RoboK, a University of Cambridge AI spinout, has announced it has raised £1 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which invested in Intellegens and Lifted. The funding is for a project to deliver an industry-first AI safety and efficiency solution for UK ports and warehouses of all sizes. This funding is a part of a consortium called the PALLETS project and it shows UKRI’s drive to accelerate the adoption of trustworthy and responsible AI and machine learning technologies.
The PALLETS platform
Robok’s PALLETS (which stands for Proactive AI-powered Solutions for Logistics Efficiency, Transparency and Safety) platform integrates AI with existing CCTV systems, transforming video monitoring into a proactive tool for real-time hazard detection and operational improvements. Thereby, it sets new standards in safety and efficiency across UK logistics hubs.
PALLETS is one of 21 projects to secure funding from phase two of UKRI’s ‘Accelerating trustworthy AI’ opportunity. It aims to lower AI adoption barriers for the transport and logistics industries while improving transparency and security.
The project brings together unique expertise from key partners: Astron Fire & Security, Freeport East, Port of Dover, The Finishing Line, The University of Essex, and The Bristol Port Company. This collaboration offers the combined strengths of AI innovation, security infrastructure, port operations, academic research, and logistics expertise. Together, the consortium seeks to tackle significant industry challenges, including hazard detection and operational bottlenecks in a secure and trusted manner.
The project concludes at the end of March 2025 and is poised to set new benchmarks in AI-driven safety and efficiency for the UK’s logistics and transport sectors.
Aims at safe and efficient industrial sites
Founded by Hao Zheng in 2017, RoboK is a computer vision startup that aims to transform industrial sites into safe and efficient environments. By developing innovative, privacy-preserving, and cost-effective technology, RoboK maximises the value of existing industrial CCTV cameras. Its solutions automate manual monitoring, safeguard the workforce, track work progress, and facilitate continuous improvement.
The company collaborates with major critical infrastructure operators, transforming on-site visual data into actionable insights to tackle workplace hazards and operational bottlenecks. The AI-powered platform proactively identifies potential safety breaches, monitors dwell time for anomalies and efficiency and analyses behaviours and interactions for better planning and decision-making
Hao Zheng, Founder & CEO of RoboK, commented, “PALLETS aligns perfectly with RoboK’s vision to create safer and more efficient industrial workplaces. We are honoured to collaborate with key industry partners on a project of such strategic importance to the UK economy.”
Steve Beel, CEO of Freeport East commented “Freeport East is delighted to be involved in PALLETS. This demonstrates our role acting as a convenor, making linkages to progress innovative applications and technologies in the ports and logistics sector.”
Mark Burton, Head of IT at the Port of Dover said: “We’re really pleased with the progress being made in our work with RoboK on the PALLETS initiative. The early results are very positive, and we’ve gained some helpful insights into how computer vision might support our operational goals moving forward and also sparked new ideas about how we can apply this technology across different areas of our business.”
Holly Leonard, Innovation Partnerships Manager at the University of Essex said: “The University is proud to be collaborating with partners to deliver PALLETS, which will fast-track AI solutions into the logistics sector. Essex researchers in AI and cyber security will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel solutions which will deliver automation and efficiencies in a complex environment. These solutions will lead to significant efficiencies for logistics firms, which will have a positive economic and environmental impact.”
David Brown, Chief Executive at The Bristol Port Company, noted: “Bristol Port is delighted to continue their work with Robok and utilise their expertise with AI to identify potential accidents before they happen. The PALLETS project is enabling The Port to gain an enhanced understanding of how AI can make our business even safer and more efficient. The early results have been most encouraging and we look forward to continuing our partnership”
