Exwold and Teesside University join forces to improve AI

Exwold Technology has launched a new collaboration with Teesside University to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology can improve its production processes and is applying for support under the government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme.

Kevin Martin, managing director of Exwold Technology, said: “We are proud to once again engage with Teesside University on this exciting initiative.

Freshers week, Teesside Calling, students on campus and in SLB (Image: Supplied)

“We are operating in a highly competitive global market, and to stay ahead, we need to provide our team with the best tools available and ensure our operations are robust.

“This partnership isn’t about changing who we are.

“It is a strategic investment to futureproof our facilities and ensure we continue to bring high-value manufacturing work to Teesside.”

As part of the two-year partnership, the company will work with the university to develop advanced software tools that can predict the results of chemical blending before production begins.

The software will analyse ingredients, machine settings, and environmental factors to anticipate potential problems, helping teams ensure reliable product quality with every batch.

Sam Price, commercial director at Exwold, explained how the technology will support day-to-day operations.

He said: “From a production standpoint, it will be like a virtual test run for our chemical formulations.

“We can reduce the number of trials by using data to predict exactly how the ingredients will react before we even switch on our machinery.

“Ultimately, this ‘right-first-time’ approach drastically reduces waste, a key sustainability goal, and ensures we can deliver for our clients with greater speed and consistency.

“It gives us a genuine competitive edge.”

With the anticipated growth the initiative will bring, Exwold predicts the technology will drive local job creation. The project will immediately create a new role for a Masters level graduate, who will work with the Exwold team and the University to act as a bridge between academic research and real-world manufacturing.

Gilly Hall, Knowledge Transfer Partnership Manager at Teesside University, said: “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships support companies like Exwold to drive real economic change in our communities.

“It’s fantastic to see our leading academic resources in digital manufacturing being used to support innovation right here in the Tees Valley.”