Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Public invited to have say on Draft Noise Action Plan

The public are being invited to have their say on the ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan 2024-2028.’

The draft plan has been put together by the local authorities of the Dublin Agglomeration (Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council and Kildare County Council).

The plan has been informed by and is based on the Strategic Noise Maps which were prepared for the agglomeration of Dublin in 2022 and which cover transport (road and rail) and industry related environmental noise sources.

By EU law, Strategic Noise Maps and Noise Action Plans are required to be made or revised every five years.

The final ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan 2024-2028’ must be completed and issued to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 18th July 2024 and subsequently issued by the EPA to the EU Commission by the end of January 2025.

There will be a period of formal public consultation from Friday 12th April 2024 to Friday 24th May 2024 and members of the public are welcome to submit their views on this draft ‘Dublin Agglomeration Noise Action Plan.’

In addition, the draft Noise Action Plan may be viewed on the Dublin City Council website or the Dublin City Council Consultation Hub at the following links;

•         https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/environment/air-quality-monitoring-and-noise-control-unit/dublin-city-noise-maps/noise-action-plan

•         https://consultation.dublincity.ie

Submissions on the draft Noise Action Plan may be made through the Consultation Hub or alternatively by email airquality@dublincity.ie or in writing to, Air Quality Monitoring and Noise Control Unit, Environment & Transportation Department, Block 3 Floor 1, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.

National award for innovative Galway Graveyards Mapping Project

Galway County Council has received national recognition for an innovative digital project that mapped over 40,000 graveyard memorial records across County Galway and made them publicly available online.

The ‘Digitising Galway’s Graveyard Heritage’ project was last night (Thursday) named overall winner of the ‘Community Engagement’ category of Esri Ireland’s annual ‘Customer Success Awards’ held in Dublin’s Anantara The Marker Hotel.

Working with and supported by Galway Rural Development, Forum Connemara, The Heritage Council, The National Monuments Service and Galway County Community Archaeology Service, Galway County Council provided funding to local groups to employ experts to train local communities to use mobile technology and to undertake drone mapping of graveyards resulting in a public release of 40,000 records from across the county via the Local Authority’s Open Data Portal.

This is the second national award to be picked up by the project after it was named winner at the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards last October.

Welcoming the award win, Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council commented, “The success of the Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project is the result of forensic research and cutting-edge surveying work by the Local Authority’s Heritage department and local communities across Galway. This award win is testament to the innovative nature of the project and its benefit to the diaspora and academia at home and abroad.”

Outlining the background to the project, Barry Doyle, Geographic Information System (GIS) project lead for Galway County Council said, “We have been working with various community groups and organisations to collect and collating valuable data relating to those who are buried in various graveyards for several years.”

“Galway County Council, with funding from the Heritage Council, the Open Data Engagement Fund and its own resources developed and made available a mobile app specifically for use by surveyors at the local level for memorial surveys, along with associated data management and validation processes,” he added. “This technology, along with drone technology, was made available to local community groups to expand the number of graveyards in the project resulting in the 40,000 records that are now publicly available.”

Esri Ireland is the global market leader in GIS and their software is used widely in Ireland in both public and private sector organisations, including most local authorities.

The Galway County Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project may be viewed at galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com and data.gov.ie.

Tech Review – TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones have been on my head the last while and a pair of headphones I have been looking forward to testing out. TOZO is a new brand on my radar now after testing many of their products and they have been consistent in delivering good quality products and audio to date and also a nice smartwatch called the TOZO S3 which we recently tested out and their newest earbuds the TOZO T12 Tonal Dots they also have some open ear headphones called the Open Buds which again an excellent product.

With TOZO I have openly said they need headphones and we finally got them and after spending some time with them the wait was worth it. I am now shifting to headphones more so than earbuds as I constantly have earbuds all week long in my ears and could not wait to test these and they did not disappoint at all.

They are really clean to look at and unlike other brands they do not scream their name, they are plain and I do give out about plain earbuds and being one colour but TOZO is a new brand to many and they get away with it this time round I would like to see more colours later on but not an issue right now.

