RoboK Secures Funding to Enhance Safety and Efficiency in UK Logistics with AI

RoboK, a Cambridge-based artificial intelligence startup, has secured €1.1 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to advance safety and operational efficiency in logistics hubs across the United Kingdom. The funding will support the development of an AI-driven initiative called PALLETS (Proactive AI-powered Solutions for Logistics Efficiency, Transparency and Safety), which integrates cutting-edge technology with existing surveillance systems.

The PALLETS project aims to revolutionize operations in ports and warehouses by utilizing AI to enhance real-time hazard detection and provide actionable insights. The platform leverages existing CCTV systems, transforming them into intelligent tools capable of optimizing workflows and reducing operational risks. Hao Zheng, the Founder and CEO of RoboK, emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s mission, stating, “PALLETS aligns perfectly with RoboK’s vision to create safer and more efficient industrial workplaces.”

Founded in 2017, RoboK specializes in computer vision technologies designed to transform industrial sites into safer environments. Its latest project, PALLETS, is a key part of UKRI’s Accelerating Trustworthy AI program, which seeks to promote the adoption of reliable and ethical AI solutions. Out of 21 projects selected during the program’s second phase, PALLETS stands out for its potential to address critical challenges in logistics, particularly in safety and transparency.

The project has already yielded early insights during its pilot phase. Mark Burton, Head of IT at the Port of Dover, shared his perspective on the progress made so far: “We’re really pleased with the progress being made in our work with RoboK on the PALLETS initiative. The early results are very positive, and we’ve gained some helpful insights into how computer vision might support our operational goals.”

Set for completion in March 2025, PALLETS is expected to establish new benchmarks for logistics management, offering innovative solutions for a traditionally manual sector. The initiative is supported by a diverse network of collaborators, including Astron Fire & Security, Freeport East, Port of Dover, The Finishing Line, University of Essex, and The Bristol Port Company. This partnership combines expertise in AI, academic research, port operations, and security infrastructure to tackle the complexities of logistics automation.

The Bristol Port Company, a key partner in the project, highlighted the potential benefits of AI for enhancing operational safety. David Brown, the company’s Chief Executive, remarked, “Bristol Port is delighted to continue their work with RoboK and utilize their expertise with AI to identify potential accidents before they happen. The early results have been most encouraging, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

By integrating AI into logistics operations, PALLETS aims to address bottlenecks while fostering trust in automated solutions. The initiative’s broader goal is to make AI more accessible and adaptable, encouraging its adoption in industries hesitant to embrace automation.

As RoboK and its partners advance the PALLETS project, the initiative underscores the transformative role AI can play in modernizing logistics operations, balancing efficiency with safety, and paving the way for more sustainable industry practices.