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[text removed for publication], a leading international manufacturer of [text removed for publication], have produced a new software interface ([text removed for publication]) for programming their flagship [text removed for publication] platform ([text removed for publication]) based on research undertaken by Ulster on rapid prototype development of healthcare applications. This new product has led to an increase in turnover for [text removed for publication] in 2012 and is being used in [text removed for publication] countries. [text removed for publication] is also currently marketing (May 2013) a new training product in the form of a [text removed for publication] platform, including [text removed for publication], based on research at CSRI on processing of accelerometry signals.
[text removed for publication], a developer of high-precision medical devices, have produced a new data annotation tool ([text removed for publication]) based on research in CSRI on data storage formats and activity recognition for applications within smart home environments. Within [text removed for publication] stereo-based cameras record activities in a specified environment (e.g. kitchen) which are then annotated using user-based pre-configured activity labels (e.g. prepare meal, wash dishes). [text removed for publication] is currently used by [text removed for publication] users and has yielded additional sales worth [text removed for publication]. [text removed for publication] have employed [text removed for publication] additional technical development staff to extend [text removed for publication] functionality, and through an MoU [text removed for publication] now supports automated annotation based on CSRI's research on activity recognition.
An internet-based care model developed by CSRI at Ulster, facilitating all stakeholders (patients, pharmacists, carers, GPs) to dynamically manage the prescription of, and patient compliance with, medication has been incorporated into the [text removed for publication] service platform produced by [text removed for publication], a Telecare product provider. This has extended functionality of [text removed for publication], which is now being used by over 400 patients in [text removed for publication], with improved levels of medication compliance, reduction in caregiver burden, and improved workflow management for healthcare professionals. Incorporation of video-based reminders further led to a material transfer agreement between Ulster and [text removed for publication] to extend [text removed for publication]'s functionality.
NIBEC connected health related research over the past 20 years has led to three high value spin- out companies. Their success is based on exploitation of over 35 NIBEC patents in medical sensors and electro-stimulation devices. Together these companies are currently valued at almost £100m, employ over 150 skilled people and have engineered medical innovations that have had global beneficial impact on health costs and patients' lives over these past four years. Our research is closely linked with international partners, commercial and clinical, has impacted local government policy through our leadership of the European Connected Health Alliance and has resulted in the £5m industry-focussed Connected Health Innovation Centre established at NIBEC.
The development of microelectronic sensor arrays for biological applications, pioneered at the University of Glasgow, is central to a unique gene sequencing system developed by Ion Torrent. The Ion Torrent personal genome machine is a bench-top system that, compared to optically mediated technologies, is cheaper and easier to use. Ion Torrent was founded in 2007 and bought by Life Technologies in 2010 for $725M; they, in turn, were bought by Thermo Fisher for $13Bn, citing Ion Torrent as a motivation. Ion Torrent now has 62% of the bench-top sequencing market, estimated to be worth $1.3Bn in 2012.
Body Sensor Networks (BSN) research developed novel sensing algorithms and technology suitable for on-body pervasive sensing suitable for healthcare, well-being and sporting applications. The main impact includes:
Bradford's pioneering research into geophysical prospecting has significantly changed the approach to heritage management in the UK and internationally. Our research has influenced the development of commercial survey instruments in this field as well as changing industry guidance/practice. The changes include increased use of more sustainable, non-invasive methods for archaeological investigation and the gathering of richer data about the buried past. Our guidelines for legacy archaeological data have created standards in the archiving of this valuable information resource for public re-use. The group's involvement with Time Team has enhanced public awareness of geophysical prospecting which is demonstrated in the increased use of these techniques by community groups.
Surface wear in moving components can endanger human lives and costs the UK economy £24 billion every year. Excellent research in this area — known as Tribology — at the University of Southampton (UoS) led to the foundation of the national Centre of Advanced Tribology (nCATS), which collaborates with over 100 companies and institutions in many sectors. Examples of nCATS impact include research findings forming an integral part of a BNFL/Sellafield Ltd's design guide for the prevention of radioactive slurry leakage. It also enhanced GE Aviation's competitive advantage by supplying novel electrostatic wear debris sensors (the only system in use), which have been integrated into new fighter aircraft engines.
A team at the University of Sunderland has undertaken research into equipment maintenance for over 20 years. This has been undertaken within a series of funded UK and EU projects. The work of the team has resulted in a new model for maintenance strategy, and the development of novel artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor the condition of key factory assets. A series of software tools have been developed in collaboration with industrial partners. These tools and the strategic model have been tested in industrial settings and have had impact in the UK, across the EU, and internationally.
The underpinning research has led to a methodology for cost-effective monitoring systems to interpret complex and emergent conditions in real-world applications. There are ten different organisations utilising the technology, benefitting the UK economy and health care provision, both nationally and internationally. These include MAST Group Ltd, Electricity North West Ltd, TMMHRC (India) and the Milestones Trust (Bristol). The impacts are (i) Economic: improving business capabilities and UK company profit margins (ii) Societal: benefiting health sector organisations in India and in the UK through improved diagnosis and care for the elderly and vulnerable; and (iii) Environmental: reducing waste and carbon footprint.