Project Details
Description
Following on from the effective collaboration with GDS Instruments established by the HEIF Warm-Up project, this HEIF project seeks to further strengthen the innovative collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and GDS Instruments, a UK-based leader in advanced soil testing systems. The project aims to explore the potential of applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency, automation, and interpretation of soil testing procedures.
Geotechnical engineering relies heavily on soil testing methods which generate critical data used in infrastructure design, however, their interpretation can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and dependent on human input. This project seeks to explore whether AI tools such as machine learning and pattern recognition can enhance these processes by accelerating analysis, improving reliability, and enabling predictive modelling. Although AI has shown promise in similar fields, its application to ground testing remains underexplored. This initiative will help lay the foundation for a long-term innovation strategy that bridges the gap between academic research and industry practice in soil testing and geotechnical engineering.
GDS Instruments has global accreditation as a supplier of laboratory rock and soil testing systems. Even though GDS is leading mechanical instrumentation and automation, the marketplace has a trend towards faster, standards-compliant (BS/ASTM/ISO) reporting and internationally towards AI-assisted analysis. The project bridges that gap with a short-term, practical solution and paves the way towards a future KTP.
Geotechnical engineering relies heavily on soil testing methods which generate critical data used in infrastructure design, however, their interpretation can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and dependent on human input. This project seeks to explore whether AI tools such as machine learning and pattern recognition can enhance these processes by accelerating analysis, improving reliability, and enabling predictive modelling. Although AI has shown promise in similar fields, its application to ground testing remains underexplored. This initiative will help lay the foundation for a long-term innovation strategy that bridges the gap between academic research and industry practice in soil testing and geotechnical engineering.
GDS Instruments has global accreditation as a supplier of laboratory rock and soil testing systems. Even though GDS is leading mechanical instrumentation and automation, the marketplace has a trend towards faster, standards-compliant (BS/ASTM/ISO) reporting and internationally towards AI-assisted analysis. The project bridges that gap with a short-term, practical solution and paves the way towards a future KTP.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 21/10/25 → 31/07/26 |
Collaborative partners
- University of Portsmouth (lead)
- GDS Instruments
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