Brigade Electronics has launched Radar Predict – its latest innovative side Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) collision prediction safety technology specifically designed to protect cyclists from incidents with HGVs. Even before its launch, this product was already receiving positive feedback during customer trials and has earned expert recognition, being honoured
Despite the significant rise in the profile of artificial intelligence (AI), the UK’s Construction SMEs are largely undecided about the impact it will have on their business, sector and jobs. The findings are taken from the latest independent research* from Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing. Nearly six in 10
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has upgraded its student accommodation alarm systems via the implementation of IoT connected smart home sensors from Aico. The university offers guaranteed accommodation, to all students during their first year. Following the most recent British Standard revision for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
Leading property management company, Rendall & Rittner, is proud to announce that an impressive 20,000 of its residents have signed up for its e-communications platform. This achievement reflects Rendall & Rittner’s firm commitment to creating sustainable communities for people to live, work and play in. Having initially been recognised for
Although Artificial Intelligence, Regulation and Access to Capital are the main subjects of the international meeting, sustainability plays a leading role in the production of stands, particularly the one produced by Feeders, which is striving to be more and more eco-friendly The Web Summit technology event is already underway in
AtkinsRéalis has won Learning Places Scotland’s prestigious ‘Consultancy of the Year’ award for the fourth time in five years. The global design, engineering and project management company picked up on the ‘Consultancy of the Year’ award and the ‘Project of the Year’ prize at the annual event hosted on Tuesday [14
With storm season in full force, SP Energy Networks is investigating the potential of using artificial intelligence to help predict faults in the electricity network ahead of severe weather hitting In a UK first, SP Energy Networks is trialling AI technology to better pinpoint potential faults on the electricity network
By John Gorse, Public and Government Affairs Lead, Signify UKI Connected lighting can help AI make smart cities greener The world has become increasingly urbanised. The UN reports that since 2007 more than half the world’s population has been living in cities. That number is projected to rise to 60% by 2030.
A pioneering cleantech company is set to unveil its prototype flatpack home built using sustainable and advanced materials after undergoing testing at a ground-breaking research facility in Greater Manchester. Vector Homes is working with Energy House 2.0, part of the University of Salford, to develop its new rapid-build housing system.
Brigade Electronics – a market-leading provider of vehicles safety systems – has launched AI Intelligent Detection Cameras to the UK market. The latest addition to Brigade’s portfolio of safety solutions, AI cameras are a new generation of active blind-spot detection that utilise artificial intelligence to recognise humans within a predefined
Brigade Electronics has launched Radar Predict – its latest innovative side Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) collision prediction safety technology specifically designed to protect cyclists from incidents with HGVs. Even before its launch, this product was already receiving positive feedback during customer trials and has earned expert recognition, being honoured as the ‘Most Innovative Product of the Year’ at the Motor Transport Awards. Utilising artificial intelligence (AI), Radar Predict alerts the driver about potential collisions by analysing data such as the speed and direction of the vehicle, and cyclists nearby. The system uses its specially designed algorithm to alert drivers when an impact with a cyclist is likely. Incidents involving large vehicles, such as HGVs, are far more likely to prove fatal than those involving a car. Many of the collisions between cyclists and HGVs occur because the driver has limited ‘direct vision’ from their cab (the ability to see what is outside the vehicle without using indirect aids, such as mirrors or cameras). Radar Predict supports HGV driver visibility via a single dual-radar unit, which is fitted to the nearside of the vehicle to provide complete side coverage, including the trailer unit. A trailer discovery mode will detect whether the vehicle is fitted with a trailer and prevents the articulation from causing false alerts. The driver is alerted only if a cyclist enters the detection zone and poses a potential collision risk. The system issues differentiated visual and audible alerts based on the time to collision, providing an initial notification upon detection and escalating to a more urgent warning if it predicts an imminent collision. Radar Predict’s key features include: Thierry Bourgeay, Senior Product Manager at Brigade Electronics, said: “Radar Predict has been specifically developed to address the issues caused by blind spots for HGV drivers when manoeuvring in close proximity to cyclists. The system ensures full coverage down the nearside of the vehicle, including the trailer, and greatly reduces