The SafeBatt project, involving battery experts from WMG at the University of Warwick, has won a Safety Innovation Award at the Electrical Product SafetyLink opens in a new window Conference.  

The conference was held in London on Thursday (21^st November) with the awards recognising and celebrating the best engineering collaborations and innovations across the UK.  

Funded by the Faraday Institution, SafeBatt is a collaboration of seven universities as well as industry partners investigating the science behind battery safety.   

New research on the enhancement of the lifespan and performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles has been published by experts at WMG, the University of Warwick.

The paper, published in Joule – a leading sustainable energy journal - explores charge compensation in Li-ion battery cathodes by assessing the electronic structure.

WMG scientists in collaboration with academic partners in the Faraday Institution’s Degradation and FutureCat projects have experimentally demonstrated that oxygen (rather than the transition metal, as previously believed) is the redox active species, and is responsible for the energy storage mechanism.

Matthew Ogley, PhD Researcher at WMG, who led the project together with Dr Ashok S. Menon, explained: “This work highlights the bulk stability of NMC811 cathodes within high voltage cycling windows. By now focusing on surface stabilisation to minimise degradation, our research highlights practical strategies for the creation of longer-lasting batteries, which is crucial for electric vehicles.”

Professor Louis Piper and his team, at WMG at the University of Warwick, are pleased to welcome two Visiting Research Fellows (VRF), Nicolas Palma and Arroyo Gomez, from Chile and Argentina, respectively.

The VRF programme, facilitated by the Faraday Institution, provides funding to UK universities to host exceptional academics, at the post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) career stage, for a period of six months.

WMG will support, supervise, and mentor the VRFs as they conduct battery research and establish new collaborations.

WMG at the University of Warwick is part of a pioneering project, led by Solihull CouncilLink opens in a new window, to develop a self-driving fully-electric shuttle service at the National Exhibition Centre (NECLink opens in a new window), Birmingham.

The Solihull & Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project is a collaborative initiative, aimed at better understanding the role self-driving vehicles might one day play within our future transport system.

As part of the pilot, SCALE will see a fleet of three electric self-driving shuttles ferry passengers along a new 7km route linking up Birmingham International rail station, the NEC and Birmingham Business Park.

WMG will be focusing on the safety aspect of the shuttle service, providing expertise on hazard analysis, vehicle testing and operational safety.

Engineers and students at WMG at The University of Warwick are working on a hydrogen-powered car fuelled by sewage, in a project entitled Waste2Race. The hydrogen is a byproduct of water treatment technology, from Wastewater Fuels, being trialled at Severn Trent Water, and with it the team at the University are hoping to break records for hydrogen fuelled cars.

Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, and WMG at the University of Warwick have launched a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to apply new technologies to the development of the company’s flexible pipe systems.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. This KTP project was funded by UKRI through Innovate UK.

The Figiel Research Team from WMG’s International Institute for Nanocomposite Manufacturing (IINM), was awarded Innovate UK funding to apply Multiphysics modelling tools that will assist in developing context-aware pipe designs and analysis processes. This research will make material use more efficient, resulting in increased pipeline suitability, reliability and safety, whilst maintaining performance and structural integrity.

Through the use of Multiphysics modelling, Baker Hughes is expected to be able to more accurately predict the coupling between permeation of gases and fluids and the mechanical response of their flexible pipe systems, which are used extensively in floating production systems.

This research will also aid in the development of products to meet the world’s energy transition requirements, including carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen delivery. This work will position the UK as a global leader in the provision of products needed to supply clean energy.

Baker Hughes flexible pipe systems product line employs more than 500 people in the North East of England. This project is expected to result in more efficient manufacturing processes for the company that reduce waste and carbon intensity.

Dr. Soheil Bazazzadeh has been appointed by the university to carry out the project with supervision by WMG engineer Jack Davis and academic leadership from Dr. Lukasz Figiel, Reader at WMG. Soheil’s background includes a doctorate in aerospace engineering and three separate research fellowships, including at the University of Warwick.

WMG’s Jack Davis and Dr Lukasz Figiel say:

"This collaboration will further enhance WMG’s strong academic expertise in the field of Predictive Multiphysics Modelling of advanced engineering materials. In addition, the project will give us the opportunity to continue to build future partnerships in emerging fields such as hydrogen transport."

Dr. Angelos Mintzas, principal engineer at Baker Hughes and technical lead for New Product Introduction programmes says:

“This work has the potential to significantly enhance Baker Hughes’ design capabilities, enabling more efficient use of materials whilst keeping our focus on product reliability and safety. This collaboration is aligned with Baker Hughes commitment for 50% reduction of our CO2 emissions by 2030 and becoming a net-zero business by 2050.”

Ian Blakemore, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Advisor for this project, says:

"This project is a prime example of the impact that Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can have. By bringing together forward-thinking businesses and the academic expertise of the UK’s world class universities, we can tackle real world challenges in new ways."

