A Cambridge-backed AI spinout, born out of the prestigious College of Cambridge, has secured €1.1 million in investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to pioneer a cutting-edge AI solution focused on bolstering port and warehouse security and efficiency across the UK.

Dubbed PALLETS, this innovative venture aims to revolutionize logistics hub operations by integrating AI with existing CCTV systems to provide real-time threat detection and actionable insights, fostering a more effective, transparent, and secure environment.

, Founder & CEO of RoboK, emphasised the significance of the venture:

Founded in 2017 by Hao Zheng, RoboK is a pioneering PC vision startup aimed at revolutionizing industrial sites into secure and eco-friendly facilities. Utilizing AI-powered technology, RoboK’s innovative platform seamlessly integrates with existing CCTV systems to provide actionable insights that enhance office security, simplify processes, and drive operational efficiency.

As part of UKRI’s ‘Accelerating Reliable Artificial Intelligence’ initiative, RoboK’s PALLETS offerings. This program aims to accelerate the widespread uptake of morally responsible and trustworthy artificial intelligence technologies. Pallets was awarded funding for its innovative approach to addressing critical security and transparency concerns in the transportation and logistics industries, thereby securing a spot among the 21 funded initiatives in its second phase.

The startup’s innovative platform revolutionizes traditional surveillance software by transforming it into a forward-thinking tool that not only detects potential threats but also streamlines processes and optimizes operations. By achieving this objective, the initiative aims to reduce barriers to AI adoption, identifying and streamlining operational inefficiencies while building trust in autonomous solutions.

The PALLETS initiative has yielded early returns that align with expectations, as corroborated by the Port of Dover’s IT head.

The venture is expected to reach fruition by March 2025, with a significant likelihood of setting industry standards in logistics management.

RoboK’s initiative brings collectively a various coalition of companions, together with Astron Fireplace & Safety, Freeport East, the Port of Dover, The Ending Line, the College of Essex, and The Bristol Port Firm. The consortium leverages its unique blend of AI expertise, rigorous tutorial analysis, hands-on port operations knowledge, and cutting-edge safety infrastructure to expertly navigate the intricacies of logistics automation.

The initiative has also gained support from The Bristol Port Company, with its CEO stating:

RoboK’s collaboration with PALLETS showcases the transformative potential of AI in disrupting traditional sectors and revitalizing business models.