They are light and comfortable to wear for long sessions which I do quite regularly either listening to music or watching films I test the like for a living and go into my element and I got what I expected here, loud crisp clear sound when watching new movies and excellent audio when listening to my playlist that I use for testing and with their app the experince is enhanced giving you control over your audio.

For me it is volume to the max and forget about everything else that is going on. No lag latency no tinny sound and just a great audio experince for the price overall, the buttons work well albeit they are small but worked well after spending some time with them, all features are present such as volume control skip and reverse tracks call management and voice assistant access.

You also have transparency mode and wind reduction and noise cancellation thrown in for good measure making them more appealing for their price. I am hoping now they make another pair of cans soon but as for these for the price you can’t go wrong. See the video review for more and a look at their app and features.

The App

TOZO App – techbuzzireland

Features 

  • [ANC & ENC Noise Cancellation] Featuring a hybrid ANC algorithm and 3 ANC microphones, TOZO HT2 deliver exceptional noise control across a wide frequency range. Whether it’s the roar of airplane engines, subway rumble, or office chatter, it effectively minimizes noise interference, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience. In addition, the excellent ENC call noise cancellation makes it possible for you to talk clearly even in noisy streets.
  • [Up to 60 Hours of Playtime] With up to 60 hours of listening time of our over ear headphones in ANC OFF mode, triple as much as other Bluetooth headphones. A single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 700 songs or soundtrack multiple long haul flights. Also equipped with a 3.5mm audio cable, you can effortlessly transition to a wired mode when the battery has run out, guaranteeing uninterrupted listening.
  • [Both Wired and Wireless Connections] Equipped with dual 40mm drivers, TOZO HT2 bring you superior Hi-Res audio sound with a well-balanced deep bass, make you have a better listening experience. Plus, it breaks the single connection method, support both wireless and wired connection. When with wired connection, custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound for extraordinary clarity and detail.
  • [All-day Comfort & Adjustable Design] TOZO HT2 uses ultra-soft protein leather earcups, which allows you to wear it for a long time without feeling uncomfortable. The earmuffs can also automatically adjust the angle to suit users with different head shapes. Making them the ideal headphones to work from home or watch your favorite movie.
  • [Foldable Design] The foldable and lightweight design allows you to fold and place the headphones anywhere, you can easily fold the headphones into carrying bags and travel cases, taking up less space in your backpack, which are perfect for travel, sports and everyday use.
  • [Intelligent TOZO APP] Enjoy different styles of music with TOZO APP, offering a various selection of EQs to tailor the sound to your preferences. With the convenience of TOZO APP, you can easily switch between different EQs and enjoy your favorite music anytime, anywhere for the ultimate personalized listening experience.

BUY 

Video Review

Labour Market Pulse reveals generative AI will be a catalyst for enhancing workforce productivity & Ireland’s competitiveness

IDA Ireland, in collaboration with Microsoft and LinkedIn, has today published the latest in its Labour Market Pulse report series which provides insights and trends from the Irish labour market to help inform decision-makers across business, academia and public policy.

The latest edition of the Labour Market Pulse entitled Unlocking the Future: Ireland’s Prosperity with Generative AI, is focused on how generative AI can unlock the potential of Ireland’s workforce and the AI skills that will be central to enhancing the global competitiveness of Irish businesses.

Generative AI Enabled Workforce

According to the Labour Market Pulse, generative AI is set to be a catalyst for enhancing workforce productivity and reinventing work.

Based on data from over two million LinkedIn members in Ireland, the Labour Market Pulse indicates that it is older workers who have the most to gain from generative AI tools. 60% of Gen X (1965-1980) in Ireland have occupations where generative AI can complement or transform the work they do, freeing up their time for more value-added and creative work.

Millennials (1981-1996) were also identified as having a significant opportunity to leverage generative AI, with 56% in jobs where generative AI can complement or transform their role. For Gen Z (1997-2012), this number drops to 52%, with the remaining 48% currently working in roles whose core skills are less able to leverage generative AI.

Sectoral Impact of Generative AI

According to data from LinkedIn, Technology, Information and Media is the sector with the greatest potential to harness generative AI tools and technologies. More than 2 in 3 (72%) of occupations in the sector can use generative AI to transform key responsibilities.

