RoboK Secures £1m Grant for AI Logistics Project
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Business Cloud
University of Cambridge spinout RoboK has received a £1 million grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to enhance safety and efficiency in UK ports and warehouses with artificial intelligence. The project, known as PALLETS, aims to develop AI-powered solutions that improve logistics transparency, data security, and user trust. Set to run until March 2025 as part of UKRI's Accelerating Trustworthy AI programme, PALLETS includes collaboration with industry experts such as Astron Fire & Security, Freeport East, Port of Dover, The Finishing Line, The University of Essex, and The Bristol Port Company. This initiative targets long-standing industry issues like hazard detection and operational bottlenecks in a secure manner. RoboK's founder, Hao Zheng, expressed pride in the project's alignment with the company's mission for safer industrial environments, while Freeport East's CEO, Steve Beel, highlighted its significance for progressing innovations in the logistics sector.
Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Logistics
- Ports and Maritime
Geography
- United Kingdom – The project is based in the UK and aims to enhance logistics operations within UK ports and warehouses.
Industry
- Artificial Intelligence – The article describes a project focused on developing AI technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in logistics.
- Logistics – The article discusses a project aimed at improving logistics sector operations through AI solutions.
- Ports and Maritime – Multiple partners in the project are associated with ports, and the project's focus is on implementing improvements in port facilities.
Financials
- £1 million – The funding amount provided by UK Research and Innovation for the AI project.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoboK | Target company | Company | A computer vision startup focused on transforming industrial sites into safe and efficient environments. |
| University of Cambridge | Parent institution | Company | The university from which the spinout RoboK originated. |
| UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | Funding body | Government | The organization providing funding for the AI project. |
| Astron Fire & Security | Industry partner | Company | A partner providing expertise in security systems for the project. |
| Freeport East | Industry partner | Company | A partner involved in the project to enhance logistics integration and innovation. |
| Port of Dover | Industry partner | Company | A major UK port serving as a participant in the logistics improvement project. |
| The Finishing Line | Industry partner | Company | A partner in the AI project, involved in logistics operations. |
| The University of Essex | Academic partner | Company | An academic institution contributing to the AI project. |
| The Bristol Port Company | Industry partner | Company | Another port partner in the project focusing on AI-driven logistics enhancements. |