CPI is a grand way of talking about how virtual and real-world systems work together. In the way that physical sensors and computers can work out what the weather’s going to be, or robots in warehouses can now gather your online shopping order.
CPI is often pioneered by sectors such as manufacturing and the video game industry. We want to see that expertise accelerated for public good.
Data aimed at computers
The internet is really good at displaying information in a way that humans can read but it’s not so good at displaying data in a way that computers can read. CPI creates the next generation of internet for:
- artificial intelligence
- robotics
- digital twins
- data infrastructure
- synthetic environments
Lots of companies have been developing this technology over the past few years and the UK is getting quite sophisticated at doing it. But as more and more people develop different systems, we need to keep in mind that we might one day want to put these different technologies together. Technologies such as smart road systems telling the energy network where and when electric vehicles will be arriving to charge.
If everyone develops their own technology without a common set of frameworks or language, we won’t be able to get communication between systems, or ‘interoperability’. Which means it will be necessary to develop everything from scratch.
This means there is a role for government in setting out common approaches and assets that can be shared across a sector. Along with standards and frameworks to allow interoperability between systems.
Six pioneering projects
Innovate UK has been working with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation, and the Catapult Networks to support CPI. We have funded six projects at our Catapults that will pioneer this new technology and make it accessible to business and small and medium-sized enterprises. Six innovative projects that Innovate UK is already funding are:
Connected Places Catapult (CPC)
Digital twin capability building
CPC is investing in the world-leading Digital Twin Hub, delivering learning materials, networks and connected digital twin events. CPC is further developing the CReDo climate resilience demonstrator, creating a digital twin for infrastructure asset owners.
Across mobility and transport, CPC are creating a 2035 Transport Vision and Roadmap for an ecosystem of connected digital twins that will support the decarbonisation and improved performance of UK transport systems.
Credit: alice-photo, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult)
Enabling technologies for CPI and Apollo Protocol
HVM Catapult is characterising CPI by building upon the digital twin framework (ISO 23247) through a manufacturing lens and also engaging with cross-sector activities, primarily with the and environment. The Apollo Protocol is creating a mechanism to formalise communication between sectors that can be followed by other cross-sector digital twin initiatives to achieve common language.
Delegates at an Apollo Forum Hack. Credit: HVM Catapult
Satellite Applications Catapult
Prototype digital twin and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing robotics facility
The Satellite Applications Catapult is working on the development of a prototype digital twin of a proposed International Maritime Innovation Centre (IMIC) in Fawley Waterside.
It is hoped this will help investors visualise the development, inform the business case through scenario modelling and ultimately secure investor funding to deliver the IMIC.
Credit: Epstudio20, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Additionally, Satellite Applications Catapult is developing a cyber-physical digital twin system at the In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) facility at the Wescott Venture Park. This provides the ability to allow physical and digital simulation of the complex flight and contact dynamics needed for manufacturing, servicing, and assembly of complex objects in space.
Robotic arm. Credit: Satellite Applications Catapult
Energy Systems Catapult (ESC)
Energy intelligence and future architecture
The ESC CPI project is exploring the growing role of digital technologies (specifically digital twins) in the energy sector and building assets that will enable the ESC to support the energy transition through better decision making and visualisation of challenging concepts.
Credit: Shutterstock, image courtesy of Energy Systems Catapult
Digital Catapult
Future cyber-physical systems
The Digital Catapult are mobilising a new CPI centre of excellence for research and development, a Futurescope start-up accelerator and a state of nation review of Metaverse and Web3 technologies.
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Grimsby living lab for offshore energy: 5G Testbed and DOME
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult are leading the development of a 5G Testbed and scalable Digital Operations and Maintenance Environment (DOME).
Based in Grimsby, the world’s largest operation and maintenance hub for offshore wind, the projects will provide a unique test and demonstration environment for:
- robotics and autonomous systems
- digital twins
- remote sensors
- advanced over-water communication technologies
- zero emission vessels
- aquaculture
Credit: KanawatTH, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Further information
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Top image: Minister George Freeman speaking at Digital Catapult event. Credit: Digital Catapult
Simon’s career started in embedded electronics and systems engineering before moving into business development, sales and consultancy.
Simon’s expertise is in helping new sectors to thrive by enabling collaboration between startups and industry.
At Innovate UK, he ran the Built Environment Innovation programme and led the development of Centre for Digital Built Britain with the government Building Information Modelling Task Group.
He co-founded the Transforming Construction Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund programme before moving to Digital Twins and Cyber-Physical Infrastructure in 2021.
Prior to joining Innovate UK, Simon led the Connectivity Practice at Altran (Capgemini) and spent 10 years in the international automotive sector.