Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a UK scheme linking businesses with universities to turn research into practical solutions.
The KTP will look at how light gauge steel framing and drywall is designed and costed. Using manual techniques, the team says, can take several weeks; work that is not paid for if a contract is not won.
The AI-powered digital tools being developed aim to reduce the time needed to hours, improve accuracy, and cut down on wasted work.
The project will be led by experts from the University, including Professor David Heesom and Dr Nigel Moore. It also represents a full-circle moment, as Tharinda Rathnapala—who is leading the KTP from the company side—was one of the department’s early KTP Associates in the mid-2000s.
Professor Heesom said, “This is an exciting project that allows us to apply our research into AI in a real business setting, delivering practical benefits. It also highlights the lasting impact of our graduates, with the project being led from the company side by one of our former students.”
Mayank Gupta, owner of Drywall Steel Sections, said, “We are delighted to be working with the University on this project. It will help us rethink how we design and price our work, using AI to create smarter and more efficient ways of working.”
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