Event Highlights

Exploring the Frontiers of Embodied AI with HKU IDS:

Summer Course IDSS 2501 “Embodied AI 101”

Organized by the HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science and supported by the HKU Summer Institute, we joyfully concluded the 2-week summer programme IDSS 2501: Embodied AI 101, held from July 22 to August 1, 2025. This immersive and dynamic course welcomed around 100 undergraduates across the globe to explore the sea of embodied artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. Guided by our distinguished HKU IDS Director & Professor, Chair of Artificial Intelligence, Professor Yi Ma (HKU IDS / SCDS), Professor Yanchao Yang (HKU IDS / Electrical and Electronic Engineering), as well as Professor Hongyang Li (HKU IDS), students were grouped by their academic backgrounds and mentored by HKU IDS PhD candidates to explore the exciting realm of embodied AI. They even got a chance to join hands-on lab visits, and complete collaborative projects.

Participants to IDSS2501 revealed very positive feedback about the course structure as well as the course instructors’ keen passion on the areas of embodied AI, which aligned with the results reflected from the post-programme evaluation survey. One of the top performers at the final group presentations expressed her compliment to the programme, as “All the professors explained the complex concepts really clearly,” and she highly “recommended [this course] to [her] peers”. Another student who showed up at a post-programme interview also commented that “the course was beyond [her] expectations…and [she had] learnt a lot from the teammates.”

The course’s success reflects the exceptional teaching quality and research expertise of our HKU IDS faculty. The programme culminated in a vibrant final group presentation session, dated August 1, 2025 which was the last day of the programme, where students showcased innovative projects. Heartfelt congratulations to the Best Group Presentation winners for their diligience and excellence, the Most Favourite (Most Voted) Presenters for their captivating delivery, and the Best Teaching Assistant for their outstanding support.

Beyond academics, students enjoyed a rich HKU experience, and a strong sense of camaraderie among peers. The nine dedicated teaching assistants from our HKU IDS community also earned high praise for their guidance. We hope IDSS 2501 has sparked a lasting passion for embodied AI and equipped students to navigate the future of intelligent systems. A huge round of applause to all to our programme participants, and we wish you a wonderful summer vacation ahead!