This is followed closely by the Financial Services sector in which generative AI can transform 70% of roles in the sector, and the Professional Services sector, with more than half (63%) of job roles ready to be transformed by the technology.

Skills Vital to Ireland’s Competitiveness

Ireland is in a strong position to maximise the potential benefits of generative AI by accelerating the shift to a skills-based labour market. According to a recent joint study by Trinity College Dublin and Microsoft Ireland, 49% of organisations in Ireland are already using generative AI in some form, and Ireland has a strong skills foundation with  the highest level of third level attainment and highest level of STEM graduates per capita in the EU[1].

Data skills, digital problem solving, and digital communication and collaboration were identified by LinkedIn as some of the core AI skills required by workers across all industries and functions. As generative AI tools are adopted by industry, skillsets required will continue to change.

Upskilling and reskilling among the current and future workforce will be vital to harnessing the opportunities presented by generative AI and to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness in the era of AI.

Developing these skills in the workforce will enable businesses in Ireland to apply generative AI to generate new levels of insight, drive efficiencies, increase productivity and improve how people experience work.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD commented: “AI skills are vital for maintaining and enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness globally. As AI continues to transform the nature of work and revolutionise every sector of our economy, businesses will increasingly rely upon those with the skillsets to harness the potential of generative AI.

“I welcome this latest Labour Market Pulse published by IDA Ireland, Microsoft and LinkedIn, which spotlights the huge opportunities for both workers and businesses who develop and invest in AI upskilling and reskilling. By taking a collaborative approach across Government and industry in preparing our workforce for the AI transformation, we can ensure our businesses have the skills they need for the future and, in turn, better support our companies to innovate and compete at a global level.”

Commenting on the Labour Market Pulse, Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “An AI-enabled workforce is now critical to transforming our enterprise base and supporting future investment to Ireland. The latest Labour Market Pulse, delivered in partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn, provides important insights into Ireland’s readiness to embrace the transformative and ground-breaking power of generative AI.

“With AI set to transform a wide range of industries and occupations, leaders will need to be proactive in upskilling their workforce to develop the AI skills and knowledge necessary to leverage the technology. By continuing to invest in upskilling opportunities, we can unlock the true potential of Ireland’s workforce and ensure we remain a highly attractive location to do business well into the future.”

Commenting on the Labour Market Pulse, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, said, “Generative AI is a transformative technology that has significant potential to empower our workforce, enhance productivity and unlock exciting new business opportunities. Findings from the latest Labour Market Pulse point towards the need for Ireland to move to a skills-based labour market.

“As generative AI becomes more prolific in the workplace, it is crucial that industry continues to collaborate with Government and academia to empower the current and future generations with the AI skills and knowledge to take full advantage of the technology. At Microsoft, we’re playing our part to help skill up Ireland for the era of AI by rolling out a national AI skilling programme that aims to provide everyone across Ireland with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills. We believe that by taking an all-of-society approach to digital skilling, we can ensure that everyone can fully harness the AI opportunity and advance our digital economy.”

Head of LinkedIn Ireland Sue Duke added: “The skills that professionals need to thrive in an AI-powered world of work are dramatically changing. We expect to see a 73% change in skills needed in the Irish workforce by 2030, up from a 54% change expected before the rise of generative AI. By policy makers, companies and professionals focusing now on building the right skills in the workforce to adopt and complement generative AI, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformation and maximise its potential for Ireland’s economy.”

For more information, access the full report here: https://www.idaireland.com/latest-news/publications/labour-market-pulse-edition-10.

 

[1]  Education attainment – Population with tertiary education – OECD Data

Revolut surpasses 2M young customers worldwide on <18 app; bolsters product in bid to put financial power into hands of teens

Revolut, the licensed European bank with more than 40 million customers around the world, has today announced that its <18 app for 6-17 year olds now has more than 2 million young customers worldwide — jumping to a total of 3.5 million worldwide when including guardians. In the last year in Ireland, total customers of the Revolut <18 app — including kids and their guardians — have increased by nearly 35%.

