Building on the Government's ambition for the UK to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, the Centre will drive ethical, inclusive and human-centred research and innovation across areas including healthcare, advanced manufacturing and public services.
The Centre was officially launched by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard at an event attended by regional industry leaders, public sector partners and researchers.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Artificial intelligence will help shape the future, and South Yorkshire is determined to help shape it too.
"We have a proud history of changing the world through innovation, engineering and industry.
With the talent, research and ambition we have here, there’s a real opportunity to help lead what comes next. We can't afford to sit on the sidelines while decisions about the future are made elsewhere.
“The new Centre of Excellence is helping South Yorkshire to be a leading voice in the development and application of AI, turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world solutions.
“It builds on the work we're already doing through initiatives like TECH SY to strengthen our tech ecosystem and most importantly, will help make sure AI is developed in a way which reflects our values, creates opportunity and delivers genuine benefits for our communities.”
The Centre will be led by Alessandro Di Nuovo, Professor of Machine Intelligence at Sheffield Hallam University, and will bring together academic expertise from across the University alongside industrial and public sector partnerships.
Professor Di Nuovo leads a number of collaborative research projects in AI and robotics, supported by public and private sector partners including IBM, UK Research and Innovation and Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Alessandro Di Nuovo said: “Artificial intelligence and robotics have enormous potential to transform the way we live and work, but it is vital that these technologies are developed responsibly and with people at their centre.
“Our new Centre of Excellence will bring together expertise from across disciplines and work closely with industry, public services and communities to address real-world challenges. From supporting healthcare and developing the manufacturing technologies of the future to creating more responsive public services, our ambition is to ensure that advances in AI and robotics deliver meaningful benefits for society.”
One of the Centre’s humanoid robots also gave a short speech at the launch event, while guests also had the opportunity to interact with other robots and learn more about several pioneering projects already underway.
These include the €7.3 million Horizon Europe-funded PRIMI project, which has enabled researchers to develop socially interactive autonomous robots using technology inspired by the human brain. The project aims to improve social interaction and support the rehabilitation of stroke survivors.
Another project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is developing an artificial “mind” for robots that learns and develops in a similar way to a child’s brain. The research aims to create robots capable of reasoning, interacting and adapting more naturally.
Beyond robotics, the research could also help scientists better understand how the human brain develops, potentially providing new insights into neurological and learning disorders and supporting the development of future treatments.
The Centre will sit in the University’s College of Business Technology and Engineering, bringing together researchers and expertise from across Sheffield Hallam.
Professor Jennifer Smith Maguire, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering said: “Artificial intelligence and robotics will increasingly shape our economy, workplaces and communities, making it essential that we develop the skills, knowledge and partnerships needed to harness these technologies responsibly.
“The new Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics reflects Sheffield Hallam’s commitment to bringing together expertise across disciplines and connecting research with real-world practice. By creating a focal point for collaboration, we will help develop future talent, drive innovation and support regional prosperity across South Yorkshire and beyond.
“The Centre will champion the ethical and human-centred development of AI and robotics, ensuring these powerful technologies are used in ways that improve lives, strengthen communities and create sustainable economic growth.”
Find out more about the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
