A new £1 million project aims to improve safety and efficiency in Britain’s ports and warehouses through innovative AI integration.
A new initiative to enhance safety and operational efficiency in Britain’s ports and warehouses has been launched by RoboK, an AI spinout from the University of Cambridge. The company has successfully secured £1 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a project titled PALLETS, which stands for Proactive AI-powered Solutions for Logistics Efficiency, Transparency, and Safety. This groundbreaking project is part of UKRI’s ‘Accelerating Trustworthy AI’ programme and is set to run until March 2025.
The PALLETS project revolves around RoboK’s innovative platform that integrates artificial intelligence into standard CCTV systems. This integration aims to transform traditional surveillance methods into proactive tools capable of identifying hazards in real-time, thereby streamlining logistics operations and enhancing productivity. A significant goal of the initiative is to lower the barriers to AI adoption within the logistics sector by focusing on transparency, data security, and user trust.
To achieve its objectives, RoboK has collaborated with several key partners, each contributing essential expertise. These include Astron Fire & Security, which specializes in security infrastructure, and major operational entities such as Freeport East and The Bristol Port Company. Additionally, insights from the Port of Dover, one of Europe’s busiest ferry terminals, will further inform the project. The Finishing Line brings in specialist logistics knowledge, while the University of Essex contributes its expertise in AI research and cybersecurity. Together, this consortium will focus on shared challenges, such as workplace hazards and operational bottlenecks, all while adhering to stringent data protection standards.
Hao Zheng, Founder and CEO of RoboK, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “PALLETS aligns perfectly with RoboK’s aim of creating safer and more efficient industrial workplaces. We’re honoured to collaborate with key industry partners on a project of such strategic importance to the UK economy.”
Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, underlined the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation within the ports and logistics sector. He stated, “This demonstrates our role as a convenor, making connections to advance innovative applications and technologies in the ports and logistics sector.” Mark Burton, Head of IT at the Port of Dover, shared that the initial outcomes have been “very positive,” suggesting that there is potential for new applications of computer vision technology in the port’s varied operations.
Holly Leonard, Innovation Partnerships Manager at the University of Essex, praised PALLETS for its potential to accelerate AI solutions within logistics, highlighting both economic and environmental advantages. David Brown, Chief Executive of The Bristol Port Company, commended RoboK’s AI capabilities, explaining that the PALLETS initiative would facilitate the anticipation of accidents and help maintain a safer, more efficient working environment.
The PALLETS project, with its focus on integrating advanced technology within traditional logistics frameworks, aims to drive significant advancements in safety protocols and operational effectiveness, thereby setting a new standard within the UK’s logistics landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.ukri.org/news/19-million-to-accelerate-trustworthy-and-responsible-ai/ – This link corroborates the UKRI’s ‘Accelerating Trustworthy AI’ programme and the funding for AI projects, although it does not specifically mention the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-projects-backed-by-32-million-to-turbocharge-productivity/ – This link provides context on UKRI’s funding for AI projects to improve productivity, which aligns with the broader goals of the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/19-million-to-accelerate-trustworthy-and-responsible-ai/ – This link explains the UKRI Technology Missions Fund and the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, which are relevant to the funding and support structure for the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-projects-backed-by-32-million-to-turbocharge-productivity/ – This link highlights the involvement of multiple businesses and research organisations in AI projects, similar to the collaborative nature of the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/19-million-to-accelerate-trustworthy-and-responsible-ai/ – This link discusses the focus on transparency, data security, and user trust in AI adoption, which are key aspects of the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-projects-backed-by-32-million-to-turbocharge-productivity/ – This link mentions the use of AI to improve safety and efficiency in various sectors, including logistics, which is the primary focus of the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/19-million-to-accelerate-trustworthy-and-responsible-ai/ – This link details the support provided by Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, which is relevant to the PALLETS project’s implementation and collaboration.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-projects-backed-by-32-million-to-turbocharge-productivity/ – This link explains how AI projects are driving innovation and economic growth in high-growth industry sectors, including logistics, aligning with the PALLETS project’s goals.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/19-million-to-accelerate-trustworthy-and-responsible-ai/ – This link discusses the importance of collaboration between SMEs, large organisations, and research organisations in AI projects, similar to the partnerships in the PALLETS project.
- https://www.ukri.org/news/ai-projects-backed-by-32-million-to-turbocharge-productivity/ – This link highlights the economic and environmental advantages of AI solutions, which are also emphasized in the PALLETS project.
