Centre for Future Technologies

Postgraduate Researchers

Gareth Anstee (Postgraduate Associate)

The sport of robot combat is relatively new, with the first recognised open competitions happening less than thirty years ago. Since then, relatively little research has been done on the subject, despite the success of BBC2’s Robot Wars, and the obvious potential for robot combat the work as a test bed for future technologies. This PhD project looks to establish a foundation of understanding in the sport and its many potential applications.

Brian Packer

Design Management of Accessible Tools for Games and Creative Development

Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

We are currently at work on several strands of research in the domain of AI and ML. These range from exploring fundamental questions around the role of AI in learning and knowledge acquisition to designing and testing possible assistive technologies to support people with functional impairments. Projects supported by Centre members in this area have included the following:

• Working with the IBM TJ Watson Research Center in New York on the development of the Watson Deep Q&A System that took part in the Jeopardy (TM) challenge against three grand masters
• Medical imaging applications, such as developing new methods of COVID-19 and kidney disease diagnosis
• Supporting contextually aware computing by using ML to discover more about context and better modify human-computer interactions
• Using solutions such as TensorFlow for image processing to recognise everyday objects to support people with impaired vision
• Exploring the use of tools such as ChatGPT to help neurodivergent students with writing and comprehension tasks

This work has recently resulted in a Knowledge Training Partnership (KTP) with Fargro, a local horticultural supply company, to develop a scalable, robust, adaptable, and extensible commercial solution for real-time, intelligent and data-driven decision making in commercial horticulture. It is doing so through using remote sensing with novel Data Analytics (DA), Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to assist growers in their complex decision-making tasks, in order to optimise conditions and maximise outputs – all while reducing costs.

Internet of Things (IoT)-Enabled Solar Power Optimization: Harnessing Data for Sustainable Energy

This research project aims to develop a comprehensive IoT-based system that constantly monitors, manages, and optimizes solar power generation. Traditional solar panel installations lack real-time data insights and adaptive control mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance and energy wastage. By integrating IoT sensors, data analytics, and smart control algorithms, this project aims to transform solar panels into intelligent energy generators.

The contributions to the broader IoT ecosystem by demonstrating the potential for smart, sustainable energy solutions. As renewable energy sources like solar power continue to gain traction, the fusion of IoT technology with energy systems paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. The insights gained from this project have the potential to revolutionize the way we harness and utilize solar energy, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and advancing the global transition to clean energy sources.

Past projects

New Applications for Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Sensing

This research considered new commercial applications for microwave and millimetre-wave sensing in security and health-related settings. These technologies are often used in airports in body scanning, because the penetration of electromagnetic radiation at these frequencies is simultaneously highly effective (e.g., through clothing), and, unlike x-rays, poses no health-related risks. Current body scanning systems, however, remain unable to screen the soles of shoes, and thus typically necessitate the removal of footwear, which significantly reduces ‘throughput’ (scanning speeds) and user convenience. As a consequence of these limitations, and others related to the cumbersome and costly equipment these techniques typically require, microwave and millimetre-wave technology is under-explored in many other contexts requiring non-destructive evaluation (NDE) capabilities, such as waste recycling and healthcare.

Smart Energy Management using Electric Vehicles

This research project, which involved researchers in the Centre for Future Technologies, worked to show how smart energy management (SEM) of renewable energy and electrified vehicular (EV) transportation can effectively reduce carbon emissions when used together. This was established in an innovative transnational pilot conducted across 4 EU countries, in which households saw a 5% increase in ‘clean kilometres’, and one of the world’s largest ‘smart’ garages.

Our members have a strong track record in research, publishing regularly with high-impact publishers and other researchers around the world.

Browse some of our recent work on our ChiPrints page.

How we’re helping create change

The work of researchers in the Centre for Future Technologies has impacted a wide range of industry stakeholders at an international level. Our work in microwave and millimetre-wave sensing, for instance, resulted in two patents and significant private sector investment for commercialisation. It was also selected for trial by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Our ongoing work in smart horticulture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) the Internet of Things (IoT), countering design exclusion and human-robot interactions is developing practical and scalable solutions to pressing real-world problems.

Advancements in AI and ML

Research projects exploring AI and ML are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in these fields, helping to answer fundamental questions about AI’s role in learning and knowledge acquisition, and potentially reshaping wider approaches to education and skill development.

Assistive Technologies

New assistive technologies will have the potential to dramatically improve quality of life outcomes for people living with functional impairments.

Healthcare Innovations

Research into medical imaging, for purposes including COVID-19 and kidney disease diagnosis, can directly improve healthcare outcomes. Faster, easier and more accurate diagnosis methods save lives and reduce healthcare costs.

Enhanced Human-Computer Interaction

Deploying ML to understand and improve human-computer interaction can lead to more intuitive and efficient user interfaces, enhancing user experiences across various applications – from smartphones to smart home devices.

Support for Neurodivergent Students

Leveraging tools like ChatGPT to assist neurodivergent students with writing and comprehension tasks can make education more accessible and tailored to individual needs, fostering learning and development.

Industry Partnerships

Our collaboration with Fargro on real-time, intelligent, and data-driven decision making in commercial horticulture could have a significant impact on wider the agricultural sector, helping to increase crop yields, reduce resource usage, and enhance sustainability.

Sustainable Energy

IoT-enabled solar power optimization research contributes to the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. By increasing the efficiency of solar panels and reducing energy wastage, this project will promote clean energy adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

No upcoming events.

For more information, please contact Dr Kevlin Anoh at k.anoh@chi.ac.uk.