Engineering news
A new interdisciplinary research hub is to be created to drive forward UK research in the Internet of Things (IoT).
The PETRAS IoT Hub will explore critical issues in privacy, ethics, trust, reliability, acceptability, and security over the next three years.
The hub is made up of nine leading universities led by University College London with Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Warwick, Lancaster University, University of Southampton, University of Surrey, University of Edinburgh and Cardiff University. It will draw in substantial support and leverage from over 47 partners from industry and the public sector.
Funding for the hub includes a £9.8 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which will be boosted by partner contributions to approximately £23 million.
The project is part of IoTUK, a £40 million, three-year, government programme that seeks to advance the UK’s global leadership in IoT and increase the adoption of high quality IoT technologies and services throughout businesses and the public sector.
Ed Vaizey, digital economy minister, said: “UK universities are renowned for their creativity, and pioneering research and development. We want the UK to be a world leader in the adoption of Internet of Things technologies, and I know that bringing these universities together with partners from the UK's thriving tech industry will be instrumental in making this a reality.”
Professor Philip Nelson, EPSRC’s chief executive, added: “In the not too distant future almost all of our daily lives will be connected, in one way or another, to the digital world. Physical objects and devices will be able to interact with each other, ourselves, and the wider virtual world. But, before this can happen, there must be trust and confidence in how the Internet of Things works, its security and its resilience. By harnessing our world-leading research excellence this research hub will accelerate IoT technology innovation and bring benefit to society and business.”
The initial 17 projects include large scale experiments at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; the cybersecurity of low power body sensors and implants; understanding how individuals and companies can increase IoT security through better day-to-day practices; and ensuring that connected smart meters are not a threat to home security.
Future projects will adapt and respond to new issues, trends and innovations, as and when they emerge.
Evidenced based policymaking in the UK will be supported by the output of the hub. Hub members aim to influence standards that facilitate interoperability and opening to new market entrants and inform policy options that are responsive to technological change while balancing potential benefits and harms.