Stockport-based firm is scaling up thanks to next-generation AI technology, paving the way for expansion into new industries.

• AI-powered innovation fuels ambitious growth in the glass industry.
• Local business taps into funding and expertise from GM Business Growth Hub and The University of Manchester.
• New technology boosts quality control, reduces waste, and enhances productivity.
• £22,500 in grant funding unlocks new market opportunities.

Stockport-based Inspection Systems, a leader in machine vision technology for the glass industry, is aiming to boost its sales and enter new markets following an ambitious artificial intelligence and knowledge transfer project.

The company provides cutting-edge solutions to streamline and enhance quality control in glass production. Now, with its sights set on breaking into new markets, it is investing in next-generation technology to refine and expand its product line.

“We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of technological advancements and not being afraid to disrupt the market,” says Director, Robbie Birrell. “That willingness to push boundaries was what led us to explore the possibilities presented by AI.

“We had an idea for integrating AI-driven defect detection into our inspection systems, but the challenge was: where do we start, and how do we access the skills and resources to make it happen?” 

That’s where Greater Manchester’s innovation ecosystem stepped in. Through funding provided from the GM Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Service, and leveraging existing relationships, Robbie worked with Professor Hujun Yin at The University of Manchester who helped the company develop an AI-powered tool that enhances real-time quality control.

The new system is designed to automatically detect minute defects with greater speed and accuracy than traditional methods, reducing waste and improving productivity for manufacturers. Robbie says, “What we’ve developed with the University will enable us to innovate further in the glass sector, as well as explore exciting opportunities in new markets, such as the food and beverage industry. The additional funding from GM Business Growth Hub has enabled us to extend the system to include enhanced defect detection in patterned glass, in addition to plate glass.”

The company expects to create two new jobs as a direct result of the innovation. The collaboration was bolstered by £22,500 in innovation grant funding from GM Business Growth Hub, which covered 66% of the project’s £34,000 total cost. 

“There’s an extensive network of support available for businesses like ours,” says Robbie. “Being able to draw on local expertise and funding to help us along the AI learning curve has been pivotal in progressing our product development.”

A Perfect Example of Industry-Academia Collaboration

Caroline Stanton, Head of SME Partnerships at The University of Manchester, stresses that firms of all sizes can benefit from such collaborations between industry and academia:

“The University partners with businesses at every stage of innovation – offering student projects, internships and large-scale collaborations. Working with GM Business Growth Hub, we offer companies like Inspection Systems the expertise and facilities to turn ideas into commercial success.”

Yvonne Grady, Head of Innovation at GM Business Growth Hub, adds: “This successful collaboration demonstrates perfectly that tapping into the right knowledge, skills and funding for your specific challenge can open up a world of new commercial opportunities.”

For funding, technical expertise and tailored support, phone GM Business Growth Hub on 0161 359 3050 or email bgh@growthco.uk. To find out more about Inspection Systems, visit www.inspection-systems.co.uk. 

To discuss collaboration opportunities with the University of Manchester, please contact collaborate@manchester.ac.uk or visit http://www.manchester.ac.uk/collaborate/business-engagement-knowledge-exchange.