Anna's research explores the intersection of design, technology, and social impact. Her interests lie in sustainable and circular design solutions, with a particular focus on ergonomics, healthcare, and well-being. She is passionate about material and technology innovation, leveraging these to create positive change. Her research also extends to design thinking, social innovation, the fusion of culture and craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship education.
Currently funded projects:
AI Voice Controlled Accessible Shower with Water-saving Systems, TSSSU+ (HKD$894,444), ITC, Mar 2024 – Mar 2025
Previous projects:
Research Associate in “A Fatigue-relieving Smart Shoe Using Magnetorheological Fluid (MRF) for Elderly Walking Exercises”, a research project led by Professor Ming Zhang in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2021
Research Assistant in “Neck Watch – a wearable device for neck activity tracking” / “Sleep Posture Device – a wearable device for spinal activity tracking”, research projects led by Professor Grace Szeto in the Department of Rehabilitation Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2016
MPhil candidate in “Exoskeleton for Paralyzed Patients & Rehabilitation” / “Portable Smart Insole for Gait Analysis in Rehabilitation” / “Powered Prosthesis”, research projects led by Professor Wei-Hsin Liao in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2014-2016
(vi) Publication records [Please refer to ECS 2 Part II Section 7 for the format required by the RGC ]:
Chen B, Zhong CH, Ma H, Guan X, Qin LY, Chan KM, Law SW, Qin L, and Liao WH, "Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit assistance for paraplegic patients with CUHK-EXO exoskeleton; Robotica, vol36 pp.S3S-S1, 2018.
Qin LY, Wen JZ, Chui CS, and Leung KS, "Housing Design and Testing of a Surgical Robot Developed for Orthopedic Surgery; Journal of Orthopedic Translation, vol.5 pp.72-80, 2016.
Chen B, Ma H, Qin LY, Gao F, Chan KM, Law SW, Qin L, and Liao WH, "Recent developments and challenges of lower extremity exoskeletons; Journal of Orthopedic Translation, vol.5 pp.26-37, 2016.
Qin LY, Ma H, and Liao WH, "Insole plantar pressure systems in the gait analysis of post-stroke rehabilitation; IEEE International Conference on Information and Automation (ICIA), Lijiang, China, pp.1784-1789, 2015.
Gao F, Liao WH, Chen B, Ma H, and Qin LY, "Design of powered ankle-foot prosthesis driven by parallel elastic actuator; IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, Singapore, pp.374-79, 2015.
Chen B, Ma H, Qin LY, Guan X, Chan KM, Law SW, Qin L, and Liao WH, "Design of a lower extremity exoskeleton for motion assistance in paralyzed individuals" IEEE ROBIO, Zhuhai, pp.144-49, 2015.
Anna's teaching philosophy centers on nurturing confident, creative, and critically engaged design leaders who drive positive social and environmental impact. She fosters a collaborative, experiential learning environment where students tackle real-world challenges through a human-centered design lens. By integrating the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and embracing cultural nuances, she guides students to analyze problems holistically, considering the broader implications of their design solutions. Anna believes that through teamwork, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to social responsibility, her students can become visionary changemakers, equipped to design a brighter and more sustainable future.
Publication Awards & Achievements Patents Conference Presentations Invited Talks Featured Commercial Projects