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New AI chatbot solution launched in HK
Novel solutions from HK government tech lab
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has launched the Biobank and Biomedical Informatics Platform (BIP). These are firsts for both commercial and academic biomedical technology research and development in Hong Kong and set to foster biotech co-creation and commercialisation.
The HKSTP Biobank collects and stores high-quality biological samples for research and application. BIP, a cloud-based biomedical data exchange platform, is critical for biomedical solutions development and testing. The two initiatives are available for use by Park companies, as well as universities and research institutes.
The CEO at HKSTP stated that biotech holds the key to a future of healthy living and Hong Kong has huge potential to lead biotech development at a regional and global level. As a global city, Hong Kong is home to leading scientists and is strategically located to access comprehensive medical data that helps develop treatments suited to ethnic Chinese patients.
Around 150 biotech companies in the Park are focused on developing innovations from bench to bedside. The HKSTP Biobank and BIP provide the critical missing links that help biotech ventures accelerate R&D, collaborate, and ultimately commercialise their ideas into life-changing discoveries and solutions.
The CEO believes that the new initiatives will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the ideal gateway to access comprehensive health data from around the region and cement its status as a regional biotech hub.
Secure and quality-controlled repository
The HKSTP Biobank is a lifesaver for researchers and private biotech companies, who previously found it difficult to access or financially impossible to set-up their own biospecimens library and biobank with a pathology lab, as these were only available in hospitals and universities.
The Biobank also enables researchers to share samples and access to tools like the soon-to-launch virtual catalogue, providing a huge boost to the community as it enhances collaboration and co-creation opportunities.
The new biobank has been established to enable biomedical research through access to high-quality samples in academic and commercial institutions, fostering innovative discoveries and improve treatment options. The facility provides a centralised system to collect, process, store, and share biospecimens from various research areas to facilitate biomedical R&D.
The Biobank also includes histopathology and cytology services such as tissue processing, embedding, sectioning and staining for research purposes. The facility has been set up and operates according to international biobank guidelines to ensure high-quality services and is operated by experienced practitioners including registered medical laboratory technologists.
Secure shared platform to centralise biomedical data for exchange and analysis
The BIP is a cloud-based platform for biomedical data exchange and collaborations for researchers across industry and academics. It includes a data catalogue for researchers to find resources and initiate collaboration within or across teams.
The platform allows visualising, exploring and analysing data without downloading datasets, and provides secure cloud data storage and scalable computing resources for biomedical analytical needs. The cloud storage and computing resources are specified by the users on-demand. Researchers may create a project in a private workspace and perform analysis with ready-to-use pipelines or execute their own workflow/models through a container-based approach. Currently, 63 projects are being conducted on the platform.
Under robust authorisation and authentication measures, BIP data owners have full control over access to their datasets, and the platform provides data lineage tracking. BIP has been set up in accordance to international standards for data security and governance, for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), a US federal law which requires the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.
Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an ultrathin polymer nanofilm, which is not only 25 times stronger than stainless steel with the same mass but is also extremely transparent, gas-permeable and water-proof with adjustable porous properties, making it suitable for use as wearable devices, medical protection, desalination, electronics, solar cells and many other cutting-edge technologies.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team led by Prof. GAO Ping, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Acting Head of the Advanced Materials Thrust at HKUST(GZ), has been studying how to build a transparent and breathable face mask with their novel advanced material. After months of efforts, the team has finally produced a prototype with a 99’% filtration efficiency for virus, bacteria and particulate matters under tests in line with NIOSH NaCI (N95 respirator testing standard).
The novel material has much potential, but since the pandemic struck, the team focused on turning their nanofilm into a face mask that is not only transparent and breathable but is also highly efficient against virus and bacteria, as we haven’t yet seen one in the market which bears all three properties.
While common opaque surgical masks can protect the wearer from infection, they are not convenient for the hearing-impaired people who need to communicate via lip-reading and facial language; or teachers, child carers or performers who rely heavily on facial expressions in teaching, nurturing or performance.
