We launched on 1st April 2014 with sponsorship of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which recognised our contribution to the key strategic areas of research and development in the UK for the next 10 years. Horizon 2020 also explicitly spelled out ICT and Manufacturing as key industrial technologies. Our first cohort started in Autumn 2014. Our last cohort started in Spring 2019. The Centre activities were completed in March 2024, with the last researchers graduating in Summer 2024.
Our Centre's remit had an impact on industrial sectors as diverse as logistics, metrology, food, automotive, oil & gas, chemistry, or robotics. In addition, our world (homes, transport, workplaces, supplies of food, utilities, leisure or healthcare) is constantly seeking for interactive technologies and enhanced functionalities, and we rely on individuals who can translate technologies for the end-user. This Centre educated and graduated technologists who have gone to improve and apply technological solutions that support those industries as well as academic research.
Loughborough University hosted the Centre, building on the strong track-record in electronics design and manufacturing, systems integration and services. They partnered with Heriot-Watt University, providing know-how in sensor design and specification and information management. More than 50 industrial and training partners supported the Centre.
The uniqueness of the CDT-EI resided on the capability to innovatively address a myriad of Embedded Intelligence challenges posed by technical needs ranging from the EI supply chain: the design stage, through manufacturing of embedded or on-bedded devices, to the software behind data collection, as well as integrative technologies, to finally the requirements from end-users.
Our cores areas of expertise and interests were: autonomous products, functional materials with high performance connected systems, data-to-knowledge solutions, and engineering for industry, life and health.
