Our lab was thrilled to take part in InnoCarnival 2026, held from 24 October to 1 November at Hong Kong Science Park. Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Carnival celebrates innovation and technology across the community through interactive exhibitions, workshops, games, and showcases of local research achievements.
At our booth, “A Helping Hand for the Deaf Elderly by Recognizing Handshapes,” we created an interactive, technology-led experience that brought Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) research to life in an accessible, engaging, and enjoyable way for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The highlight was our Real-Time Handshape Detection Interactive Session. Visitors stepped in front of a camera and performed simple handshapes or basic signs. Our machine-learning HKSL handshape detection model recognised each handshape instantly, displayed the result on a large screen, and linked it to the corresponding entry in our HKSL database. Each entry included an authentic citation sign video, English and Cantonese translations, and handshape annotations.
It was genuinely inspiring to see young children, elderly visitors, students, families, and curious members of the public experiencing AI-powered sign language technology together. Children enjoyed trying playful handshapes, while adults explored more complex signs, creating a quick, rewarding, hands-on experience that showed how AI can help support and preserve an endangered language.
Looking ahead, we hope this work will contribute to broader HKSL access across healthcare, transport, digital finance, family learning, and professional interpreting pathways in Hong Kong.
InnoCarnival 2026 reminded us that innovation is at its most powerful when it brings people closer together. Through AI and HKSL research, we are proud to take another step towards a more inclusive and accessible future.
