We actively translate advances in our research into deployable technologies through close collaboration with our industry partners and infrastructure owners. Our work on next-generation fibre optic sensing has produced two patents and introduces new approaches for distributed infrastructure monitoring by combining optical sensing, signal processing and machine learning. Our research has also led to the spinout company InfraMind Labs Ltd, which develops a digital inspector for new and ageing infrastructure. The platform integrates computer vision and physics-informed AI to automatically detect, classify, measure, rank, and forecast infrastructure defects from multi-modal data, helping infrastructure owners manage assets more safely and efficiently. Together these activities form part of a thriving innovation ecosystem surrounding our group.
Inframind Labs
InfraMind Labs Ltd is a technology company developing artificial intelligence solutions for the inspection, monitoring and management of critical infrastructure. The company focuses on transforming how assets such as bridges, tunnels, pipelines and buildings are assessed by turning complex engineering data into actionable intelligence. Its platform integrates multiple sources of infrastructure data, including LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, imagery and inspection records, with machine learning and predictive analytics to detect defects, identify hidden structural issues and forecast deterioration. InfraMind enables earlier risk detection and more reliable infrastructure assessment by combining advanced sensing with physics-informed AI models. The technology is designed to support asset owners and engineers in moving from periodic manual inspections to continuous, data-driven monitoring, helping improve safety, optimise maintenance decisions and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure systems.
Patents
Fibre Optic Force Sensor
This patent combines artificial intelligence with fibre optic sensing to enable highly sensitive and intelligent monitoring of physical systems. This approach allows devices to detect subtle changes in their environment and interpret complex signals with far greater accuracy than conventional sensors. Because fibre optic sensors are extremely small, lightweight and robust, the technology is well suited to applications where miniaturisation and reliability are essential. Potential uses include robotics and aerospace systems, where intelligent sensing can improve safety and performance, as well as next-generation medical devices where compact, high-precision sensing is required.
Soil-Structure Interaction Sensor
This patented technology is a sensor designed to measure how soil interacts with structures such as tunnels, foundations and underground walls. It measures the forces that soil applies to a structure while also measuring the pressure of water within the soil at the same location, both of which influence how loads are transferred to underground structures. The sensor can be embedded directly within a structure and uses fibre optic strain sensing to detect very small deformations caused by soil pressure and movement. By analysing these signals, the system can determine how forces are acting on the structure and how ground conditions are changing over time. The technology provides engineers with more accurate information about soil-structure interaction, helping improve the design, safety and efficiency of underground infrastructure.