false alerts for drivers as it will only activate when a collision is likely. Additionally, Radar Predict will automatically activate when the vehicle is turning, so no indicator selection is required by the driver.” To find out more about Brigade’s Radar Predict and its portfolio of vehicle safety solutions, please visit https://brigade-electronics.com/products/radar-obstacle-detection/radar-predict/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Despite the significant rise in the profile of artificial intelligence (AI), the UK’s Construction SMEs are largely undecided about the impact it will have on their business, sector and jobs. The findings are taken from the latest independent research* from Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing. Nearly six in 10 (56%) of respondents are of the view that AI will have a bearing on their business, but are undecided about the scale, with 21% (UK average: 20%) thinking it will have a large impact compared to 16% (UK average: 9%) who say it won’t have any measurable impact. Q: How much of an impact, if any at all, do you think the increasing presence of artificial intelligence will have on your business? A large impact 21% Some impact 35% Not much of an impact 23% No impact at all 16% Unsure 4% Business owners are split about whether to incorporate AI into their business processes, with 39% (UK average: 41%) saying they will against 47% (UK average: 40%) who have no intention of doing so. The remaining 15% (UK average: 19%) haven’t yet made up their minds. The key question about potential job losses brought about by AI also divided the crowd, with 43% (UK average: 42%) saying AI will lead to large scale job losses in their sector; 45% (UK average: 43%) are of the opposite view while 12% (UK average: 15%) are unsure: Yes No Unsure UK total 42% 43% 15% Manufacturing & Engineering 42% 43% 15% Food and Drink 42% 40% 18% Construction 43% 45% 12% Print and Packaging 52% 40% 8% Recruitment 40% 44% 16% Agriculture 38% 48% 13% Services (e.g. Finance, healthcare, Education, IT) 46% 35% 19% Transport & Haulage 34% 49% 17% Wholesale and distribution 39% 46% 15% While many see AI as a potential threat, more of the UK’s Construction SME business owners see the technology presenting opportunities for growth and employment in their sector than those who do not. Yes 46% (UK average: 46%) No 35% (UK average: 36%) Unsure 19% (UK average: 18%) The business areas (in order) most at risk from AI – according to respondents – are: Our view Matt Roper, CEO of Close Brothers’ Commercial business, said: “Artificial Intelligence already impacts us on a daily basis in hundreds of ways, from route mapping to using chat bots to answer questions, and it’s only likely to become more prominent in the coming years. “Our research is telling us a number of things; firstly, there’s an understandable lack of consensus about AI’s current and potential impact, largely because it’s only gained traction in the public imagination fairly recently. There’s also no agreed definition of what AI actually is. “Secondly, there’s a recognition that it could present opportunities for firms to use AI to their advantage, particularly in those sectors that are more reliant on digital innovation. “And lastly, firms aren’t yet sure quite how to incorporate AI into their business processes.” For a more detailed breakdown or discussion about the results, contact Anton Nebbe, Head of PR and Communications, 07736 286 144, anton.nebbe@closebrothers.com. For more news from Close Brothers Asset Finance, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has upgraded its student accommodation alarm systems via the implementation of IoT connected smart home sensors from Aico. The university offers guaranteed accommodation, to all students during their first year. Following the most recent British Standard revision for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in UK domestic premises, CCCU sought to upgrade all of its fire and smoke alarms to a Category LD1. This is the highest level of protection and incudes alarm coverage in all areas where a fire could start. Alongside fire detection, Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution has been designed to gather data on indoor environmental conditions. monitoring indoor air quality, Aico HomeLINK connected devices check temperature, humidity, ventilation, and carbon dioxide levels, enabling proactive maintenance and improved indoor conditions across CCCU’s student homes. The sensors give occupants actionable insights into the indoor environment in their student accommodation to help them prevent condensation, and damp and mould and provide a better experience within their accommodation The Aico HomeLINK solution also minimises nuisance and false alarms, by offering the university’s security and fire teams real-time data and trends in alarm activations to help them reduce call-outs that were not genuine fire or smoke alerts. Aico’s HomeLINK solution gives CCCU remote monitoring for property management so the right departments and people receive custom notifications and tags at the right times. This in itself has saved the university the cost of not-needed call-outs as the Aico Gateway only sends personalised notifications to whoever needs the alert and data. A CCCU Estates Team spokesperson said: “The Gateway system with instant notifications has helped us already to identify which students are triggering the alarms and then addressing the issue. The