Robots and AI drive next-generation tunnel construction in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is advancing tunnel construction through artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation in the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project—a major initiative aimed at improving productivity, precision, and worker safety.
According to OpenGov Asia, a key innovation is an autonomous air-ground cooperative tunnel inspector, integrating drones and robotic vehicles to perform fully automated tunnel inspections. Equipped with high-resolution imaging and AI analysis, the system detects defects with millimeter accuracy, completing inspections up to 20 times faster and at roughly half the cost of manual methods.
CEDD has also introduced a robotic drilling system for installing ventilation duct slabs, using laser-guided positioning and automatic dust extraction, OpenGov Asia reported. The technology has reduced onsite labor by 60% and shortened construction time by 40%, significantly improving safety by limiting manual work at height.
These advances reflect Hong Kong’s broader strategy to embed robotics and smart technologies in public works, supported by government incentives for both public and private sectors. The CEDD’s efforts mark a significant step toward technology-driven infrastructure delivery, establishing Hong Kong as a leader in applying AI and robotics to large-scale underground construction.
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