Founded in 2017, the HKUST-DJI joint innovation laboratory is a research center with the aim of supporting further advancement of the world UAVs technology by integrating the academic strength of the robotics research of HKUST with the strong industrial techniques of DJI, the world leading civilian drone company.

As the university’s five strategic areas, HKUST has established the Robotics Institute in 2015 to further boost research in robotics and automation technologies. The Institute establishment presents a great opportunity for industrial companies to enhance and coordinate the building of a stronger relationship with HKUST. As the Pearl River Delta region and Hong Kong continues to grow as the R&D hub, the need to strengthen synergy with elite universities in the region becomes imminent for research collaboration, talent and entrepreneur development, and open innovation. HKUST Robotics Institute acts as a focal point and a multidisciplinary platform for integrating, facilitating and enabling University-wide programs in robotics-related research, development, and education.

Established in 2006, DJI has grown from a single small office in 2006 to a global workforce of over 6,000 and its roots are deeply connected to HKUST. DJI’s core technologies for the unmanned helicopters are completely indigenously developed in Hong Kong and China, and a significant number of the founders and current key employees are alumni of HKUST, starting from the founder Frank Wang. Headquartered in Shenzhen, widely considered as China’s Silicon Valley, DJI develops, manufactures, and sells commercial and recreational unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial photography and videography.  According to The Economist, the company is at the forefront of the civilian drone industry as its distinct leader.

With the strong relationship and mutual interests between HKUST and DJI, the HDJI joint lab will have a great impact on the development of robotics and UAVs technology.