added benefit of the environmental sensors has led us to prioritise some remedial works to improve thermal efficiency of certain properties. Overall, so far it has shown how technology can benefit us as landlords, and plans are already in place to roll out across more of our properties.” The installation of the Aico Gateway sensors has tackled more problems than initially intended thanks to insights highlighting the key areas that need addressing in properties’ ventilation and insulation, and assuring the university that all of their alarm systems are working as they should. Chris Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Aico|HomeLINK, comments: “Canterbury Christ Church University is just one of the educational institutions we are working with to help keep their students safe and well. By leveraging IoT technology and integrating their teams with constant monitoring via sensors in real-time, the notifications allow the university to determine if there is a fire in progress or if the alarm is just a low battery or false activation in error by one of the students.” Aico|HomeLINK works with educational institutions across the UK, including the Universities of Bristol, Leeds and York, and Harper Adams University in Shropshire, to name just a few. Brad Wain, Regional Specification Manager, Aico, concluded: “I was thrilled to see CCCU implement Aico’s HomeLINK technology. Student accommodation providers play a key role in supporting these students as many leave home for the first time. Providing these properties with not only LD1 multi-sensor protection, but environmental sensors to monitor air quality, showcases the utmost care and consideration for the students staying in these properties.” To find out more about Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution, please visit: www.aico.co.uk/homelink Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management company, Rendall & Rittner, is proud to announce that an impressive 20,000 of its residents have signed up for its e-communications platform. This achievement reflects Rendall & Rittner’s firm commitment to creating sustainable communities for people to live, work and play in. Having initially been recognised for its sustainable approach to property management in 2010, Rendall & Rittner has continued to strive for improvements to its robust ESG strategy. In 2023, the company received the first ever Environmental & Sustainability Impact Award at the ARMA Ace Awards. Key benefits of Rendall & Rittner’s e-communications solution include: Catherine Riva, CEO of Rendall & Rittner Ltd comments: “For many years, Rendall & Rittner has been committed to developing sustainable strategies and practices that are mindful of the wider impact of our work. By switching to e-communications, residents at the developments we manage have helped us to further minimise our environmental footprint. We want to say a big thank you to all the residents that have signed up so far.” Find out more at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/our-regions/south/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Although Artificial Intelligence, Regulation and Access to Capital are the main subjects of the international meeting, sustainability plays a leading role in the production of stands, particularly the one produced by Feeders, which is striving to be more and more eco-friendly The Web Summit technology event is already underway in Lisbon, Portugal, and is bringing the application of technological innovations to the centre of discussions in various areas. And although artificial intelligence is the star of the event, sustainability remains a recurring matter, this time in a practical way. Developed and executed by the ephemeral architecture studio Feeders, the space for the Porto. brand was produced with the aim of promoting the re-use of materials, reinforcing the studio’s ongoing commitment to eco-conscious practices. In order to put into action what the brands have already included in their speeches, Feeders wanted to highlight the latest trends and innovations in the sector, based on the pillars of Economy and Tourism, by designing a space that has been thought out in detail for use at this and the next edition of the Web Summit, as well as at other events. All this, emphasising the need for concrete actions and sustainable innovation in the business environment. By promoting a meeting between the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem, from large companies to start-ups, Porto aims not only to consolidate its position as a quality global destination, but also to share innovative practices and operational strategies that contribute to the city’s sustainability. The stand featured elements that reflect Feeders’ technological excellence. The brand believes that by integrating sustainability and innovation, it is possible to create a positive impact and inspire significant change. “We are very excited to have been part of the Porto. brand at Web Summit. By developing a sustainable stand, we have aligned our participation in this international event with our environmental commitments and values. Moreover, it’s another project in which we demonstrate to our clients that there are valid alternatives for both the present and the future, in other words, that we present solutions that can be used more than once,” said Joaquim Silva, one of Feeders’ founding partners. At Web Summit 2023 there is a significant part of the agenda to address