A Scottish technology firm is part of an international collaboration to help workplaces prevent coronavirus transmission via a ‘pioneering’ AI-based solution.
Intense IT has created the WorkSafeAI solution, which enables businesses to decide which prevention measures are most suitable for them. The project has benefited from seed funding from Innovate UK, which was obtained with the help of The Data Lab’s External Funding Service.
WorkSafeAI works by simulating any combination of mitigation actions, building occupancy and background infection rates, so businesses will know what should work best in their specific situation. Firms will be able to verify the effectiveness of their risk policies by integrating real-time data from sensors, heat-sensitive cameras and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Robert Walker, solutions director at Intense IT explained, “The risks to society from the global Covid-19 pandemic and the steps we need to take to live with the disease, are only now being understood. We wanted to play our part in helping to make work space a safe space by modelling epidemiology, infection and transmission risks, and presenting to decision-makers in an actionable way
“Our partnership with Silicon Valley Decision Intelligence pioneers, Quantellia, allows us to develop this unique approach to risk management for Covid-19, and of course future-proof for further pandemics. With this solution we can ensure that leaders’ decisions can be evidence-based and people-focused. This will engage business leaders in the fight against a second or third spike in the coronavirus and the emergence of other epidemics.
“Our consortium is also made up of local, highly skilled SMEs: technical resources from neurodiversity professionals auticon, project management and business analysis specialists Linsandel Consulting and with support from clinical epidemiologist Dr Paul Nelson of Nelus AI.”
Supported by The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, Intense IT submitted a successful funding application to Innovate UK, to invest in further research and development of commercial opportunities for Decision Intelligence (DI).
The Data Lab’s External Funding Services aid start-ups and SMEs with applications for translational funding, such as grants, to help bridge the gap in development between early stage technology and commercialisation.
Adam Turner, external funding service lead at The Data Lab added, “The last few months have been challenging for us all as the world grapples with Covid-19 and its impacts on our economy and jobs. At the External Funding Service, we have assisted numerous companies throughout their application for Covid-19 related funding to solve fundamental issues that must be addressed as we reboot our economy and live with the ongoing pandemic.
“The WorkSafe AI project will see business leaders making informed data-driven decisions that ensure safety is upheld as our economy restarts – an exciting new tool added to our arsenal in the fight against Covid-19.”
Intense IT operations director Craig Fenton commented, “The project will also drive research and development into wider Decision Intelligence opportunities in financial services, education, construction innovation and the space sector, with a vision to develop a Decision Intelligence Centre of Excellence, joining-up industry and academia, and creating partner networks across Data and FinTech.”
