Robots are commanding a bigger and bigger presence at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), as evident from the Program Parade of the School of Engineering held on campus today.

After the opening speeches by President Tony F Chan and Dean of Engineering Prof Khaled Ben Letaief, a robot took over the lectern and gave a 11-minute presentation covering the latest developments of the Engineering School and the special programs designed to celebrate HKUST’s 20th Anniversary.

Prof Ben Letaief also announced that HKUST’s Robotics Team has grown 75% in terms of membership, and has been divided into four sub-teams, each taking part in one of four major competitions - the "Robocon Hong Kong Contest", "Remotely Operated Vehicles Competition" featuring underwater robots; "Smart Car Competition" and "NAO Robocup".

Prof Ben Letaief added that just last weekend, the ROV team came first in the Hong Kong Underwater Robot Challenge. This group of HKUST students will represent the Hong Kong and Macau Region to take part in the ROV international competition at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA in mid-June this year.