fundamental matters related to sustainability, through speeches and round tables. High-profile speakers, such as Professor Chris Kroll, Sita Chantramonklasri and Rachel Delacour, share their thoughts on the importance of sustainability, highlighting how companies play a significant role in driving positive change. To download the 3D and real images of the project, click on the following link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AtkinsRéalis has won Learning Places Scotland’s prestigious ‘Consultancy of the Year’ award for the fourth time in five years. The global design, engineering and project management company picked up on the ‘Consultancy of the Year’ award and the ‘Project of the Year’ prize at the annual event hosted on Tuesday [14 November] at the Hilton, Glasgow. The Consultancy of the Year award is valuable recognition that AtkinsRéalis has demonstrated outstanding work in the education sector across Scotland during 2022/23, which has also been a fantastic period of growth with 20% uplift in projects delivered in 18 months. More than 60 education projects have been delivered during this period, including new facilities for 917 early years children, and improvement to classroom facilities for more than 21,000 new inspiring student and staff spaces. Kirsty Whitfield, Regional Managing Director for Scotland & Ireland Project & Programme Services, said: “I’m proud our team has been awarded Consultancy of the Year for a fourth time. Winning the award is true testament to our Scottish team’s commitment to ensuring high quality, innovation and collaboration in all our projects. Our fantastic team put everything into the success of our projects, driving to improve the learning experience for thousands of young people across Scotland. My congratulations go out to all those involved, and I thank our entire team and our partners for all their hard work and dedication.” James Butler, Managing Director for Project & Programme Services adds: “It’s a remarkable achievement and I’m so proud of our team. Picking up this award for the fourth time in five years not only reflects on the excellence of our team in Scotland, but also the amazing portfolio of education projects we have to work on, which is a real privilege. Congratulations to the team once again for being recognised for their efforts to deliver success for our clients.” The team continues to provide outstanding multi-disciplinary services delivering 40% of Scotland’s LEIP funded schools across nine local authorities, continuing to work with 10 Scottish Universities delivering >£200M of projects at University of St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. AtkinsRéalis supports Scotland’s ambition to be net zero by 2045, increasing the number of Passivhaus schools delivered, whilst collaborating with the SFT, local authorities and Universities. The team has generated £25M in Salix funding for its education clients. As well as the Consultancy of the Year award, AtkinsRealis received further award recognition from Learning Places Scotland: – AtkinsRéalis was appointed by Heriot-Watt University as Project Manager and Employer’s Agent, reflecting our longstanding relationship with the university and our extensive experience of higher education and research buildings. The £22m facility creates world-class robotic solutions for homes, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, energy and agritech and is the UK’s largest and most advanced robotics and AI research and teaching centre. In 2023, AtkinsRéalis underwent significant growth in the national education sector, providing multi-disciplinary services to over 600 education clients. The firm also picked up Consultancy of the Year award at the Education Estates awards in Birmingham last month. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With storm season in full force, SP Energy Networks is investigating the potential of using artificial intelligence to help predict faults in the electricity network ahead of severe weather hitting In a UK first, SP Energy Networks is trialling AI technology to better pinpoint potential faults on the electricity network caused by severeweather and help ensure equipment and engineers are on hand to tackle problems – even before they happen. The revolutionary £5 million Predict4Resilience project will use AI technology to predict where faults could occur up-to seven days in advance, allowing the electricity network operator to mobilise engineers and equipment to shorten the time power supplies could be disrupted. By using AI, historic weather and fault data along with network asset and landscape information are used to develop machine learning models. Combined with real-time weather forecasting, Predict4Resilience will inform SP Energy Networks’ control room about where the weather will hit and what damage it’s expected with much more accurately than ever before. This will enable the control room to mobilise teams and send them out ahead of time, ready to restore power should a fault occur. This innovative technology adds to SP Energy Networks’ storm response and will ultimately allow the network provider to respond more quickly to power cuts and more efficiently target resources ahead of storms. Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer at SP Energy Networks, said: “Ahead of a severe weather event we mobilise hundreds of engineers, vehicles, and generators alongside thousands of pieces of other materials so we are ready to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. “We know the disruption severe weather can bring to our customers and we are constantly investing in our network and investigating new technologies that could be used to keep this disruption to a minimum. “Projects like Predict4Resilience offer us another tool to help inform our decision making during a storm and help to reduce the time it takes us to restore power, minimising the impact of severe weather on our customers and communities even further. “Through collaboration with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution to expand our testing area, the trial phase of this project will provide us with robust learnings to meet our ambition of rolling this technology out across the UK.” The leading network provider is working with partners to roll out the technology across the UK, including The University of Glasgow, who are developing the AI methods that underpin this new forecasting capability; Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution, which will use the findings to test a different regulatory area, resulting in a wider scale area being tested, and Sia Partners, a global consultancy who bring the technical capabilities to build the software and its supporting infrastructure, as well as its business expertise to ensure this technology can be rolled-out across all network operators. The project secured £4.5million funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) from energy regulator Ofgem and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which supports ambitious and innovative projects to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions. Sebastien Gerber, Head of Data Science and AI, UK and Ireland, at Sia Partners, said: “Sia Partners will continue its work from the previous phase of the project where it led the development of the solution prototype and built the supporting business case to secure further funding from Ofgem. “Our multidisciplinary team brings expertise in energy networks operations, data science, data engineering and UX / UI design to provide the end-to-end capability to deliver a software solution fit for all DNOs, as well as any adjacent sectors who suffer weather-related interruptions. “We’re proud to play such an integral role in Predict4Resilience and help create a more resilient network that minimises disruption and stress for customers, particularly for the vulnerable. We anticipate Predict4Resilience will bring about a range of significant financial, social and environmental benefits to the networks and their customers.” Dr Jethro Browell, Senior Lecturer in Statistics at the University of Glasgow says, “We are excited to be working with a great team of partners to make our electricity networks more resilient in the face of climate change. This is a fantastic example of how the mathematical sciences can impact our everyday lives for the better.” SP Energy Networks serves more than 3 million homes and businesses across the UK, who can benefit from this investment, ensuring a resilient and reliable power supply. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By John Gorse, Public and Government Affairs Lead, Signify UKI Connected lighting can help AI make smart cities greener The world has become increasingly urbanised. The UN reports that since 2007 more than half the world’s population has been living in cities. That number is projected to rise to 60% by 2030. Increased urbanisation brings with it increased responsibility for cities, especially regarding the environment. Cities account for roughly 70% of global carbon emissions and over 60% of resource use. Put simply, the world is on a collision course with an ecological reckoning and cities are one of the leading contributors. It follows that cities must also be leading drivers of change if we are to make good on our currently faltering climate pledges. And to successfully take climate action, artificial intelligence (AI) has a vital role to play. What is AI? AI is hard to define, both because it covers a wide range of offerings and because it is essentially a moving target—constantly learning and evolving is intrinsic to its purpose. At the most basic level, AI is digitalisation solution that leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. Essentially, it turns human-defined goals into mathematical ones. AI has long been touted as the technological tool that possesses both the greatest potential for advancement and the greatest degrees of risk. Data privacy is one such risk. Smart city technologies rely on data provided by citizens, but that data must be kept out of the hands of bad actors. A hacker with access to a smart traffic control system, for example, could cause mayhem. Legitimate organisations can potentially misuse AI as well, harvesting and exploiting data in ways that infringe on individual privacy. How can smart cities ensure that they’re using AI correctly? How can they use AI to advance their sustainability agendas in responsible and equitable ways? Read on to learn more. AI in cities AI has the potential to impact nearly every aspect of a smart city. It can bolster security with incident detection and intelligent CCTV. It can increase efficiency with traffic and parking management on roads, as well as automated updates and tracking options on public transportation. It can monitor air quality, manage waste, analyse energy usage—and that barely scratches the surface. To do any of these things, AI