HONG KONG, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The University of Hong Kong (HKU) announced on Sunday that it has signed an agreement with Tohoku University, Japan (Tohokudai) to collaborate on the research of transformative AI and robotics technologies.

The signing ceremony was held on Saturday at the HKU campus. HKU and Tohoku University will combine their advantages and strengthen the application of AI and robotics in areas including manufacturing industry, construction industry and the development of smart cities. They are planning to establish the Center for Transformative AI and Robotics Technologies in Hong Kong.

Under the collaboration, top researchers from both universities will be brought together, forming a team to transform and upgrade the technologies of AI and robotics, to improve the automation technology and to develop smart and flexible robots with self-learning ability that are adaptable to different environment.

Zhang Xiang, president and vice-chancellor of HKU said both universities will strive to achieve pioneering world-class research projects, bring more learning opportunities for students, and build greater engagement with industrial partners.

"We are eager to further strengthen the tie between the two universities and closely work together in the field of transformative AI and robotics technology to create social innovation and solve social problems in Hong Kong and Japan," Hideo Ohno, president of Tohoku University, said.

Nicholas Yang, secretary for innovation and technology of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, also attended the ceremony. He said that true innovation comes from collaboration and by pooling together the world's top scientific institutions to collaborate with local universities. Hong Kong is poised to become a hub for global research collaboration, he said.