Hong Kong, 2 April 2024 – Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (HTHK) today
announced the successful deployment of its 5G "Smart Inspector" Robotic Solution by The
Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd (HK Electric). The "Smart Inspector" is now "on board" at HK Electric
responsible for round-the-clock surveillance and inspection of a confined cable tunnel,
helping to keep power supply equipment safe and maintain reliable electricity supply. The
solution utilises high-speed and low-latency 5G technology to comprehensively enhance
patrolling efficiency in an enclosed tunnel area, further demonstrating a real-life scenario of
the 5G robotic solution application.
Underlining boundless possibilities of 5G
Cable tunnels are an integral part of HK Electric's power transmission and distribution
network. Most of them are confined spaces posing certain restrictions for staff during
inspections. As a result, the power company plans to convert those cable tunnels to "smart
cable tunnels" in phases, while deploying the "Smart Inspector" Robotic Solution at the same
time.
The "Smart Inspector" Robotic Solution was first deployed at a HK Electric cable tunnel in
Cyberport. The robot is authorised to enter and exit the tunnel, while in general only certified
workers and staff are allowed to enter the tunnel for inspections.
With built-in cameras, as well as gas, humidity and temperature sensors, the "Smart Inspector"
can detect the environment and inspect cable conditions inside the tunnel while collecting
various data. This reduces the risks faced by staff when entering such confined spaces. The
robot can also be remotely operated on 5G, and even have preset working schedules to
automate tasks. Even in inclement weather conditions, it can continue to work and keep
power supply equipment safe and maintain reliable electricity supply.
Jess Mak, HTHK Senior Vice President of Enterprise Market, said: "The 3Business team is
dedicated to providing corporate customers with one-stop 5G solutions, coupled with
innovative services to drive digital transformation in different sectors. The "Smart Inspector"
Robotic Solution was tailored to help make cable tunnel inspections at HK Electric more
convenient and flexible. It also helps to ensure staff safety during inspections in an enclosed
space, showcasing the scalability and possibility of 5G."
Extending the use of 5G robots
3Business, leveraging its professional experience, has installed 5G receivers in the cable
tunnel, enabling high-speed signals to reach the entire tunnel and make real-time
transmission of high-definition images and data possible. Furthermore, the team has also
designed and implemented the entire solution, providing comprehensive support to elevate
the operations of 5G robots in retail, catering and property management sectors to critical
tasks in other sectors, helping meet the needs of various industries, accelerate their digital
transformation journeys and promote the smart city development of Hong Kong.
The "Smart Inspector" Robotic Solution, tailored by HTHK's 3Business team to meet the
operational needs of HK Electric, has been a successful case of the "Subsidy Scheme for
Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G" launched by the Office of the Communications
Authority.
-Ends-
About Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited
Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited ("HTHK"), a leading mobile
operator in Hong Kong, offers diverse and advanced mobile telecoms services under
the 3 Hong Kong, 3SUPREME, SoSIM and MO+ brands, addressing different needs of
the consumer market. HTHK is also dedicated to developing business and enterprise
solutions under the 3Business brand in the corporate market spanning mobile
commerce, information technology, smart city, the Internet of Things and big data.
HTHK channels the latest technologies into innovations that set market trends and
steer industry development.
HTHK is the mobile division of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings
Limited (stock code: 215), a group member of CK Hutchison Holdings (stock code: 1).
For more information on HTHK, visit
www.hthkh.com.