relies on data. Processing data, recognising patterns, and devising solutions based on those patterns—even predicting potential future difficulties that can be mitigated—are AI’s fundamental pillars. As such, any city that recognises and wants to capitalise on AI’s potential must ensure that its urban services are collecting data as effectively as possible. That’s where connected street lighting can play an important role. Sustainable partners: AI and connected lighting Sensors in streetlights can monitor air quality and temperature. They can also detect sounds—such as gunshots or smashed windows— and then alert first responders in real time, helping citizens feel more secure. Additionally, they help streamline traffic management by offering real-time traffic information and smart parking. This information can be shared with city traffic managers or directly with drivers via an app. Connected lighting is pivotal from a sustainability standpoint too. According to Climate Group, “A global switch to energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2.” That’s equivalent to the energy produced by 1,250 power stations. Potential pitfalls AI will be key to addressing social, economic, and ecological challenges at a global scale. However, its limitations must also be acknowledged. AI & Cities: Risks, Applications and Governance, a report published by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in collaboration with the Mila-Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, points to some of these limitations. “In order for an algorithm to reason, it must gain an understanding of its environment,” the authors write. “This understanding is provided by the data. Whatever assumptions and biases are represented in the dataset will be reproduced in how the algorithm reasons and what output it produces.” As noted earlier, AI turns human-defined goals into mathematical ones. But if the human-defined goals are based on existing preconceptions, then the data will end up reinforcing those assumptions. AI also falls short in evaluating its own performance. As the UN-Habitat report notes, “While it may be tempting to see algorithms as neutral ’thinkers,’ they are neither neutral nor thinkers.” AI has no grasp of wider context, and so can only produce results based on its pre-defined optimisation goals, which may be at odds with wider considerations—or worse, serve a misleading agenda. AI systems are mathematical and cannot integrate nuance. This means AI can sometimes end up excluding or underrepresenting subjective, qualitative information from its findings. Minimise risk with governance and accountability There are ways to mitigate the risks associated with AI’s shortcomings. Key among these are governance and accountability. Accountability ensures that some entity is always held responsible—and more importantly, always feels responsible—for AI’s impact. Algorithmic systems evolve, often unpredictably. A change in purpose will change their effects. Proper accountability can help negate mission creep, where technologies are intentionally repurposed for surveillance and other extraneous purposes. It can also help ensure that bad-faith actors aren’t able to willfully mishandle AI’s goals, or to repurpose them over time. AI governance refers to the sum of AI regulations, ethics, norms, administrative procedures, and social processes. Governance helps ensure AI is used in an inclusive and equitable way, and that preconceptions or lack of awareness in the early stages don’t allow AI findings to widen the digital divide or exacerbate existing inequalities. Governance lets local authorities evaluate the opportunities and risks afforded by AI, so they can then apply it in accordance with local context. Consulting citizens and communities is vital, too. The public is every city’s primary stakeholder; it needs to have a voice in how a tool as powerful as AI is being used in a community. This helps ensure AI is fixing local problems, not aggravating them. Responsible AI AI’s capacity for generating and expanding the possibilities of smart
A pioneering cleantech company is set to unveil its prototype flatpack home built using sustainable and advanced materials after undergoing testing at a ground-breaking research facility in Greater Manchester. Vector Homes is working with Energy House 2.0, part of the University of Salford, to develop its new rapid-build housing system. The prototype is a low-carbon, one-bedroom bungalow measuring 40sq metres which has been constructed using recycled materials, including steel and plastics, as well as advanced materials such as graphene. Vector is designing affordable, energy efficient homes with features including low-embodied carbon materials, infra-red heating, solar cells, breathable mould-resistant plaster and render, as well as embedded technology to provide smart environmental controls that efficiently measure and control the temperature, humidity and air quality in each room. Its homes are designed for rapid production and assembly. Vector is looking to mass manufacture homes in a range of shapes and sizes which are sold as flatpacks to be built by a small team of people. By incorporating graphene into the structures, the panels used in the construction of a Vector home have improved tensile strength, a greatly-reduced flame spread and increased UV resistance. Vector has worked with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre to develop ways of incorporating the