Learn how students are changing the world one project at a time

"Learn how students are changing the world one project at a time" is a 9-part series from a group of Hong Kong students. The students have entered the EIE Microcontroller Application Design Contest and are using innovative engineering to improve their community and the world.

The “EIE Microcontroller Application Design Contest (2016 – 17)” is organised by the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering (EIE), at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University sponsored by RS components Ltd and EGG Technology Ltd. The contest aims to promote EIE students’ interest in microcontroller-based electronic product design and to provide a platform for EIE students to exercise their creativity and innovation through teamwork. The contest consists of two phases. In Phase I, each team with at most three members were required to submit a proposal to describe the design and implementation of its products. Before the deadline (i.e., 30 December 2016), RS Components organised a brainstorming session for all students to share their ideas. RS Components gave comments on these. Phase I was completed on 30 December 2016 with many proposals received. Nine teams were shortlisted for Phase II. In Phase II, the shortlisted teams received financial support and technical advice/support from the EIE Department and RS Components Ltd. All teams had around eight weeks to produce their products based on their proposals.

On the 10th March 2017, they will deliver a 15-minute presentation to describe and demonstrate the features of their final products with a 5-minute Q&A session thereafter. A panel of judges will be formed by the EIE Department, RS Components Ltd and EGG Technology Ltd.

Take a look at the projects for yourself. Click on the links and discover how the students have progressed:

1. Air Cleaner Controller: a prototype to measure the air quality 

2. Tracking Watch: : a hardware device that allows you never to get lost even if you do not have a GPS signal

3. Virtual Paper: a drawing system that needs ot pens or surfaces draw

4. Parking+: a smart parking system that allows you to find the best available parking

5. Ultimate BBQ Helper: a device that allows any beginner to create perfectly cooked BBQ food

6. MyFeeder: a feeding system for pets for busy families

7. Toiletries Manager: the system manages all bathroom products through an inventory system

8. China Wizard Chess: a system that enables anyone to play chess with their voice

9. Smart Plant Watering System:  a designed system that waters plants automatically