Apart from the face mask, the team has also filed six other patents for the material’s application in other areas. The nanofilm’s adjustable porous property, for example, has made it the world’s most potent polymeric membrane for membrane distillation desalination so far, with efficiency 10 times higher than existing products in the market and almost three times above world record.
Meanwhile, its conformity, antibacterial, transparent yet strong properties have also made it an ideal material for various biomedical causes, including a new generation of wound dressing which requires no daily replacement and allows direct application of medicine.
Wound dressing made with this nanofilm is particularly useful for patients who suffer large-scale burns, the lead Professor noted. “It acts like a temporary skin to the burn victim, doctors can apply the medicine directly over the film, which would filter through to the wound beneath. As the film is completely water-proof, wearers can even take a shower without fear of wetting the wound.”
The material also makes a much better motion sensor for people, it can also be adopted for the design of robotic motions. Apart from biomedical and environmental use, the nanofilm can also be applied to electrical appliances, such as nano-vibrational speaker with a higher resolution of audio output or ultrathin batteries and high-energy-density capacitors.
This nanofilm developed by the team – measuring just 20 nanometres or less than one-thousandth the thickness of a hair strand – is made from the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethene (UHMWPE) – a light-weight material used in a bullet-proof vest.
It was very difficult to reduce UHMWPE to nanoscale as the powder-like material breaks at a certain level under the conventional methodology which stretches it in opposite directions to change the intrinsic orientation of the disordered and entangled polymeric chain.
But Prof. Gao found a way to detangle the polymer chains. Similar to applying conditioner to smoothen the hair, the team put UHMWPE into a lubricant and transform the material into a gel form, successfully enhancing its drawability while preventing the polymer chains from knotting. The team is thus able to rearrange the polymer chains into a topologically triangulated stable structure – a structure where some of the strongest material built upon.
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission together with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the first City I&T Grand Challenge was launched on 18 December 2020. In light of the new normal under the epidemic, the theme of the competition this year is “Innovating for Hong Kong’s New Normal” and invites all sectors of the community to put forward innovation and technology (I&T) solutions focusing on two issues, namely environmental sustainability and social connectivity, to tackle problems facing the city and people in their daily lives. A series of workshops and other activities will also be held to create an I&T atmosphere in the whole community.
The City I&T Grand Challenge is open for application from 18 December 2020 till 24 April 2021. Target participants range from primary and secondary school students to local and non-local tertiary students, technology enterprises, R&D teams and entrepreneurs. Winners will be awarded a cash prize and a trophy.
For the winners of the University and Open categories, they will also have a chance to receive R&D resources and training for refining their I&T solutions for trying at a designated venue such as a government department or a public organisation.
Under each of the focused issues of environmental sustainability and social connectivity, the City I&T Grand Challenge sets up two specific scenarios for participants to select for developing innovative solutions. For “environmental sustainability”, the two scenarios are surrounding disposable plastic tableware and household food waste, which are pressing environmental problems in the new normal.
As regards “social connectivity”, the two scenarios are mainly concerned about the physical and social well-being of senior citizens and children under the new normal of social distancing and distant learning.
The website of the City I&T Grand Challenge has been launched for the public to submit applications. A host of workshops, seminars and training activities will also be organised to introduce knowledge on technologies and entrepreneurship as well as topical daily life issues.
In his video speech for the launch of the event, the Financial Secretary stated that the Government has allocated over $100 billion in recent years for I&T infrastructure and development. It has provided full support for nurturing I&T talents and fostering an I&T ecosystem. It is committed to improving the entire I&T industry chain from research and development (R&D) to production and marketing, enabling local I&T talents and enterprises to excel.
The COVID-19 epidemic has led people to change their old lifestyles and to think about how to solve problems with technology. He believes that the City I&T Grand Challenge will draw creative ideas from all sectors for developing I&T and smart living proposals to help people live as usual and even in a better way in the new normal during and after the epidemic.