material into its housing systems. Vector is using the unique features of Energy House 2.0 to test the prototype’s thermal properties and its efficiency in different climates. Energy House 2.0 can recreate temperatures from -20C to 40C, representing 95 per cent the inhabited earth, as well as recreating snow, wind, rain and solar energy to put the Vector home through its paces. Launched earlier this year, the £16m Energy House 2.0, at the heart of the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus, is globally unique and is helping to drive innovation in the housing sector already, through work with housebuilders Barratt and Bellway, and manufacturer Saint-Gobain. Vector, which is led by chief executive Nathan Feddy and chief technical officer Dr Liam Britnell, has so far received backing from SFC Capital, GC Angels, the Greater Manchester Investment Fund which is the investment arm of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Innovate UK, the European Regional Development Fund and social housing investment firm HSPG. Liam said: “Our mission is to cut carbon and costs in construction and our homes are designed to have 80 per cent fewer carbon emissions in the building process compared to a standard brick house. “They are also designed to be dismantled rather than demolished at the end of life, with the components finding a second or even third life elsewhere. From the microstructure to the superstructure of a Vector home, everything links back to efficiency and sustainability. Our homes will be super standardised to ensure the rapid production of components and assembly. “The opportunity to work with Energy House 2.0 has been a dream come true. It’s a one-of-a-kind facility which enables testing for new types of construction methods. “The Energy House 2.0 team have been incredible to work with, and in a few months’ time our housing system will have more empirical data than any other in the world. This will enable us to continue our iteration cycles to take Vector to the next level.” The Vector Homes prototype will be officially unveiled at an open day and housewarming event on Thursday, September 21, which is being hosted in conjunction with specialist finance firm Together, for housing associations, local authorities, private developers, housebuilders and investors. As well as showcasing the Vector Homes prototype, other digital technologies such as AI-assisted site planning, smart home and digital tools and other new materials will be exhibited. Also exhibiting will be F&T Terrix, Ambion Heating and HAHN Plastics, which have provided mould-resistant plaster and render, infra-red heating and outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic respectively for the prototype. Prof Will Swan, director of Energy House Labs, said: “This type of project is exactly what our unique Energy House 2.0 facility was built for. Vector Homes is an ambitious, innovative north west company and if we can help them to develop a new product which can provide cheap, safe and, most importantly, warm housing, then there will be huge benefits.” Elliot Vure, director of corporate sales at Together, said: “We’ve been incredibly impressed with Vector’s vision to provide quality, sustainable and affordable housing, made from innovative materials. “The prototype building that Vector has produced is a fantastic example of researchers and the private sector working in partnership, and we believe that Vector’s low-carbon, rapid-build homes can go some way to providing a solution to some of the UK’s future housing challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brigade Electronics – a market-leading provider of vehicles safety systems – has launched AI Intelligent Detection Cameras to the UK market. The latest addition to Brigade’s portfolio of safety solutions, AI cameras are a new generation of active blind-spot detection that utilise artificial intelligence to recognise humans within a predefined detection zone and warn drivers visually and/or audibly before a possible collision occurs. Compared to traditional vehicle cameras, Brigade’s AI cameras have a range of improved features and offer enhanced visibility at both the front and rear of the vehicle. Experts in the industry are praising the launch of AI cameras as a major breakthrough in commercial vehicle safety. Thierry Bourgeay, Senior Product Manager at Brigade Electronics, commented: “The introduction of AI cameras in the UK by Brigade Electronics is set to make a significant impact on the commercial vehicle safety landscape. Their advanced features and capabilities make them an invaluable tool for fleet operators and drivers, ensuring that our roads are safer and more secure than ever before.” Peter Squire, Managing Director at Brigade Electronics in the UK, said: “Artificial intelligence is revolutionising safety for fleet operators and drivers and our AI Intelligent Detection Cameras are a great example of this. Our AI cameras require no configuration software, so they are quick and easy to install, making them ideal for busy fleets across a range of industries, including transport, logistics, construction, and passenger vehicles like buses and coaches.” The key benefits of Brigade’s AI Intelligent Detection Cameras are: To find out more about Brigade’s AI Intelligent Detection Cameras and its portfolio of products, please visit https://brigade-electronics.com/commercial-vehicle-safety-products/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
