Making long queues a thing of the past is the goal for two computing science master’s students at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Steve Ku and Wu Aoyu are using real-time human traffic flow technology in a bid to cut waiting times at cafeterias, bus stops and even the library
- University has pledged to set aside HK$50 million over the next three years for a smart campus initiative
Imagine never having to wait in a queue ever again – that is the goal of two master’s students frustrated with long lines on the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology campus.
The pair – Steve Ku Bon-kyung and Wu Aoyu – are using real-time human traffic flow technology in a bid to cut waiting times at cafeterias, bus stops and even the library.
Their solution – the Pulse of HKUST – uses technology that collects big data through Wi-fi connections to analyse and monitor crowd distribution and movement on the campus in Clear Water Bay.
“When I was a getting my bachelor’s degree in maths here, I never went for food at lunchtime because of how crowded it got. The few times I did, I waited in line for 40 minutes,” said Wu, a second-year computer science master’s student.
“Imagine how gratifying it would be if there was a way to read human traffic surges and adjust schedules accordingly to avoid having to wait again.”
