UK government unveils plans for AI-powered boost on trains, hospitals and more
The British government has announced A further £32 million is being invested in companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) services to make workplaces safer, reduce railway repair times, cut emissions and improve the efficiency of prescription delivery.
The funding, announced today, will be used to boost 98 projects across the UK as the government aims to improve services and boost the economy.
In total, more than 200 companies and research organisations are eligible for funding.
AI to boost business
Speaking about the investment, Al Feryal Clark, Minister for Digital, said: “AI will bring real change to working people across the UK – not just by growing our economy, but by improving our public services. That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – by supporting a range of projects that can reduce train delays, give us new ways to maintain our vital infrastructure and improve the patient experience by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.”
“We want technology to drive growth and bring about change on all fronts, and I am confident that projects like this will help us achieve that ambition,” Clark concluded.
One of the projects being funded is a safety training simulator for the construction industry being developed by V-Lab Ltd. The government has provided £165,006 to the organisation to train workers more effectively while developing their ability to comply with and implement risk assessments and safety protocols.
To improve the efficiency of track repairs, Hack Partners is developing an autonomous inspection and maintenance system that can detect defects and plan repairs. This will hopefully lead to better train services and fewer disruptions.
Logistics projects are also being funded to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain, with Robok Limited developing an AI system designed to improve productivity in warehouses and storage facilities. A full list of the funded projects can be found here.