A version of Revolut built especially for Gen-Z and beyond, the <18 app helps young people manage their money in ways that work for them — while providing the right controls to give parents and guardians peace of mind. In line with its growth, Revolut is supercharging its <18 app with a new look and features. These include Analytics to boost financial literacy through budgeting and spending analysis, and Wallpapers to help <18s to help teens express themselves.

The company is also making features like Pockets to set aside money towards specific goals and Spare Change round-ups available to all <18 app users for free for the first time. In Ireland, some of the top 20 goals for young people already using Pockets through a parent or guardian’s paid plan include:

  • Clothes, specifically from fast fashion site SHEIN;
  • Gadgets, such as mobile phones, PCs, and PlayStation 5s — or even cars;
  • And summer holidays — with London the most sought-after destination.

The addition of this new functionality for all will supercharge young people’s ability to put money aside for the things that matter to them — from the latest tech to events with friends. 

Carlos Spada, Head of Product, Revolut <18 commented: “Our <18 app is built for teens and our goal is to be the ultimate financial companion, growing with young people and their financial needs. The features we’re announcing today will empower young people to take the lead on their finances and practise healthy money habits, all with fun opportunities for personalisation and the right level of parental oversight.

“We’re excited to see more and more young people choosing Revolut as the place to build towards financial independence.”

Revolut’s <18 app is also available in more than 20 markets including the UK, EEA, Australia, Singapore and the US. In Ireland, Revolut has seen an increase in average daily <18 wallet balances — up from €38.92 in March 2023 to €42.34 in March 2024, while average monthly <18 spending has decreased — down from €150.18 in March 2023 to €124.79 in March 2024. Alongside that, Irish kids received an average allowance of €9.71 in March 2024 — down from €10.41 last year.

To help young people grow healthy money habits, parents can try:

  1. Finding everyday moments to talk about financial concepts. From budgeting at the supermarket to comparison shopping for a particular purchase, parents can help their kids understand the real-life value of money. 
  2. Giving kids a regular allowance or pay day. By providing regularity, parents can encourage kids to practise money management basics. 
  3. Getting granular on spending habits. Helping kids make use of spending alerts and analytics to stick to their budget, avoid overspending and think about where they might do things differently next time. 
  4. Helping kids put money aside to reach their goals. Whether your kid is after the latest video game or they’re planning ahead for university, help them set goals and stick to them. 
  5. Remembering financial literacy is lifelong. Stick with them and be consistent while they’re learning. Ensure money chats are positive and encourage questions. 

Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital becomes first in Ireland or UK to introduce robot to make chemotherapy drugs

The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital in Dublin has become the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to introduce a compounding robot to produce cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients. As part of the evolving robotic programme in the hospital, this new initiative has the potential to supply chemotherapy products more efficiently and safely, increasing productivity and leading to a better experience for cancer patients at the hospital.

Chemotherapy is traditionally produced using a highly manual process carried out in pharmacy departments. Overseen by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, it is physically intensive, involving measurement of doses, reconstitution of commercially sourced drugs and dilution into patient specific doses. Therefore, there is a risk of human error and a need for high levels of quality assurances and verifications. Staff globally often report repetitive strain injuries due to the labour intensity of production, as well as burnout.

The Aseptic Compounding Unit at St James’s Hospital is the busiest in the country, producing 30,000 products annually. With cancer levels rising alongside a growing and ageing population, this demand will rise in coming years. Funds for the new robot were raised by the St James’s Hospital Foundation.

Gail Melanophy, Director of Pharmacy at St James’s Hospital said: “This is a major step forward for our staff and our cancer patients at the hospital. We  aim to produce up to 50% of the oncology/haematology day ward’s chemotherapy needs within weeks of introduction and we hope this will significantly increase when at full capacity, including inpatient needs. This will free up time for our pharmacists to produce other products that the robot does not make and ensure that our valued patients never have to wait for their treatments.”

Aleena Mary James, nurse, Liz Hogan, patient, and Brid Curran, Clinical Nurse Manager.

