The Intelligent Real-time Corrosion Monitoring and Detection on offshore Wind Turbines (iWindCr) project co-funded by the Energy Catalyst and led by Avonwood Developments with Avanti Communications and the University of Portsmouth as partners, will develop cost-effective and innovative technology comprising sensors and advanced software plus end-user applications for detection and monitoring of corrosion and surface damage on vulnerable parts of wind turbine installations. The outcome of the project is expected to improve turbine lifespan, output and reliability by reducing the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs from unplanned or unscheduled maintenance caused by corrosion and surface damage to key turbine internal and external components.

Rail flaw detection is of paramount importance for the safe and reliable operation of rail networks. The Intelligent Rail Defect Detection and Reporting in Real-time via Electromagnetics (i-R3D2) project is aimed at developing an integrated rail defect detection system capable of complementing existing non-destructive techniques. The project will employ advanced data management and predictive analytics to provide rail maintenance personnel with timely rail defect information to enhance rail maintenance effectiveness as well as improve efficiency and safety. The project is led by Avonwood Development Ltd, in partnership with Avanti Communications Ltd and Birmingham University.

The ESYMO-Lab project (Electronic System for MOnitoring of Pathogens within Laboratories) proposes an intelligent, cost effective, cloud-enabled software-based system using innovative RFID technology for electronic monitoring of dangerous pathogen specimens within biocontainment facilities and microbiomedical laboratories to reduce possibility of deliberate or accidental release, thus improving safety.

The COLERMA project (Construction Logistics Electronic Resource Management) proposes an intelligent, cost effective, cloud-enabled software-based construction information platform using innovative RFID technology for optimisation of the construction supply chain to reduce waste and inefficiencies resulting from lack of timely information availability to stakeholders.

Many industries across the UK use returnable assets to move product from point of manufacture to the end user or distributor. These assets include items such as, gas bottles, retail roll cages, tote bins, beer barrels and pallets. Industry faces the daily challenge of managing these assets to ensure continuous supply to production and distribution lines. In sectors such as retail distribution this process is fairly well streamlined but many other sectors are less so. This project focused on driving logistical efficiencies through the returnable assets infrastructure primarily in the UK independent brewing industry but was also applied to other industries that face similar issues. The small independent brewers number some 700 in the UK and are responsible for millions of stainless steel barrels which is key to the success of the brewery, but tends to be inefficiently managed. The project consortium developed and built an integrated solution, using the latest electronic and software technology with the age-old practice of brewing. By harnessing technologies such as RFID, Mobile Communications, GPS, Barcode and IT, the project succeeded in making information available to the brewer about dispersed barrel stocks enabling efficient logistical management. In addition a Point of Sale information system was developed utilising Mobile Communications giving product information for the consumer who wants to enjoy responsibly, and to raise awareness that buying local produce is important to promote the local community, economy, and environment by reducing food miles.