Stakeholder Interview
ArchSD Working Group for Smart Asset Maintenance
Established in 2020, the ArchSD Working Group for Smart Asset Maintenance (SAMWG) is the central innovation driver for the Property Services Branch. Tasked with developing and implementing integrated smart solutions for the upkeep of ArchSD’s maintained government facilities, SAMWG provides strategic direction,
formulates objectives and develops programmes to future-proof ArchSD’s asset portfolio. Its responsibilities are organised into 5 core pillars: Innovative Technologies/Materials, CO-i Projects, BIM for Facilities Upkeep, Building Resilience and AI & Big Data Analytics.
Incubating Smart Solutions for Resilience and Efficiency
Amidst climate change challenges, rapid technological advancements, and growing societal expectations, the SAMWG is committed to enhancing the resilience, safety, cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency of all buildings and facilities under ArchSD’s maintenance purview.
Our approach involves strategically adopting innovative technologies—such as robotic and drone inspections, IoT networks, AI-driven analytics, and sustainable material trials—supported by the digital transformation of systems and workflows. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and partnerships with local and international academic and research institutions, we tackle critical “pain points” in asset management, turning challenges into opportunities for sustainable progress.
Since its establishment, SAMWG has delivered over 30 projects. Key initiatives include:
Advancing Net Zero - The Pet Garden Toilet Block Refurbishment Project
This living laboratory integrates 3D concrete printing, renewable energy systems, and a suite of low-carbon materials, achieving a landmark 60% reduction in embodied carbon and a 70% reduction in operational carbon emission, setting a benchmark for sustainable design and construction.
Transforming inspections with robotics and AI
Drones and robotics, powered by AI analytics, enable short-range inspections and defect identification, improve quality control, and support rapid emergency response.
Driving operational efficiency
by implementing BIM-based asset management, transitioning from 2D to 3D digital modelling, pioneering Heritage BIM, and digitalising processes from planning and estimation to construction and maintenance.
Cable-driven hammer-tapping robot
DfMA application in toilet refurbishment
This approach minimises wastage, reduces onsite labour force and enhances site safety by shifting high-risk activities to a controlled factory environment. It provides a replicable model for efficient, sustainable maintenance.
Integrating BIM with IoT sensors
Real-time monitoring of issues (such as structural stress) facilitates instant alerts and pre-emptive action to enhance climate resilience and user safety.
Wall climbing robot
Recreational surface inspection robot
Navigating Challenges: From Concept to Application
Innovation requires navigating rapid technological change and practical implementation barriers. This demands continuous market assessments, rigorous feasibility reviews, and trusted partnerships with contractors and consultants.
As the vital bridge, the cross-disciplinary SAMWG provides an ideal platform for gathering insights and sharing knowledge, accelerating a cultural shift from reactive maintenance to proactive care. With strong support from ArchSD’s senior management, we conduct meticulous trials and identify pilot projects to transform promising concepts into scalable, secure solutions. The insights gained from these projects are also shared across teams, enhancing future building performance and resilience.
Fostering Culture and Ecosystem Change
Driving innovation also requires a supportive external ecosystem. To promote innovation and efficiency beyond our organisation, we provide guidelines and embed technology adoption requirements (such as hammer tapping robot) into tenders and contracts. Our water tank cleansing robot initiative – developed in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Housing Department, Housing Society, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – consolidates requirements and demands to incentivise market innovation, enhance functionality, and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Water tank cleansing robot
Scaling Innovation for Future Growth
SAMWG’s work aligns with ArchSD’s sustainability goals, delivering lasting value to the community. To further expand smart asset management capabilities, we will:
- Develop living showcases: The award-winning Pet Garden Toilet Block Refurbishment Project serves as a dynamic platform for community education and stakeholder engagement, inspiring broader adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices into facilities management.
- Foster innovative thinking: Drive mindset and behaviour change to promote a culture of innovation through various learning and development initiatives.
- Strengthen collaboration: Engage local, Mainland and international academic and research institutions to promote knowledge exchange and innovation, and accelerate R&D applications.
Our Response
The SAMWG is a testament to ArchSD's commitment to innovation. This cross-disciplinary team has set new benchmarks in sustainable buildings through its pioneering projects, enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability performance of Hong Kong's built environment. By providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and pilot testing, SAMWG is accelerating a vital cultural shift from reactive maintenance to proactive, intelligent asset care. This initiative drives technical excellence while fostering a strong sense of purpose and engagement within our workplace. Looking ahead, the ArchSD will continue to support SAMWG to explore more integrated smart solutions, ensuring our teams can flexibly apply new knowledge. Through targeted promotion and learning initiatives, we will encourage staff across all disciplines and grades to engage in this innovation journey. Our goal is to instil the mindset and behaviour change essential for remaining at the forefront of the industry, ensuring the ArchSD is agile and fully prepared for the future.