The first patient received their treatment made by the new robot at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute today (11th April) on the hospital campus. Liz Hogan from Ratoath, County Meath is being treated for cervical cancer at the hospital and was infused with a customised dose of the chemotherapy produced by the robot.

She said: “I noticed no difference at all when I received my dose of chemotherapy today at St James’s Hospital – but I am reassured by the wonderful staff here who have told me that the new robot will help to ensure the chemo for all the cancer patients like me will be of very high quality.”

13 of the most commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs used at St James’s Hospital have been initially selected to be produced by the robot. Trials at the hospital have demonstrated that the advance preparation of the drugs is readily achievable, meaning they are available in the clinics when patients arrive for their sessions.

For the pharmacy staff, the use of the robot protects them from repetitive strain injuries commonly associated with this type of manual process, as well as from exposure to hazardous drugs used in the compounding of chemotherapy. Patients can be assured of the quality of the chemotherapy produced due to the environment in which the robot is housed as well as the flexibility to use the range and scope of products previously produced in the pharmacy. There are also potential cost savings to be realised as the robot can store partially used drugs for use in the production of subsequent doses, thus optimising the use of expensive drugs.

Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at the St James’s Hospital Foundation, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the Foundation supporters, from patients to families to our own staff, has paid off with the installation and use of this new robot. Cancer care is a core service at St James’s Hospital and this robot will help our cancer patients and the staff who care for them every day.”

The project was made possible due to a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team including pharmacists, technicians, engineers, electricians and ICT staff along with commercial partners to plan, implement and test the technology.

CEO of St James’s Hospital Prof Mary Day said: “The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute aspires to being a comprehensive cancer centre where patient care, research, clinical trials and cutting edge treatments combine to lead to better patient outcomes and experiences. Being the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to use this new robot to make chemotherapy drugs is another example of how we are constantly striving to find new and better ways to serve our patients and assist our staff.”

GlobalLogic Announces ‘Platform of Platforms’ for Enabling Enterprise-Grade AI

GlobalLogic, a Hitachi group company, today announced a first-of-its-kind Platform-of-Platforms architecture designed to support deployment of enterprise-grade artificial intelligence (AI). GlobalLogic has designed the architecture to address the critical challenges every enterprise must overcome when operationalizing AI and generative AI (GenAI) at scale.

To realize the potential that AI promises, enterprises must address data privacy and security requirements, prevent intellectual property (IP) leakage and manage legal risks. They also need to identify an approach that allows for technical agility as new models, platforms and other innovations take shape. At the same time, leaders must manage organizational change and find effective strategies for controlling costs and driving return on AI/GenAI investments.

With over a decade of experience in delivering and deploying AI in software products and enterprise platforms, GlobalLogic offers a unique perspective on the design, data and engineering challenges of enterprise-grade, production-ready AI and GenAI. Created in partnership with leading hyperscalers and leveraging their foundational GenAI capabilities, GlobalLogic’s architecture is the first of its kind for unifying and industrializing enterprise-grade AI and GenAI solutions.

GlobalLogic identifies responsibility, reliability and reusability as key to enterprise-grade AI

“As companies work to move from AI and GenAI prototypes to enterprise-scale deployments, it has become clear that using this technology requires far more than sending prompts to a large language model (LLM),” said Sumit Sood, COO and Head of Engineering, GlobalLogic. “We have been helping enterprises adopt GenAI since 2021 and ‘traditional’ AI for much longer, often in life-critical situations. We understand what needs to be done to ensure responsibility, reliability and reusability in AI platforms.”

Sood explains that the responsibility tenet focuses on the goal of offering responses that are accurate, lawful and in compliance with security and governance requirements. The reliability tenet requires mechanisms for correcting model drift, hallucinations and security threats over time. Finally, the reusability tenet is crucial to implementing common data ingestion, preparation and model training and shared consumption mechanisms – which help contain costs and mitigate risk by preventing duplicative work.

GlobalLogic’s AI Platform-of-Platforms architecture addresses critical needs related to observability, security, governance and consumption. It makes it possible to integrate best-of-breed models, algorithms and solutions whether deployed in the cloud or on premises. It also includes accelerators for rapidly deploying some of the most sought-after use cases, including customer support and operations, software development and legacy migration, and enterprise knowledge management.

