In this insight, we look at how recent reports have revealed how the UK’s public sector is facing the dual challenges of potentially losing £300 million through restrictive cloud licensing and the limitations of an open-source software skills gap.

Restrictive Cloud Licensing Costs 

A report from the cross-party think tank, The Social Market Foundation (SMF), has shown that due to restrictive rules on cloud software licensing, the public sector looks set to waste more than £300 million over the next 5 years (£60 million per year over the next five years). According to the report, this is because current software licensing rules are making it harder to switch between providers, thus keeping public sector organisations locked into pricey deals.

The SMF says its report has only accounted for the costs of restrictions to users’ ability to freely use Office 365 and the overcharge of using SQL Server on third-party infrastructure, yet the actual additional costs incurred by all software licensing practices may be much higher.

The Benefits Of One Provider Wiped Out By Costs 

The UK government mandates that central departments adopt cloud services and, therefore, encourages public sector organisations to improve technological efficiency and to find savings within public services. One method of achieving savings in the public sector has been to choose one central (cloud) provider that delivers the full range of services required. However, as one IT professional (quoted by the SMF) recently pointed out, there’s “positives to having one provider with a suite of things that work together very well, but the challenge of that is you’re tied in”. 

Effect Worse On Public Sector 

The SMF says that while licensing costs and complications also affect the private sector, the overall detriment is likely to be worse in the public sector. For example, excess costs are financed by the taxpayer and may mean diverting resources from other government objectives or budgets, thereby resulting not just in direct financial costs but also in preventing the UK from achieving its technological, economic, and security goals.

An Economic, Technical, and Social Issue 

Jake Shepherd, Senior Researcher at SMF, said of the report’s findings: “Our research shows that restrictive software licensing practices squander millions of pounds – taxpayers’ money that could fund vital public services and boost national productivity – while interviews with public sector IT professionals reveal the ‘real’ day-to-day operational costs. Software licensing isn’t just a technical issue – there’s an economic and social imperative to ensure it works smoothly and prevents needless wastage of public resources in the future.” 

The Open Source Challenge 

Open source is integral to the UK’s digital economy, contributing significantly to business growth and competitiveness and the public sector is encouraged to increase its participation in open source projects to leverage these benefits further.

However, the recent ‘State of open report’ from OpenUK, a UK-based organisation promoting open source software, hardware, and data, has also highlighted how there is a gap in the skills and understanding of open source in the public sector.

Substantial Public Engagement With Open Source 

OpenUK’s report, which uses a collection of data from NHS Digital, Government Digital Service, and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has revealed the existence of 1780 GitHub repositories with 14,910 stars and 745,000 commits. OpenUK says this is evidence of “substantial public sector engagement with open source software in the UK” and highlights how the public sector embracing open source “aligns with government digital transformation goals, driving better public services and fostering a culture of continuous improvement”. Also, OpenUK says by leveraging open source, the UK public sector can address “complex challenges more effectively, ensuring robust, scalable, and secure digital infrastructure that supports economic resilience and growth”. 

Not Enough 

Despite these levels of engagement in open source by the public sector, OpenUK’s ‘Phase Two: The Open Manifesto Report’ highlights the need for policymakers to build skills in open source software to help the UK (public sector) make better use of open source and to improve AI openness. Some of the challenges to achieving this, identified in the report, include:

– A skills shortage / a significant lack of expertise in open source technologies within the public sector. This skills gap hinders the effective implementation and management of open-source projects. Training and upskilling initiatives could help address this issue. For example, OpenUK’s CEO, Amanda Brock, has said that working with people who learn to code in open source and contribute to open source code repositories is one way to help tackle the UK skills gap.

– A lack of coherent policies and governance frameworks for managing open-source contributions within many public sector organisations. This results in inconsistent practices and potential compliance issues and highlights the need for comprehensive policies and standardisation.

– Security concerns. For example, security is a significant concern with open-source adoption and public sector organisations often struggle with balancing cost and security, leading to vulnerabilities. Security in the development and deployment of open-source solutions is, therefore, crucial.

