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Research into industrial process tomography has been performed at the University of Leeds from 1999 to the present day with much of this being in collaboration with Industrial Tomography Systems plc (ITS). This research, together with the associated intellectual property, has provided the foundation of 5 innovative new products developed and produced by ITS during the eligible period. These new products have generated sales of £5m and are in large part responsible for increases in turnover and employment of approximately 60%, and exports of 67% since 2008. These instruments are used in a significant number of new applications and are generating major benefits to end users in the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer products, minerals and food sectors.
Research at the University of Leeds led to the development of UltraCane — an ultrasonic cane for people who are visually-impaired that gives tactile feedback to the user's hand with progressive non-contact warning of obstacles (ground-to-head) up to 4 m. [text removed for publication]. Testimonials from users describe its transformative nature on their quality of life, giving `a true feeling of independence', whilst healthcare professionals commend `the simplicity of operation and ease of use'. Furthermore, with a technology mimicking bat echolocation, the UltraCane has informed and engaged the wider public in science and engineering through, for example, the BBC `Miracles of Nature' series. The technology has also been developed to allow people who are visually-impaired to cycle independently and safely around a cycle track — the `UltraBike'.
This impact case concerns the stimulation of public discourse, informing the awareness, attitudes and understanding of the public as to the potential for automating science, and the consequences that then arise regarding ethics, rights and the acquisition of knowledge. It also concerns debate among legal practitioners.
The Robot Scientist was the first system to fully automate the process of scientific investigation. This work showed that it was possible. The idea was immediately picked up by the popular press and covered worldwide (the fourth most significant discovery in 2009 according to TIME magazine, reported by TV, radio, national newspapers and magazines, and bloggers). It engaged the public in debate about AI, robotics, lab automation, and science.
Research at the University of Leeds underpinned the development and manufacture of RF filter technology by Radio Design Ltd, including the 3G `Universal RF Combiner Unit' with sales of >£18M (40,000 units) since 2008, which led to the company's Queen's Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2011. This technology was subsequently improved specifically for the 2012 London Olympics for shared use by all five cellular operators, and has now been further developed, again using Leeds research, for 4G systems (with >£4.2M sales in 2013). Leeds research has contributed directly to ~75% of Radio Design's products, and its expansion from 11 employees in 2008 to 150 employees today. Leeds-designed RF filters have also been widely utilized by other manufacturers, with estimated annual international sales of tens of millions of pounds since 2008.
In parallel, Leeds research on the physical modelling and design of pHEMT switches has been used since 2008 by RFMD (UK) Ltd (previously Filtronic Compound Semiconductors), who supply all major mobile phone manufacturers — over 2 billion pHEMT switches are used worldwide, with RFMD's estimated sales exceeding £250M since 2008.
Over the past 10 years there has been a massive expansion in biomass use for power generation, particularly in the UK and Europe. Research at the University of Leeds has been crucial in addressing many of the challenges inherent in moving from coal to biomass including milling, combustion characteristics, deposition and corrosion enabling adoption of biomass for power generation. The research has impacted: (1) company strategy and industry practice for the use of biomass and key technology choices; (2) society, health and environment via CO2 reduction and emission reduction; (3) national energy security through an increased fuel inventory; (4) UK Government and EU policy as expert members of advisory groups.
Research at the University of Leeds, in partnership with the US company Agilent Technologies, has directly resulted in the development of high performance vector network analyzer instrumentation used by electronics, aerospace and defence companies globally to measure the high frequency properties of electronic devices and materials. University of Leeds research also directly resulted in the development of two further Agilent Technologies products — a high frequency dielectric probe kit and a capacitance scanning probe microscope. Agilent Technologies confirms that the collective sales of these products are in the region of tens of millions of dollars annually since 2008.
Collaborations funded through EPSRC Interact and RCUK UK-China Science Bridge resulted in QUB's advanced control research having important economic and environmental impact in China, Pakistan, Vietnam. This includes the creation of new core modules for the Shanghai Automation Instrumentation Co (SAIC) SUPMAX Distributed Control System series of products now in use for whole plant monitoring and control to maximise energy efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. These products have since 2008 increased SAIC's revenue by over $50M p.a. Related networked monitoring technologies have been successfully deployed in Baosteel's hot-rolling production lines and in the Nantong Water Treatment Company that treats 20,000 tonnes of industrial waste water daily.
Innovative application of fluid inclusion analysis led to the development of a novel technique for mapping mineral deposits. This has been developed into an exploration tool in collaboration with a leading mineral exploration company, Randgold Resources. Mapping different fluid pathways within potentially mineralised terranes through analysis of fluid inclusion chemistries enables definition of areas through which mineralising, as opposed to barren ore fluids, passed. Applying this has enabled Randgold Resources to increase efficiency and save costs in its exploration and mining activities. Kingston University research has changed the working practices of Randgold Resources, with consequent economic benefit to that company.
The innovative application of laser micromachining research has been effected through Bangor's spin-out company Laser Micromachining Ltd , LML (established in 2005). The versatile approach adopted by LML has enabled it, since 2008, to undertake of order 1000 commercial contracts for more than 280 industrial customers and 60 academic institutions. That work has contributed directly to product development and related economic growth in sectors including medical devices, biotechnology, energy, photonics, optoelectronics, aerospace, automotive and microelectronics. With an annual turn-over of circa £0.5M LML has created and sustained 5 full-time jobs. LML also contributes to training in laser micro-machining techniques on a European basis.
Researchers from this UoA developed 3D modelling techniques and virtual visualisation software to help car-makers address potential imperfections (gaps between panels, misalignments, etc) that arise during vehicle assembly, even when all part dimensions are manufactured to within their tolerance range. The University of Leeds spun out Icona Solutions in 2003 to develop and exploit this intellectual property. Icona's Aesthetica software was launched in 2006, and since 2008 it has been licensed by over 20 automotive companies in 10 countries. The software has contributed to improvements in the design and manufacture of around 70 different vehicle lines, reaching over 40 million consumers, and saving car-makers approximately £25 million in efficiency and cost savings (including reduced scrap and rectification costs). Icona's turnover since 2008 is well over £1 million.