Companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are amongst a number of projects set to receive a share of £32m in UK government funding.
Announced by the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, almost 100 projects have been awarded financial backing to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI.
A total of 98 projects from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will receive funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.
UK minister for digital government and AI Feryal Clark said: “AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.
“That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects that could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.
“We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.”
READ MORE: Report suggests ‘AI apocalypse’ could lead to eight million UK job losses
Among the projects is V-Lab, which has received £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector.
Its system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols.
Pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from the new financial support.
A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see the company work alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms.
The technology is designed wto match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients.
Elsewhere, Hack Partners will lead on the development of an autonomous system that can monitor, manage, and identify defects on rail infrastructure across the country, while Cambridge-based Monumo are part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles.
READ MORE: University of Birmingham wins £35m for hub to advance sustainable robotics
In the field of logistics, Robok will work on its SeeGul AI tool, which uses AI to monitor efficiency, improve resourcing, and identify bottlenecks that hamper productivity for businesses operating warehouses and storage facilities.
Meanwhile, Kelp Technologies is collaborating with fashion retailers Depop and Selfridges to develop real-time pricing and market trend analysis to address the complexity of pricing second hand apparel.
The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund and are being delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, whose additional support includes access to training and scientific expertise, expert AI advice and guidance, and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.
Innovations and achievements in artificial intelligence will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 Novembr 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table today!
