RoboK Raises £1M to Advance AI-Powered Safety and Efficiency in UK Logistics.

RoboK, a computer vision startup spun out of the University of Cambridge, has secured £1 million in funding to develop a cutting-edge AI project aimed at transforming safety and efficiency in the UK’s ports and warehouses. The initiative, named PALLETS, will integrate RoboK’s platform with existing CCTV infrastructure to deliver real-time hazard detection and operational insights.

This funding comes from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the Technology Missions Fund. It’s part of a £32 million drive to accelerate productivity in high-growth industries by supporting the adoption of trustworthy AI. The PALLETS project stands out as an industry-first initiative addressing long-standing challenges in the logistics and transport sectors.

PALLETS, which stands for Proactive AI-powered solutions for Logistics Efficiency, Transparency and Safety, is designed to tackle major pain points like hazard detection, workflow inefficiencies, and trust in automated systems. RoboK’s technology will use video monitoring not only to identify risks but also to uncover opportunities for streamlining day-to-day operations.

According to Hao Zheng, founder and CEO of RoboK, “PALLETS aligns perfectly with RoboK’s vision to create safer and more efficient industrial workplaces.” He also expressed excitement about working alongside industry leaders, calling the project strategically important to the UK economy.

The PALLETS initiative brings together an impressive lineup of partners, including Astron Fire & Security, Freeport East, the Port of Dover, The Finishing Line, The University of Essex, and The Bristol Port Company. Together, this consortium combines experience from academia, port operations, logistics management, and safety infrastructure.

The collaborative effort has already begun delivering promising results. Mark Burton, Head of IT at the Port of Dover, shared positive feedback: “The early results are very positive, and we’ve gained some helpful insights into how computer vision might support our operational goals moving forward.”

PALLETS has also received praise from David Brown, Chief Executive of The Bristol Port Company. He highlighted the benefits the technology is bringing to port safety, noting RoboK’s role in identifying potential accidents before they occur. This kind of proactive safety is expected to set a new standard across the logistics industry.

RoboK’s approach focuses on enhancing what’s already in place. Instead of requiring completely new infrastructure, its AI tools work with existing CCTV networks to bring a layer of intelligence that improves both safety and efficiency. The system doesn’t just detect hazards; it interprets data to suggest ways to optimise operations.

Founded in 2017, RoboK has grown from a Cambridge University spinout into a key player in industrial AI. It has been supported by initiatives like SETsquared Surrey and the Scale-Up Programme, which helped hundreds of tech companies attract funding and grow their R&D capacity.

The PALLETS project is scheduled to conclude by March 2025, with RoboK hoping to establish new industry benchmarks. The firm sees this as more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a step toward reshaping how AI is viewed and used in traditional industries.

Beyond just improving efficiency, PALLETS is about building trust in AI systems. By promoting transparency and focusing on user safety, RoboK aims to lower the barriers that have historically held back AI adoption in logistics.

As early results continue to impress, PALLETS is positioning RoboK as a frontrunner in AI-driven logistics solutions. With strong backing from UKRI and a diverse group of collaborators, the company is making its mark at the intersection of technology, safety, and industrial performance.

The RoboK funding announcement reflects growing interest in ethical and practical AI applications. As the PALLETS project progresses, it could influence how other sectors approach AI integration—by building smarter, safer, and more transparent environments.

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