“The GenAI landscape is highly dynamic,” Sood said. “In an environment where the ‘best’ technology can change month to month or even week to week, GlobalLogic’s Platform-of-Platforms approach lets our clients pick the winners to deliver the best enterprise-class GenAI to support their business outcomes.”

To learn more about GlobalLogic’s AI solutions and advisory capabilities, visit https://www.globallogic.com/uki/services/offerings/generative-ai/

The boundless efficiency: how automated systems transform warehouses

In today’s ever-changing market, warehouse logistics face new challenges that demand increased efficiency and process optimization. Automation represents a key solution capable of radically transforming warehouse operations, speeding up processes, and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Key warehouse automation technologies

Experts from the consulting company Euristiq share with us the secrets of warehouse technology that make automation so attractive in modern business.

Robotic control systems. These systems use robots to perform warehouse tasks such as loading, sorting, and moving goods, reducing processing time, and minimizing errors. Robotic systems, such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and robotic manipulators, transform warehouse operations by offering flexibility and scalability for handling various tasks.

Warehouse management systems. WMS ensures precise inventory management, improving storage organization and optimizing the paths of goods movement in the warehouse. Modern systems provide centralized inventory management, improving data accuracy and transparency, which is crucial for effective warehouse planning and management.

Integration with IoT. The use of the Internet of Things allows warehouses to efficiently track processes and the condition of goods in real-time, increasing transparency and operational management. This makes it easy to collect real-time data on inventory status, equipment, and processes, thereby optimizing warehouse operations and management.

These technologies transform warehouse operations, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable to changing market demands.

The benefits of automation for warehouse efficiency

Automation in warehouse logistics plays a critical role in enhancing the competitiveness of modern enterprises. Implementing automated systems transforms traditional warehouses, making them more productive, economically efficient, and adaptable to changing market demands.

Increased productivity

Automation introduces technologies such as robotic management systems that significantly accelerate order processing and optimize warehouse operations. The result is increased productivity, allowing for the processing of more orders in less time.

Reduced operational costs

Automation reduces operational costs by decreasing the need for manual labor and minimizing errors. Inventory management systems and integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) provide accurate inventory tracking and management, reducing losses and excess inventory.

Improved accuracy and quality

Automated systems increase the accuracy of inventory and order processing, minimizing the likelihood of errors. Accurate inventory tracking and proper order management enhance overall operational quality.

Flexibility and scalability

Automation provides warehouses with the flexibility and scalability necessary to adapt to changing market conditions and customer requirements. This allows businesses to expand or modify operations without significant costs and restructuring.

Examples of successful automation in practice

Let’s look at specific examples of how companies are transforming their warehouse operations using advanced technologies.

First example: Autonomous Mobile Robots

One of the major retailers implemented robotic systems to manage its warehouse, speeding up the process of picking and delivering goods. With automated systems such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), the company was able to significantly increase work productivity, minimize errors, and reduce order fulfillment time.

An efficiency analysis showed that thanks to automation, the cost of fulfilling one order decreased by 30%, and the picking accuracy increased to 99.5%. This led to a noticeable improvement in customer service and overall operational efficiency.

Second example: IoT and WMS integration

Another company specializing in wholesale trade used IoT integration and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to improve inventory management. Using IoT sensors and data analytics, the company could track the condition of goods in real time, preventing excess or shortage.

This integration resulted in a significant reduction in losses due to spoilage, improved inventory accuracy, and increased customer satisfaction through faster and more accurate delivery.

The future of warehouse automation

Warehouse automation is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging each year to make processes more efficient and cost-effective. One important direction that experts at Euristiq company identify is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize logistics processes.

Autonomous delivery systems, such as drones and unmanned ground vehicles, promise to revolutionize the delivery process, reducing time and costs. Smart warehouses that integrate AI for automatic sorting and packing can further increase efficiency and reduce the need for manually performed operations.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also beginning to find applications in warehouse logistics, providing innovative solutions for training and supporting staff, improving warehouse navigation, and assisting in high-precision order picking.

