Core Insights - The article highlights the advancements in structural health monitoring technologies led by Professor Ni Yiqing, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the safety and stability of major infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and beyond [1][2][4]. Group 1: Structural Health Monitoring Technologies - The Phoenix Maglev online monitoring platform is described as a revolutionary system that continuously monitors the health of maglev train tracks, ensuring smooth operations for passengers [1]. - The use of advanced sensors, such as the 700 precision sensors on the Guangzhou Tower, allows for real-time monitoring of structural integrity, capturing minute changes [1]. - Ni Yiqing's team has developed algorithms leveraging big data and AI to diagnose structural performance issues quickly, such as crack formation and local reliability decline [1][4]. Group 2: Key Projects and Achievements - Ni Yiqing has been instrumental in the development of structural monitoring systems for landmark projects like the Hong Kong Tsing Ma Bridge and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since the 1990s [2][4]. - The establishment of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center in Hong Kong in 2015 has focused on advanced sensor applications in rail transit [5][6]. - The team has successfully implemented fiber Bragg grating sensors, which can detect cracks, temperature changes, and vibrations without interference from electromagnetic signals [6]. Group 3: Noise Control Innovations - The research center is also addressing noise pollution from high-speed trains, with technologies like 3D-printed acoustic metamaterials and intelligent damping devices that reduce noise levels significantly [7]. - These innovations have been tested in Hong Kong and Shenzhen's metro systems, aiming to enhance passenger comfort while maintaining structural safety [7]. Group 4: AI Integration in Monitoring Systems - The integration of AI into structural health monitoring has enabled real-time data collection and analysis, improving the efficiency of maintenance operations [8]. - Ni Yiqing's team has developed an AI-based foreign object detection system that can identify potential hazards on tracks, enhancing safety measures [8][16]. Group 5: Future Directions and Challenges - The article discusses the need for further advancements in noise control technologies, particularly for maglev trains, which face challenges related to aerodynamic noise at high speeds [15]. - The research center is exploring the use of smart materials and AI to enhance the performance and safety of rail systems, including self-sensing concrete for real-time load monitoring [9][10]. Group 6: International Collaboration and Market Expansion - Hong Kong's unique position allows it to facilitate the international expansion of China's rail technology, particularly through certification processes that streamline entry into foreign markets [19]. - The establishment of a railway certification center in Hong Kong could enhance the global competitiveness of Chinese rail technologies by leveraging mutual recognition agreements with over a hundred countries [19].