More than £100,000 funding to develop new AI lab
A new AI engineering lab is set to be developed in Devon. It’s all thanks to funding to the tune of £118,000 from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The money will go towards developing a new AI engineering laboratory at the Centre for Future Clean Mobility at Exeter Science Park.
The team says the project will offer a ‘unique blend of human-AI interaction’ which’ll help with designing products, systems and services.
It’s envisaged the laboratory will join forces with small and medium-sized enterprises across the region. The lab is equipped to offer expertise in optimising a diverse range of solutions needed by local businesses.
‘This funding extension is a significant step toward advancing scientific excellence in the South West,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP.
‘Projects like ACE-Lab underpin our region’s technological capabilities, ultimately driving economic growth, jobs and innovation.’
The University of Exeter is seen as a key leader in AI technology and it’s expected the facility would give it a crucial edge in a competitive industry.
The team will be able to offer ‘powerful computers and visualisation equipment, industrial engineering hardware systems, and access to industry engineering experts to help train the AI systems.’
‘The new lab will combine state-of-the-art computation for AI and machine learning, virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D sensing and printing capability with our expertise in world-leading optimisation and machine learning research, to transform the capability of clean mobility for businesses in the South West,’ says Professor Christopher Smith, Director of the Centre for Future Clean Mobility.
Last year saw the creation of the ‘Angel investor’ programme. It has the goal of providing a pivotal role for driving economic growth in the south west. Organisers it’ll ‘foster innovation.’