Warehouse automation has already proven its value, providing companies with the ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. As technology advances, the prospects for warehouse automation become even more extensive, promising to bring revolutionary changes to warehouse management and logistics as a whole. Companies that invest in automation today will lead tomorrow, ensuring a sustainable and efficient future in warehouse logistics.

Call-out to ambitious aquatech companies to apply for 2024 BIM Innovation Studio

Ambitious aquatech businesses are invited to apply for a ground breaking Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) mentoring programme in a sector which has just attracted a €15 million investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).

The ISIF has announced the investment to Hatch’s Blue Revolution Fund which focuses on early-stage companies who have the potential to transform aquatech.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today announced that BIM is partnering again this year with aquaculture accelerator, Hatch Blue, for its popular Innovation Studio.

This is a free, intensive two-week programme aimed at supporting young aquatech companies in all aspects of development including technology and investment. BIM’s Aquatech Development Programme is supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021 – 2027) with an investment of €380,000 in 2024.

The aim of the BIM Innovation Studio is to grow Ireland’s €200 million aquatech business, and to position the country as the “Silicon Valley” of the sector.

Now in its seventh year, some 50 projects and companies have completed the Innovation Studio, and have attracted a total investment of around €15 million, creating more than 200 hi-tech jobs.

“I am delighted to announce applications are open for the 2024 BIM Innovation Studio which has fostered a wealth of innovation, energy and talent in Ireland’s growing aquatech sector since its inception seven years ago,” said Minister McConalogue. “This programme offers a unique opportunity for companies with technology applicable to the globally important aquaculture sector to improve their investor readiness and increase market access.

“Ireland is leading the way in the development of the aquatech sector with some 60 Irish aquatech companies turning over €200 million in 2022 with the potential for significant growth and job creation.”

The Minister welcomed the €15 million investment by ISIF in the Blue Revolution Fund which invests in early stage aquatech companies. “This is a huge vote of confidence in the sector which has enormous potential. Aquatech companies can advance the health of the oceans while providing sustainable seafood regenerative ecosystem services and community benefits.”

Aquatech is any technology or innovation driving sustainable seafood farming, and it can be applied progressively to the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.

The BIM Innovation Studio offers opportunities for companies in areas such as pharmaceuticals, marine engineering, genetics, feed additives and artificial intelligence.

Applications for the BIM Innovation Studio are open until 19 July 2024. The BIM Innovation Studio takes place from 1 to 10 October at the Lee Hotel, Cork City. Several companies will then be selected to pitch at the BIM Aquatech Conference on 11 October where the winner of the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year 2024 will also be announced.

“The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio provides a springboard for aquatech innovations, connecting participants with industry experts, mentors, and investors worldwide,” said Jessica Giannoumis, Hatch Blue’s Aquatech Community Manager for Ireland. “Whether it’s sensor technology, alternative seafood solutions, or water management strategies, this is the ultimate opportunity to refine your aquatech vision.”

Eight to ten successful applicants will be matched with experienced mentors to further develop their business strategy, product or service. They will also have access to a global network of aquaculture technical experts.

Several companies involved in the 2023 Innovation Studio attended a delegation to Southeast Asia last year with Hatch to grow their network and learn more about their potential market.  The delegation has secured potential business opportunities on foot of this.

Aquamonitrix, a Carlow based company, is delivering a dataset to the water industry on nitrates and nitrites that are toxic to fish, but which were previously impossible to measure in real time.

The company had previously participated in the BIM innovation Studio.

The Innovation Studio supports the ambitious goals set out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 Strategy, including to promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector.

Significant growth occurred in the seafood-tech sector over the last five years with the number of active companies growing from 42 in 2016 to 62 in 2021, according to BIM’s Business of Seafood 2022 report. Over this period employment in these companies increased from 517 in 2016 to 892 in 2021 while turnover increased from €86m in 2016 to €217m in 2021

For further information and to apply visit:  https://bim.ie/news-and-events/news/bims-2023-aquatech-innovation-studio-programme-now-open-for-applicants/