Researcher in Residence: AI to take on Big Demand
The emergence of Big Demand, characterised by a surge in the variety, volume, velocity, veracity and value of items across production, spare parts management, and recycling, has necessitated innovative solutions, such as AI, to address complex supply chain challenges. In response to this phenomenon, the University of Bristol’s James Gopsill has proposed an innovative Researcher in Residence project in collaboration with the Digital Catapult: Pioneering AI agent (AIgent) supply chain networks to tackle Big Demand.
Driven by a convergence of global events such as market fragility, mass-customisation, supply chain uncertainty, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability, Big Demand presents a multifaceted challenge that traditional supply chain approaches struggle to address efficiently. AIagents offer a revolutionary solution by enabling rapid negotiation across a multitude of suppliers in a decentralised peer-to-peer manner, uniting supply chains to effectively meet Big Demand.
Through physical and digital demonstrations of AIagent supply chain networks, James’ project will showcase proof-of-concept solutions at Catapult events, workshops, and interaction studies. These demonstrations will provide insights into adoption challenges, value propositions, and opportunities for integrating AIagent technology into supply chain operations.
The findings from the project will be disseminated through academic publications, informing future research directions and facilitating the advancement of AIagent supply chain networks to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4/5 status. Following the project, joint research endeavours with software providers and end-users will pave the way for real-world trials, ultimately aiming to commercialise the solution and revolutionise supply chain management in the digital era.
James said of the project: “The Researcher-in-Residence is an exciting opportunity to pull-through our blue-skies numerical modelling and laboratory experiments through to industry innovation. Working closely with the Digital Supply Chain Hub within the Digital Catapult is the perfect place to identify and overcome the challenges of adopting AIgents for Supply Chain negotiations.”
