UKRI have invested £46m into the TransiT Hub, a research hub devoted to decarbonising the UK public transport system
The Twinning for Decarbonising Transport (TransiT) Hub has received a significant investment of £46m from UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
The investment will aid TransiT in developing digital twins to decarbonise the UK’s public transport systems.
Digital twins can reduce carbon waste in infrastructure
Digital twins build virtual replicas of infrastructure systems, and can be input with real-time data to simulate different conditions. The twins can then be used to monitor and suggest improvements or changes to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
TransiT’s digital twins, for example, can use information of roads, railways and shipping. This will be put in to the twin, and the twin can then use that information to simulate and suggest solutions for the real world. This can reduce congestion, for example, by updating digital road signs with the shortest route out of traffic jams.
The twin can also be used to simulate infrastructure upgrades before construction on them even begins, determining whether the upgrade will be effective or worth the cost of construction.
This could help increase use of electric road systems and alternative fuels.
The Government commented on the investment:
Feryal Clark, minister for AI and digital government, said: “We see a technology future for British people which enriches and improves their lives. The research TransiT will now carry out is a prime example of how we’re supporting cutting-edge innovations to make that vision a reality.”
Transport minister Mike Kane said: “Digital twinning is a powerful technology that can help us integrate transport networks, improve efficiency and deliver greener transport for all. The launch of TransiT is an important step which will bring together academia, industry and government to research and realise the benefits of this technology for the transport sector.
“This is an excellent example of the work being done across government to deliver true innovation.”