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology stated in his video address that, in addition to promoting a diversified economy and injecting new impetus into the economy of Hong Kong, and even more important objective for the Government to push forward I&T development is to improve the quality of life, bringing convenience and benefits to members of the public.
Speaking at the media briefing of the competition, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology said that, while some business plan competitions put the focus on the team members and product development capabilities of a company and its investment prospects, the City I&T Grand Challenge evaluates each proposal based on its originality, uniqueness and effectiveness, application of innovation and technology, as well as social benefits and impact.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation said that everyone has the potential to be an innovator to shape the future. The City I&T Grand Challenge offers an invaluable opportunity for the public to apply creativity and develop smart solutions catering to the new normal under the epidemic for the benefit of the community.
Created and funded by a charitable trust, PROcruit C will collaborate with over 100 employers from various sectors to create 400 trainee positions for degree or sub-degree first-time jobseekers. As one of the Industry Convenors of the programme, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) will boost the technology talent pool in Hong Kong by creating at least 75 entry-level career opportunities.
Specifically, HKSTP drives talent development in the “Technology for Good” track. The three other tracks in the Programme are “Creativity for Good”, “Business for Good”, and “Healthcare for Good”. The goal of the programme is to enable fresh graduates seeking new jobs to upskill themselves, embark on meaningful careers, and make a positive impact on society.
The CEO of HKSTP stated that as one of the industry convenors in PROcruit C, the Park will give young graduates an opportunity to grow and devote themselves to changing the world and bringing social good with their passion for technology.
This highlights HKSTP’s commitment to accelerating the growth of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology (I&T) ecosystem through fuelling the talent pool together with various stakeholders in the community.
The “Technology for Good” track will see a degree or sub-degree first-time job seekers receive entry-level I&T job opportunities across roles including Product Marketing Trainee, Trainee Designer and Project Management Trainee. Successful applicants will immerse themselves in the Science Park ecosystem and receive industry-specific training and continuous coaching, followed by a 12-month traineeship at participating Science Park companies under the Programme.
Graduates from sub-degree or degree programmes, and with Hong Kong resident status, are eligible to apply. Successful applicants are required to be unemployed at the moment of application and have fewer than three months of full-time consecutive employment experience.
The application for the first cohort of PROcruit C is now open and will close on 3 January 2021. The training is set to begin in February 2021, with the traineeships commencing in March. More information on PROCruitC can be found on the website.
Latest updates about HKSTP’s Technology Leaders of Technology Programme
In building the talent pipeline, foundational development must align with visionary leaders to pave the way forward. HKSTP has recently announced that eight future technology leaders have graduated from the two-month internship in the Technology Leaders of Tomorrow (TLT) programme, the flagship initiative under HKSTP InnoAcademy.
The completion of the initial two-month internship at HKSTP by the eight innovation and technology (I&T) leaders from the TLT programme also marks the commencement of a new journey at their respective host companies within Science Park. The TLT talent will take a 24-month full-time R&D role at one of HKSTP’s leading partner companies for sustained career mentoring and development.
The graduation of the first cohort of HKSTP InnoAcademy’s Technology Leaders of Tomorrow programme is a critical milestone in nurturing exceptional leadership talent who will drive the city’s development as an international I&T hub.
HKSTP InnoAcademy is HKSTP’s new initiative to develop forward-looking learning and training programmes with our ecosystem partners to upskill talents & boost the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) industry.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a donation of HK$20 million from Mr Andy FEI Chi-En, for the enhancement of HKUST’s development in innovation and technology (I&T), research and education.
This donation will be used to set up an endowment fund called the “Fei Chi En Education and Research Fund” in support of HKUST’s I&T research projects and related facilities. HK$2 million of it will be used to set up a scholarship called “Y-Lot foundation scholarship” under the name of Y-Lot Foundation founded by the donator to reward students with outstanding academic achievements and encourage them to strive for excellence.
