ASTRI Integrates ICT and Materials Science to Drive Physical AI Innovation

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is accelerating the development of “Physical AI” following its strategic merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI). By combining information and communications technology (ICT) with advanced materials research, the organization aims to bridge the gap between digital intelligence and real-world autonomous systems. This integration, highlighted during the LEAP East technology conference, focuses on practical applications ranging from robotics and medical technology to energy-efficient infrastructure.

Synergy Between ICT and Advanced Materials

The merger, finalized in April 2026, allows researchers to apply artificial intelligence to the discovery of molecular and structural properties in materials. According to Dr. Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI, this cross-disciplinary approach improves the efficiency of discovery work beyond what conventional machine learning methods can achieve.

One primary example of this synergy is the development of “artificial skin” for robotics. ASTRI’s materials team utilizes piezoresistive technology to detect pressure, while the ICT team integrates optical sensing and AI analysis to capture finer surface details. By merging these capabilities, the institute has created sensing systems that offer both pressure detection and high-resolution texture analysis, addressing a critical bottleneck in robotics hardware.

Commercial Scaling and Industry Partnerships

ASTRI maintains a research model that requires industry partners to provide partial project funding. This practice ensures that the institute’s output addresses specific commercial requirements rather than purely theoretical goals.

The institute’s cybersecurity division provides a case study for this model. An AI-enhanced firewall, initially developed during an Internet of Things (IoT) trial for a government department, was subsequently scaled for private sector use. The technology was packaged into a router format and is now distributed by a telecommunications company to its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients.

Physical AI and Infrastructure Deployment

During the “Autonomous Everything: The Dawn of Physical AI” panel at LEAP East, ASTRI CEO Ir Dr. Ted Suen identified the shift from digital to physical AI as a response to global labor shortages and aging populations. He noted that advances in sim-to-real transfer and 3D spatial understanding are essential for deploying AI in physical environments, such as factories and remote surgery settings.

The institute is currently showcasing several technologies designed for demanding real-world conditions:

* Immersion Cooling: A two-phase system deployed on 10 servers at a government facility has demonstrated energy savings exceeding 20%, achieving a power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of less than 1.1.
* High-Temperature Batteries: Research exhibits include batteries capable of operating at 85°C for up to ten years, as well as units compliant with European standards for emergency vehicle communication.
* Urban Maintenance Systems: A drone system for high-rise building maintenance, developed alongside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is currently being positioned for commercial application.

Strategic Focus and Future Outlook

ASTRI currently employs approximately 600 research staff, with over 80% holding advanced degrees in fields including materials science, AI, and electronics. The organization is actively seeking to expand its footprint in the Middle East, utilizing platforms like LEAP East to engage with partners in Saudi Arabia.

Discussions at the event have centered on applying privacy-preserving detection systems to retail analytics. As the institute continues to refine its “Physical AI” framework, the focus remains on supporting the transition of these technologies from initial development stages to wide-scale commercial deployment.