Analysis of homemade 3D printed assault rifles at WMG at The University of Warwick has helped convict a criminal in a ground-breaking case.

Several homemade 3D printed guns were seized by West Midlands PoliceLink opens in a new window at the home of David Biddell-Portman in December 2020 as part of Operation Captiva, a Police response designed to reduce firearm deaths across greater Birmingham.

Professor Mark WilliamsLink opens in a new window, an expert in 3D printing and scanning at WMG was called in by West Midlands Police. His 3D scanning machines are 100 times more powerful than a hospital CAT scanner and can view images in detail smaller than a human hair.

By using his cutting-edge technology to scan the weapons, Mark was able to discover the amounts of metal and plastic in each of the weapons. This is achieved by analysing the different densities of the materials.

This crucial evidence helped prove that these homemade guns would be working and potentially deadly weapons. It also showed the levels of sophistication, effort and premeditation that went into the construction of the guns.

This evidence was crucial in securing a conviction, with the defendant receiving a five-year sentence.

Professor Mark Williams said: “It’s satisfying to see justice served, and I’m glad to use our technology in any way we can to help the efforts of West Midlands Police.

“By making this sort of technology available to the public sector, we’re ensuring it’s not just big companies that have access to cutting edge techniques.

“A dangerous criminal is now off the streets thanks to the efforts of West Midlands Police, and I look forward to our continuing work with them.”

By scanning the guns, police ensured that the judge and jury were aware of the extensive use of metal in the weapons – a sure sign that, when completed, they would have been working and potentially deadly weapons.

It also meant that the state of the guns was recorded if they deteriorated during test firing of the weapons by police, something that often occurs with 3D printed guns. The scanning also ensured that the police, judge and jury could understand the evidence surrounding the weapons.

For many, 3D printed weapons have never been encountered before, and are often irregular and defy categorisation due to their black market, homemade construction. With the scans, police could identify the closest professionally made weapons and make comparisons.

Michelle Painter, Deputy Head of Forensics at West Midlands Police commented: “This partnership is invaluable to West Midlands Police, the strength and commitment is truly unique and the boundaries are limitless.

“The application of the use of Micro CT scanning in criminal cases continues to be innovative and ground-breaking and progresses investigations and brings justice for victims.”

The conviction is the latest success in the decade long partnership between Professor Williams, WMG, Warwick and West Midlands Police. They recently marked a milestone, with the scanning technology having been used in over 300 casesLink opens in a new window since 2014.

The full paper on the case can be read hereLink opens in a new window.

Read more about WMG’s Centre for Imaging, Metrology, and Additive Technologies (CIMAT) here: Metrology and 3D Imaging (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window 

WMG, at The University of Warwick, has launched the world’s first online platform that enables the public to influence the development of Automated Vehicle (AV) safety.

Safety Pool Studio is a driving scenario creation platform for the public to design road scenarios based on their real-life experiences or expectations during the introduction of AVs. The platform aims to empower the public to become part of the safety discussions, making the process more inclusive and accessible.

The Automated Vehicles Act is now law in the United Kingdom, and AVs could be on the roads as soon as 2026. However, nearly half of UK motorists still do not trust this technology because of safety concerns[1]. This online platform opens a conversation for future users to define and reimagine the safety of AV deployment.

Innovation is key to improving our roads, and it’s great to see WMG, at The University of Warwick backing our vision for safer motoring,” said Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, Department for Transport. “I’m delighted that this pioneering platform will address the questions and concerns people have about Automated Vehicles and enable them to challenge developers to address the real issues they face on our roads. Public engagement will improve understanding of these new technologies and give people the confidence to use AVs when they hit our roads after 2026.”

The platform accounts for different driving styles, types of road layouts, and the movements of vehicles and pedestrians are available on Safety Pool™ Studio. Users from anywhere in the world can tailor-make road-driving scenarios for AVs based on their geographical locations, cultures, and daily practices (in their own languages). Users can also check and trial their scenarios through instant play on the platform.

‘‘The public and the future technology users are paramount to Automated Vehicles’ development and deployment in the UK. By launching Safety Pool™ Studio, our ambition is to democratise safety by prioritising the public’s voices in this new technology, where users can share their expectations and understanding of the safety of AV,” explained Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, the University of Warwick.

“Safety Pool™ Studio also addresses the needs of other stakeholders in the AV ecosystem like developers, incident investigators and insurers, by enabling them to better capture road scenarios during the post-deployment phase of AVs. We strongly believe by doing so, AV deployment will be more inclusive and relevant to our real-world experiences and everybody’s lives.’’

