The University of Macao (UM) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a cooperation agreement on Feb. 12 to establish the Joint Laboratory for Robotics and Embodied Artificial Intelligence, the first jointly funded research laboratory supported by institutions from both Macao and Hong Kong.

The agreement was signed at the University of Macao and coincided with the launch of a dual-degree doctoral training program jointly offered by the two universities.

According to the institutions, the laboratory will combine UM's strengths in interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence and engineering with PolyU's extensive expertise in applied technology and engineering practice. The collaboration aims to advance both fundamental research and technology commercialization in frontier fields such as intelligent robotics and embodied artificial intelligence.

UM Rector Song Yonghua said the initiative is intended to integrate the academic and technological advantages of both universities to establish an internationally competitive doctoral talent cultivation mechanism for the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.

He added that the program will support national high-quality development and contribute to building a world-class scientific research hub.

The newly launched four-year dual PhD program adopts a joint supervision system, allowing students to conduct study and research in both Hong Kong and Macao. Graduates will receive doctoral degrees awarded separately by the two universities.