New institute to power city's leadership in AI

Liverpool strengthened its claim to be a leader in artificial intelligence after the launch yesterday of a new research institute at LJMU.

The Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Research Institute offers an exceptional opportunity to boost the city’s person-centred management of AI.

The university centre brings together expertise in AI, digital twins, virtual reality, robotics, future internet and cyber-security with applications in engineering, health, environment, business, education and sport.

Liverpool – with the country’s first local government AI chief - is prioritising ‘AI for good’ with a focus on public services, particularly health, education and transport.

Huge opportunity

Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of the majority Labour group, said they were looking to the university to partner them in these endeavours and we are excellently placed.

“We are really looking forward to working with the AI Institute not least because AI is offering us a huge opportunity to improve public sector efficiency and service provision.”

Kayla Vondy, the AI Project Manager for the Liverpool City Region said: “The region will be looking to the university to figure out a lot of things around these new technologies, particularly around scope and trustworthiness.”

Impact on society

The Institute, conceived two years ago by Professors Ivan Olier Caparroso and Sandra Martorell, welcomed collaborators from Siemens, Scan, Liverpool 5G Ltd, Clatterbridge, Liverpool Chamber, Multiverse, Mersey Maritime and more.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power said: “The pursuit of real-world applications in AI and digital technologies not only grows our research capacity but builds our leadership in the field and heightens the impact we can have in society.

“These activities lie at the very heart of our mission as a civic university.”