Using AI and digital innovation to enhance the North East economy

While much of the talk around AI treats it like a recent phenomenon, that is not the case with its origins being traced back to the early 1950s.  However, this is not the place to focus on the existential discussions around its implications for humanity. 

Our distinct focus is on the sorts of opportunities AI could bring businesses and specifically companies operating here in the North East of Scotland. Could this digital tool that seems to have caught the attention of Messrs Sunak and Biden be used to help businesses move forward as they try and find new ways to innovate?

In short, the answer to this question is yes, however, it is important to delve further into this topic and highlight how this fascinating technology is being embraced by businesses operating in a leading North East sector for their day-to-day operations. 

One way to conquer this complex equation of using AI to help businesses is through the use of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) where academic knowledge can be used to the benefit of companies.

KTPs often deliver significant increased profitability for business partners as a direct result of the partnership through improved quality and operations, increased sales, and access to new markets.  The innovation programme from Innovate UK has been around for 50 years to ensure businesses can thrive using groundbreaking techniques and methods that can come from leading academics working at universities like Robert Gordon University (RGU).

Professor Eyad Elyan from RGU’s School of Computing worked alongside Aberdeen-based AISUS Limited Offshore so they could integrate AI into their maintenance operations in the North Sea. He is a leading proponent of the power and success of KTPs as well as a leading expert in both machine learning and AI. His expertise is highly valued by students at RGU, but also by companies looking to digitise their operations.

This proved to be so successful that Professor Elyan was named Academic of the Year at the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards 2023 for his role in leading this transformative project which has helped AISUS to develop new inspection services and expand into new markets.

Professor Elyan said using AI will have a transformative impact on the way offshore installations are inspected and there are no limits on the kinds of opportunities this technology can bring.

He said: “Currently, the sector collects video footage of pipelines and other offshore assets under the North Sea using remote-operated vehicles. This video footage is then sent to inspectors who check it for corrosion and other types of defects.

“This involves many engineers but by using AI, you can use the new technology to automate the process. AI can be used to take these images and collect long hours of video footage and is then be fed it into an AI algorithm that tells you instantly if there is a defect or corrosion or not.” 

The initial two-year project with AISUS finished last summer, but already the company are keen to work with Professor Eyad once more. This new project is aimed at developing an Artificial Intelligence –drive immersive inspection platform for energy sector infrastructure, which will also use virtual reality, aimed at enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Professor Elyan’s own success continues at pace with yet another award nomination coming in the form of being name as a finalist in the Knowledge Exchange Champion category at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2024, which take place on 14 March in Glasgow.  

But what about the wider debate on the impact of AI on the world of work and business? Professor Elyan believes there are sure to be opportunities coming from the technology as it further embeds itself into our lives in the years to come. 

He added: “More jobs will emerge, in other fields and disciplines as AI technology is rolled out and there is no limit on the number of opportunities it can create. 

“Yes, there might be some jobs that will or are already disappearing, such as office jobs like technical writing, translation or communications, but other jobs are still very safe in sectors such as healthcare, labour, construction and maintenance. 

“We need to adapt our practices and education based on that. Whilst it is a lot more autonomous, it is also another innovation field. We just need to adapt so that we can realise AI’s potential.”

This article was printed in The Press & Journal on Friday 29 March 2024.