Professor Liao Wei-hsin, Chairman of the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, won the 2023 Leonardo Da Vinci Award from the Design Engineering Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the design and invention of machines and devices for human motion assistance, with applications in prostheses, exoskeletons and wearables such as smartwatches and wristbands. Professor Liao is the first scholar from Hong Kong to win the ASME Leonardo Da Vinci Award in its 45-year history.

Professor Liao has led his team to important advances in machine design over the years, in particular three inventions for human motion assistance: a powered ankle-foot prosthesis, a magneto-rheological series elastic actuator for robotic exoskeletons, and human motion energy-harvesting apparatus and conversion. Their innovative designs won three gold and three silver medals at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva between 2018 and 2022.

Professor Liao said, “I am honoured to have received the award from the ASME. This is a recognition of our research and achievement in machine design, and I am grateful to the University for all the support over the years. I hope our invention will make an impact on society and inspire the next generation of youngsters.”