In appreciation of the support, HKUST has named the “Dream lab” – an iconic facility at the academic building where students and teams across schools and disciplines work together to turn their I&T ideas into projects or prototypes for competitions – after Mr Fei, as the “Fei Chi En Dream Team Open Lab”.
The naming ceremony was held at HKUST on 16 December 2020. The donator praised HKUST’s tireless efforts in encouraging innovation and nurturing I&T talents over the years. He said that Hong Kong has broad space for innovation and technology development, and its young people have great potential to become one of the driving forces behind the trend.
Through this collaboration with HKUST, it is hoped that a platform that allows more space for I&T research for young people will be created to support them to chase their dreams, develop more innovative products, and drive the development of I&T industry in Hong Kong, he added.
The HKUST President stated that he was grateful for Mr Fei’s generosity and trust in the University, which he said will continue to promote cross-disciplinary learning and provide its students with an open and diverse study environment, to equip them with the skills required in resolving current and future societal challenges.
The funding will help the University meet more of its goals. The research-intensive university focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science, HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking.
HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee and is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2020. Its graduates were ranked 26th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global University Employability Survey 2020.
HK CE Policy Address champions furthering I&T R&D
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive revealed, 25 November 2020, the much-awaited 2020 Policy Address, in which several initiatives to revitalize Hong Kong´s economy were listed while pledging to uphold the One Country, Two Systems principle.
One article notes that regarding developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, the Policy Address lays out the next policies: jointly developing the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone with Shenzhen, launching a five-year Global STEM Professorship Scheme to attract outstanding R&D talent from overseas to engage in R&D work in Hong Kong, releasing the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 in December 2020 as well as launching the iAM Smart one-stop service platform in the same month for the delivery of a number of government and public utility electronic services.
A technology company operating under the Hong Kong Smart Government Innovation Lab recently announced that it has launched a new solution which is now ready to be acquired by companies and institutions.
Solution description
The solution, called the Indoor Dirt Detection Video Analytics Module, is an indoor dirt detection video analytics system for an automated cleaning robot. The system can locate and identify three types of indoor dirt that the robot may come in contact with. This is done through video analytics. An executable signal is sent to the cleaning robot’s control logic; significantly improving the effectiveness of its cleaning ability.
Application Areas
The solution was designed for use in the areas of City Management, healthcare environments as well as Transport.
Technologies Used
The solution uses Deep Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning and Video Analytics.
Use case
The solution can be applied on a multi-function cleaning and disinfection robotic system to perform autonomous cleaning and disinfection tasks. Before all the cleaning actions, the camera on the robot and the video analytics module will be operated for the identification of targeted dirty regions on different surfaces, from carpets to polished smooth surfaces, and from dry to wet dirt. The analysis could facilitate cleaning and disinfecting target dirty regions autonomously. It also could be used to notify the operator once the cleaning task is completed and alert the operator if another dirty region is identified.
Cleaning robot market expected to reach US$4.4 billion by 2023
A report forecasted that the cleaning robot market would grow from US$2.1 billion in 2018 to US$4.4 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.2% during the forecast period. The major factors that are expected to be driving market are the increased penetration of automation in household appliances, rise in labour costs, and increasing safety concerns.
Floor-cleaning robots are expected to hold the largest share, based on the product, of the cleaning robot market by 2025; the growth of the market for this technology can be attributed to the popularity of floor-cleaning robots in the residential sector, which has helped the market to grow at a rapid pace. These robots are equipped with functions such as navigation control systems and sensors (distance counter, gyro, ultrasonic, laser, and bumper switches), which are specifically used to detect obstacles and prevent collisions.
The cleaning robot market for the residential application is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Cleaning robots for residential application are utilised to perform tasks such as mopping and cleaning. In certain countries, employing domestic workers becomes too expensive; in such cases, cleaning robots can easily undertake the task of cleaning.
