Liverpool looks to lead the way on intelligent transport projects
Aimes Grid Services is using its cloud computing infrastructure to underpin the projects
Liverpool-based data centre operator and cloud computing provider Aimes Grid Services has a trio of collaborative R&D projects that have won the backing of the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and several high profile partners.
The three projects, which have received £4 million from the government’s innovation agency and a number of businesses, seek to demonstrate how mobile and cloud technologies can be used to overcome the challenges facing the UK’s roads, rail networks and ports.
Project summaries:
i-MOVE: is focused on Transport and Logistics around the City of Liverpool and its port. Involves Aimes, BT, PLACR, White Willow Consulting, Traak and Avanti
i-TRAC: aims to create an open access and interoperable platform upon which a number of applications will be built to improve both the operations and customer service for train operating companies and freight operating companies. Involves: Aimes, BT Research, Containerport Ltd, Glow New Media Ltd, Freightliner and Merseyrail.
i-Port: aims to explore the role and added value of space assets into the optimisation of freight transport through European ports. Involves: Aimes, Container Port, Avanti Consulting and DMCii
The projects began in April 2013 and will run through to 2015.
Dennis Kehoe, chief executive of Aimes Grid Services, said: “Liverpool has a rich heritage as a global transportation hub and these projects continue this tradition by exploring how the latest digital technology can help to relieve the transport issues of the modern age, such as effective management of urban congestion corridors.
“The projects also provide an excellent opportunity to create partner ecosystems which benefit businesses close to home and further afield. Collaborating with organisations such as Peel Ports and Freightliner, showcases the digital services and infrastructure that we have in this city, and the UK generally, and promotes Liverpool as a centre for digital innovation.”
Aimes, which launched its second data centre in Liverpool Innovation Park, this year, is using its cloud computing infrastructure to underpin the transport projects.
The firm was also named as one of the Accelerate 250 high-growth companies. Part of the firm’s recent high growth has been fuelled by the award of several new commercial contracts with organisations including the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Sportech plc and Medicash.
