GUANGZHOU — In a laboratory in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, researchers are using virtual reality systems to better understand how seemingly small adjustments, such as seat heating, can improve passenger comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Research data derived from the laboratory at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), combined with simulation systems developed in Hong Kong — about two to three hours' drive away — have been converted into technologies that help vehicles consume less energy without compromising comfort or safety.
"Our research had previously focused on the analysis of driver behavior with little attention paid to the cockpit environment as a potential influencing factor," said He Dengbo, head of the traffic psychology and safety lab. "So working with researchers in Hong Kong who specialize in energy consumption control and cockpit environment simulation has opened up entirely new research directions."
The collaboration illustrates how the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is combining the complementary strengths of its three regions to foster technological innovation, reinforcing its position as one of China's leading innovation hubs.