The cleaning robot market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. APAC is the fastest-growing market for cleaning robots. Rise in disposable income among consumers in APAC has led to the adoption of cleaning robots. The increasing adoption of cleaning robots and the influx of global players, along with the emergence of native players, are helping the market to grow. As a result, APAC holds a significant share of the overall cleaning robot market.
About the Smart Government Innovation Lab
In 2018, the Government established the Smart Government Innovation Lab to explore hi-tech products such as AI and relevant technologies, including machine learning, big data analytics, cognitive systems and intelligent agent, as well as blockchain and robotics from firms, especially local start-ups.
The Lab is always on the lookout for innovation and technology (I&T) solutions that are conducive to enhancing public services or their operational effectiveness. I&T suppliers are encouraged to regularly visit the Lab’s website to check on the current business and operational needs in public service delivery and propose innovative solutions or product suggestions to address them.
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) won a Silver Award for Smart Living for its iGem Guard Raman spectrometer, and a Bronze Award for Smart Mobility with its gantry free Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) at the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology Awards (ICT Awards) 2020.
The first solution, the cost-efficient and portable iGem Guard, can distinguish the category, authenticity and rank of more than 3,000 different kinds of gems in just three seconds.
Applying state-of-the-art mini three-band laser spectroscopy technology, the iGem Guard is equipped with adaptive and accurate sensors and intelligent algorithms. Through the process of one-touch optical inspection, the device can swiftly determine whether a diamond is natural or synthetic; whether jadeite is classified as “Grade A” or chemically-processed (“Grade B” or “Grade C”); whether a pearl is formed in freshwater or saltwater.
Dr Chun Zhang, ASTRI’s Director of Sensing Devices and Integration, IoT and Sensors, who led the research, stated that agency and its scientists will continue to strive for innovative ways to expand the application of the Raman spectrometer for other purposes, such as food and health product safety, installing it on mobile devices for public usage, testing the quality of surgical masks, hand sanitisers, herbal medicines and cosmetics, or detecting any substance change in water sources.
ASTRI has taken advantage of its expertise to select suitable and fine optical components, developing a spectrometer that would fit in the palms of two hands, which is about 20 times smaller than conventional ones. The relevant patented mini-spectrometer technology was awarded a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at last year’s International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
The team used a variety of jewellery samples from the industry to build a database consisting of a great variety of gems and minerals. Each device costs between HK$100,000 and HK$200,000. Provided that only a single type of jewellery is tested, the price can be further reduced to HK$50,000. Meanwhile, it can store spectral information, photos and descriptions of jewellery in a classified manner to facilitate inventory management.
The judging panel praised the iGem Guard for bringing promising influence to the local jewellery industry. The roadmap in tailoring the devices in mini and micro sizes could further benefit a larger group of users, assisting small-scaled jewellery shops and individual jewellery collectors for identification and management purposes.
The award-winning ultra-wide broadband (UWB) + vehicle-to-everything (V2X) ERP System did not require the setting of the enormous gantries to detect vehicles passing by to initiate charges during rush hours, with an aim to tackling traffic congestion in the central business area through diversion.
Dr Billy Chan, ASTRI’s Deputy Director of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) and coordinator of this project stated that the system has also been recognised by the industry, which helps pave the way for ASTRI and its industry partners, Hong Kong Telecommunications and Genvict, to further develop smart mobility and the C-V2X technology.
ASTRI has successfully tested this system with its partners. Trial runs have been conducted in several cities in the Greater Bay Area. ASTRI will explore with stakeholders on the feasibility of implementing this system in Hong Kong.
ASTRI is a market pioneer in combining C-V2X and UWB technology to enable the precise estimation of position. ASTRI uses existing roadside infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need to build expensive gantries and laying of optical fibres as well as reducing the number of sensors required, to effectively reduce the time and cost in adopting the ERP system. In addition to this, the system is easy to install and transfer, and can be adjusted when necessary.
