A new University of Birmingham-led research hub aims to revolutionise UK manufacturing through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help achieve Net Zero by 2050.
The Co-AIMS (Collaborative AI for Manufacturing Sustainability) Hub looks to pioneer AI-powered manufacturing ecosystems that eliminate waste, boost productivity, and increase sustainability.
Backed by £13.7 million of UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding, the centre unites leading experts from the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, Oxford, and Sheffield, and Cranfield University.
Led by Professor Niels Lohse, from the University of Birmingham, the hub team will work with manufacturers, technology providers, innovation centres, business associations, and regional authorities.
The partnership will deliver safe, ethical, and inclusive technologies for sectors including automotive, aerospace, clean energy, and food & drink.
Professor Niels Lohse commented: “The successful funding of the Co-AIMS Hub marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards sustainable and productive manufacturing. By leveraging AI to empower people and enhance manufacturing systems, the Hub will drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability, positioning the UK as a world leader in AI-driven manufacturing.”
The multidisciplinary Co-AIMS Hub team includes experts in AI, robotics, ethics, and sustainability who will work with industrial partners to influence national policy, promote ethical AI adoption, as well as organising education and public engagement initiatives.
Manufacturing contributes 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, and Co-AIMS researchers will explore ways of reducing this impact – key objectives include:
- Empowering workers to contribute their skills regardless of location/physical ability
- Supercharging productivity by increasing the autonomy of AI-powered machines
- Enhancing resilience and agility in decentralized, circular production systems
- Encouraging knowledge exchange between industrial experts, factory workers, and academic researchers
The Hub’s research program will be delivered through three main work streams: Research & Innovation, Community Building, and User Engagement. It will develop novel AI models, hybrid models combining physics-based simulations with machine learning, and advanced data analytics techniques.
Professor Stephen Jarvis, Provost of the University of Birmingham, commented: “The University of Birmingham undoubtedly has great research strength in AI and manufacturing technology, but only by leveraging effective academic and industrial partnerships will we make the progress needed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. This excellent new venture represents an outstanding example of such collaboration, and I look forward to celebrating the centre’s future successes.”
Co-AIMS aligns with the UK government’s industrial strategy “Invest 2035,” which focuses on productivity, growth, and environmental leadership. The Hub will contribute to delivering economic growth in the UK – addressing barriers such as technology adoption, data, and skills to support AI’s potential to make the country’s manufacturing more sustainable and help deliver greater productivity.
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