All these captured scenarios can then be used for virtual testing by the AV ecosystem to test the safety of their systems. Capturing the public’s expectations and real-world incidents enables engineers to replicate potential road situations and assess their products’ safe and timely response to road incidents as part of post-deployment monitoring of the AVs. “We welcome this initiative,” said Steve Gooding, Director, RAC Foundation. “The more we understand about the expectations, uncertainties and concerns that people have about AVs the better the chances of those issues being picked up and addressed in the design process for AV development and adoption, that’s why engaging the public is so important and that’s why making it easier for them to do so really matters.

“It is appropriate that an approach aimed at engaging the public in the development and deployment of new technology should itself be using technology as the basis for that engagement, and we encourage everyone to give it a try.”

Organisations wishing to work with the research and Safety Pool™ Studio can contact SafeAutonomy@warwick.ac.uk or visit https://safetypoolstudio.ai

Two Professors at WMG at the University of Warwick have been elected as Fellows of the prestigious Royal Academy of EngineeringLink opens in a new window.

Professor Claire DavisLink opens in a new window, Head of Advanced Steel Research Centre; and Professor Mark WilliamsLink opens in a new window, Head of the Metrology and Visualisation Research Group, at WMG, have been elected as part of a group of 71 leading figures in the field of engineering and technology.

The group consists of 60 Fellows, six International Fellows and five Honorary Fellows, each of whom has made exceptional contributions to their own sector.

Each Fellow has been involved in pioneering new innovations, leading progress in business or academia, providing high level advice to government, or promoting wider understanding of engineering and technology.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 27 November, when each Fellow will sign the roll book.

In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to harness the power of engineering to create a sustainable society and an inclusive economy for all.

Professor Davis said: “I am very honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. It is an exciting and dynamic time for the global steel industry and I look forward to working with the Royal Academy in promoting clean technologies for the future.”

Professor Mark Williams said: “I’m honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and am extremely grateful to colleagues across the country who have seen fit to elect me.

“It’s a long way from my time as an apprentice to the Royal Academy. I’d like to thank my colleagues at Warwick who have supported me over my career here and look forward to working with the other Fellows.”

Dr John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, says: “Our new Fellows represent some of the most talented people in the world of engineering and are taken from the ranks of those who are aiming to address some of our most critical problems.

“We are proud to say that many of our newly elected Fellows have come from underrepresented groups in engineering and related sectors and we hope this helps to tackle some of the issues around a lack of diversity within the profession.

“There is ample evidence that a wider pool of ideas and experiences helps to improve decision-making and develop novel solutions to global challenges.”

See the complete list of Fellows elected here: Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows 2024 (raeng.org.uk)Link opens in a new window 

WMG at the University of Warwick and WayveLink opens in a new window, a leader in Embodied AI for autonomous driving, have launched the DriveSafeAI microsite - a dedicated platform to share insights, research, and tools focused on AI safety assurance in assisted and automated driving technology.

The new microsite, Drive-Safe.aiLink opens in a new window, is part of the broader DriveSafeAI initiative and serves as a hub for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Through this platform, Wayve and WMG will share information about novel safety validation methods to give regulators confidence in AI used in assisted and automated vehicles (AV). DriveSafeAI focuses on four pillars of technical AI safety assurance, covering scenario generation, architecture, model evaluation, and sim validation.

The DriveSafeAI projectLink opens in a new window is part of the Centre for Connected and Automated Vehicles’ (CCAV)

Commercialising CAM Supply Chain Competition (CCAMSC). This programme, aimed at advancing connected and automated mobility (CAM), is funded by CCAV - a joint initiative between the Department for Business and TradeLink opens in a new window, and the Department for TransportLink opens in a new window. It is delivered in partnership with Innovate UKLink opens in a new window and ZenzicLink opens in a new window.

Dr Sarah Gates, Director of Public Policy, Wayve explained: “Regulators need to have confidence in how AI is used in assisted and automated driving, which is why we need clear safety validation methods. DriveSafeAI is a model for developing evidenced-based safety frameworks that can build regulator and stakeholder confidence, driving innovation while ensuring the highest safety standards. This balanced approach enables safe technology development that will lead to safer roads and a more robust global AV market.”

Professor Siddartha KhastgirLink opens in a new window, Head of Safe Autonomy, WMG, the University of Warwick said: “The use of AI in safety-critical applications like automated driving poses a huge challenge for the automotive industry. Solving this requires broad collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers. Through DriveSafeAI, partnering with a leading embodied AI organisation like Wayve, WMG can create a robust and novel safety approach to AI while enabling scalability and innovation. We are generating the scientific evidence to underpin industry-wide standards and international regulations for the safety of AI, building confidence in the AV ecosystem.”

Wayve and WMG remain committed to advancing automated driving through rigorous safety protocols and transparent research. Over the next year, the partners will regularly update the microsite with new findings as they progress their research.

For more information and to follow updates on this project, visit Link opens in a new windowhttps://drive-safe.ai/Link opens in a new window.