The advantageous nature of V2X and UWB allows the system to perform real-time and reliable smart transport management to accurately locate the vehicles with low battery consumption, which can also ensure data security and protect user privacy.
The judging panel praised the UWB+V2X roadside system in achieving a breakthrough in ERP, providing a cost-effective, brand new and flexible solution for areas with long-term traffic congestion problem. The system can facilitate in-city traffic management to enhance the mobility of Hong Kong.
In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed and manufactured one of the key systems for this historic undertaking, namely the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology.
The PolyU-developed system accomplished the tasks of automatic sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface following the soft landing of the Chang’e 5 probe on 1 December 2020. The vehicle carrying the samples is currently on course back to Earth and is expected to touch down in China’s Inner Mongolia region this week.
Chang’e-5 is the world’s first lunar-sample return mission in more than 40 years, aiming to bring back a large number of lunar samples of up to two kilograms via robotic means. The probe adopts two methods of moon surface sampling: one uses a robotic arm for multiple-point surface sample collections, and the other is to drill underground.
The team led by Professor YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU, was tasked in 2011 to develop the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, a comprehensive system for lunar surface sampling, packaging and sealing.
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government stated in the Chang’e 5 lunar exploration project, PolyU fully demonstrated its rich experience accumulated in national and international space projects, its cutting-edge technology as well as its innovative thinking. PolyU’s efforts in research are in line with and complementary to the Government’s goal of developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub.
The PolyU President noted that the PolyU researchers developed the impressive pioneering ‘Surface Sampling and Packing System’ to facilitate the success of this milestone mission. By contributing to such a sophisticated national space project, the University has demonstrated its substantial research competence and commitment to producing breakthrough solutions that push forward the frontiers of technology and science.
Consisting of two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two near-field cameras, as well as a packaging and sealing system, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” has more than 400 components constructed in different materials including titanium alloy, aluminium alloy and stainless steel, which make the instruments light in weight but at the same time durable and strong enough to withstand the harsh space environment.
The system needed to operate on the sun-facing side of the Moon where the ground temperatures could be as high as 110 degree Celsius, this innovation had to be highly sophisticated and capable of functioning under extremely high temperatures.
It also needed to withstand the extreme space environment during travel to and landing on the Moon which meant enduring impact and shock during lift-offs and landings, high vacuum on the moon, exposure to solar wind and cosmic rays, as well as high-speed re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere.
To meet the limited payload requirement, the team had to be innovative in its mechanism design and be stringent in weight control. For example, the two samplers are more than a tool to acquire lunar regolith. They are also used to pick up and move the sample container from the lander to the ascender atop.
Features of the Surface Sampling and Packing System:
- Sampler A – Around 35 cm in length, Sampler A, in the shape of a shovel, is specifically engineered for collecting loose regolith. The vibration and impact during the closing of the sampler is an elaborate design to dislodge excessive debris, chisel away large pieces of regolith, tightly enclose the samples and precisely deposit the selected samples into the container without contaminating the surrounding.
- Sampler B – Around 30 cm in length, Sampler B is used for collecting sticky samples by coring into the ground with teeth-like metal flaps when opened. It captures the targeted samples through the closing of these metal flaps. The piston inside the sampler pushes the sticky samples into the container during the depositing of the sample when the flaps gradually open.
- Near-field Cameras– Heat resistant up to 130 degree Celsius, a near-field camera is attached to each sampler. This camera provides a monitoring and vision guidance function to help select scientifically valuable lunar samples. The vision guidance function also enables the sampler to deposit the samples into the container, grip the container and transfer it into the ascender precisely.
- Sealing and Packaging System– Weighing 1.5 kilograms, of which the sample container weighs only 360 grams and is used to seal and store the lunar samples for return to Earth, this system includes the deployment of a funnel to protect the sample container from contamination when the lunar regolith is deposited and a sweeping action to brush away excessive sample to ensure the container lid can be closed properly.
