, and memorable series of events.

The awareness workshops are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in robotics, covering both hardware and software development skills. A total of six workshops will be conducted, each focusing on a diverse range of topics to broaden participants' understanding of the field. The target audience includes local secondary school students and undergraduate students. The topics to be covered in these workshops include:

• Sensors
• Mechanical Design
• Underwater Robotics
• Embodied Intelligence
• Navigation Technology
• Applications of Robotics

The entire program aims to cultivate talent in robotics across land, sea, and aerial domains. ROVs are a critical component of marine robotics, representing the "sea" aspect of the program. ROVs are widely used in industries like marine exploration, offshore energy, and environmental monitoring. We would like the students to learn how robotics solves real-world problems, inspiring them to pursue careers in robotics and related fields. ROV operation can provide opportunities in comprehending the working principles and application of underwater robotics. So after finishing the workshop, we will conduct a one-day practical workshop to provide participants with hands-on experience in operating a real-world ROV at HKUST. The venue for this workshop will be the HKUST swimming pool and students will participate in the activity in groups. Exposure to ROV technology can inspire students to engage in projects related to marine science and engineering. 

The one-day practical workshop is an engaging, hands-on activity designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a collaborative and creative environment. During the workshop, participants will form small teams to design, build, and program autonomous blimps capable of performing specific tasks. This immersive experience allows students to combine the skills they’ve learned in previous sessions, including robotics, programming, and problem-solving, into a tangible and exciting project.

The key objective of the workshop is to encourage participants to think critically and creatively while working as a team to tackle real-world challenges. Teams will be tasked with addressing various technical and functional requirements for their autonomous blimps, such as achieving stability, navigation, and task performance, all while overcoming unforeseen obstacles. 

The Blimp Competition will feature two distinct challenges designed to test participants’ creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

1. Blimp Race with Obstacles:
   In this challenge, teams must navigate their blimps through a series of obstacles and complete the course within a limited time. Success requires precise control and strategic planning to overcome the obstacles efficiently.
2. Object Delivery Challenge:
   The second competition involves using the blimp to pick up objects from a designated point and deliver them accurately to a target destination. This task emphasizes precision, stability, and the ability to execute effective control strategies.

Each competition will have two levels: secondary and tertiary, distinguished by the control method:

• Secondary Level: Participants will use remote controls to operate their blimps.
• Tertiary Level: Participants will program their blimps for autonomous control, relying on their coding skills to complete the tasks.

The award ceremony is designed for students to reflect on the lessons learned, celebrate the dedication to attending the six awareness sessions, ROV workshop, one-day of practical workshops and two-day competition event, and inspire their continued involvement in robotic technologies. Distinguished guests and three keynote speakers will share insights on the project s outcome, advancements in robotics technology, the ’ growth of the robotics industry, and research and development in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Additionally, they will highlight upcoming robotics events, seminars and projects, providing participants with valuable insights and encouraging them to stay engaged with future robotics initiatives. The ceremony will be a half-day event at the HKUST, featuring both online and offline participation. We expect around 450 attendees, with 300 joining virtually and 150 in person. This public event aims to ignite interest in robotics in the community and promote the robotics industry in Hong Kong, showcasing its potential and encouraging ongoing engagement and innovation.