The Faculty of Education and Human Development (FEHD) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) shared in the University’s success at the prestigious Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) 2026, where EdUHK scholars received 11 awards for eight inventions. Among them, “Loving Baby: A Multi-Modal Interactive Cognitive Ability and Language Enhancement System for Special Needs”, led by Professor Kenneth Sin, Research Professor at the Department of Special Education and Counselling, and Dr Gabby Fung, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, earned a Silver Medal for its contribution to inclusive education and educational technology.
“Loving Baby” is a humanoid, multimodal interactive robot system that combines speech, gestures, games, and self-determination theory design. Specially developed to support primary students, including those with special educational needs, the system aims to enhance inclusive language learning, student engagement, and emotional well-being.
Professor Sin said, “We are pleased that ‘Loving Baby’ has been recognised at SVIIF 2026 as part of EdUHK’s wider success at the festival. This project brings together expertise in special education, psychology, language learning, and educational technology, with the aim of creating practical and engaging tools that help students participate more actively, communicate with confidence, and enjoy learning.”
As one of the world’s leading invention exhibitions, SVIIF attracted over 500 inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from 31 countries and regions this year. At SVIIF 2026, the “Loving Baby” robot system was showcased during a roundtable event hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco. The event provided opportunities for dialogue with venture capitalists, technology leaders, and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Silicon Valley, helping to raise the international profile of EdUHK’s innovations.
This recognition reflects FEHD’s ongoing efforts to promote educational innovation with meaningful social impact. It also demonstrates the Faculty’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, inclusive teaching practices, and the development of assistive technologies that support learners of all abilities.
