Ministers announce grants for London universities to develop 'revolutionary' projects

Project: Imperial College London will have a key role in a new National Centre for Infrastructure Research
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A giant laboratory recreating full-sized Tube and railway carriages will be built for research in an attempt to improve London’s congested transport, ministers announced today.

The Human Interaction Lab will allow researchers at University College London to improve the design of trains, stations and major hubs such as airports. It was among pioneering smart city and robotics projects at 11 universities unveiled as part of the Government’s new digital strategy.

London’s position as a leading world centre for hi-tech research was strengthened by a number of research grants.

Imperial College London will have a key role in a new National Centre for Infrastructure Research, which will test new materials.

A giant laboratory recreating full-sized Tube and railway carriages will be built for research 
Rex

It will be backed by £16 million plus a £6.2 million grant to develop micro-robotics for use in surgery. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley, announcing the research programmes in London, said they would “revolutionise lives”.

“This is going to lead to the creation of industries that do not currently exist — and of which few of us can conceive,” she went on.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said the programmes would “revolutionise lives”  
EPA

“But all industries, all businesses, all consumers will benefit from the use of digital technology. The UK is in a position of real strength. We have fantastic innovators. Our universities and research centres are helping to lead the way.”

More than four million people will get free training in digital skills as part of the strategy, which Ms Bradley claimed would mean “no one is left behind”.

Business, charities and voluntary organisations will offer help to adults who lack core digital skills such as using the internet and computers.

Other plans include the creation of five international technology hubs in emerging markets to develop part- nerships between UK companies and local firms.

Universities will receive £17 million to develop artificial intelligence and robotics, including voice and touch recognition to improve gadgets and smartphones.

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