The UK government has unveiled AI projects to improve productivity and public services, which are supported by a share of £32 million.
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 the AI projects.
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.
Minister for Digital Government and AI Feryal Clark said: “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.”
How industries will benefit from AI innovation
Among the AI projects is V-Lab Ltd, which has received £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector.
Their system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols.
As part of the government’s mission to build an NHS which is fit for the future, pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from this new financial support.
A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms.
In a transformational change to how our railway network is maintained and inspected, Hack Partners will also lead the development of an entirely autonomous system which can monitor, manage, and identify defects in rail infrastructure across the country.
This represents a significant step forward for the British public, boosting the efficiency and safety of the railway network to deliver a better service for rail users.
Productivity in ‘high-growth’ industries
The funding announced today will specifically support solutions in ‘high-growth’ industries, ensuring AI is at the heart of driving greater productivity and efficiency across key economic areas.
Cambridge-based Monumo is part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles. Their 3D Generative-AI Tool is set to improve sustainability across sectors spanning commercial transportation, flight, and power generation.
In the field of logistics, Robok Limited is setting to work on its SeeGul AI tool. This tool 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 secondhand apparel.
The results of the project will save time and money for retailers and play an important role in growing the second-hand clothing market, reducing waste and greenhouse emissions.
AI projects will spark economic growth
The AI projects place UK AI innovation at the heart of the government’s plans to spark economic growth through a productivity revolution.
The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund to secure the UK’s global leadership in emerging and future AI technologies.
The projects are delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, whose additional support also includes access to training and scientific expertise, expert AI advice and guidance, and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.
It follows the King’s Speech, in which the government committed to ‘taking the brakes off Britain’ through a raft of new Bills, including generating sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills, and new technologies.
Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, concluded: “The AI projects will drive AI innovation and economic growth in a diverse range of high-growth industry sectors in all nations of the UK.
“They complement other investments made through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, which are already helping to boost growth and productivity across the UK by harnessing the power of AI and other transformative technologies.”