– Resistance to the cultural shift required for adopting open source technologies. Traditional public sector environments find it challenging to move towards more collaborative and transparent working practices.

– Resource Allocation. Financial constraints and competing priorities make it difficult for public sector organisations to allocate the necessary resources for open-source initiatives. Strategic investment and prioritisation are needed to overcome these barriers.

OpenUK has, therefore, called on the public sector to develop skills to curate open source well, and on policymakers to gain a greater understanding of open technologies to avoid a continued reliance upon multi-year contracts from “legacy IT providers and consultancies”.

AI Too 

In the report, Jennifer Barth, chief research officer at OpenUK, also points to the growth of the UK’s AI repositories as evidence of “the dynamism and innovation within the UK’s AI community, bolstered by open source principles”.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

For UK businesses, the insights from these reports show a pressing need to address both the challenges of restrictive cloud licensing and the open-source skills gap within the public sector. The repercussions of these issues are multifaceted, affecting financial efficiency, technological advancement, and overall competitiveness.

The substantial costs associated with restrictive cloud licensing (estimated at £300+ million over the next five years) highlight the importance of flexibility in software procurement. Businesses can learn from this by advocating for more open and competitive licensing agreements. This approach not only reduces costs but also fosters innovation by avoiding vendor lock-in. By negotiating contracts that allow easier transitions between providers, businesses can ensure they are not overpaying for services and can quickly adapt to better solutions as they emerge.

The public sector’s struggle with open-source software adoption due to a skills shortage could be seen as an opportunity for businesses to invest in training and upskilling their workforce. Open-source technologies can offer significant benefits, including cost savings, enhanced security, and the ability to drive innovation through collaboration. By developing in-house expertise in open source, the public sector and the private sector, businesses can improve their technological resilience and reduce dependency on proprietary solutions. This, in turn, can lead to more agile and responsive IT strategies, essential in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

The identified lack of coherent policies and governance frameworks for open source usage in the public sector could also be seen as a cautionary tale for private enterprises. The challenges faced by the public sector in allocating resources to open-source initiatives show a need for strategic investment in technology. Businesses should, therefore, look at investment in open-source projects and technologies to remain competitive.

These findings from the SMF and OpenUK reports appear to offer valuable lessons not just for the public sector, but for all UK businesses. Embracing flexible licensing agreements, investing in open-source skills, establishing robust governance, fostering a collaborative culture, and strategically allocating resources can improve flexibility, scalability, security, and cost-efficiency.

A team of Researchers at Tokyo University have found a way to bind engineered living skin tissue to robots with the hope of benefitting the cosmetics industry and helping to train plastic surgeons.

New Method Of Adhesion 

The team (led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi) has reported that whereas previous methods to attach skin tissue to solid surfaces involved mini anchors or hooks, which limited the kinds of surfaces that could receive skin coatings, the new successful method mimics human skin-ligament structures. The new method uses specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, thereby enabling the team to bind skin to complex structures. The natural flexibility of the skin with this effective method of adhesion means that the skin can move along with the mechanical components of robots without tearing or peeling away.

Created A Smiling Face 

Professor Takeuchi highlighted how, in their latest research, the team was able to “replicate human appearance to some extent by creating a face with the same surface material and structure as humans”. The photos of the prototype robot’s skin-covered face show it with a smile (achieved through actuation and via anchors).

New Challenges Identified 

Professor Takeuchi said that although the team has undertaken previous research on a finger-shaped robot covered in engineered skin tissue, this new research identified new challenges for future efforts. For example, the team discovered the need for skin surface wrinkles and a thicker epidermis to achieve a more humanlike appearance, suggesting that creating a thicker and more realistic skin could actually be achieved by incorporating sweat glands, sebaceous glands, pores, blood vessels, fat and nerves.

Looking to a future where robots could be covered in their own living skin layer, Professor Takeuchi acknowledged the importance of movement. He highlighted the challenge of creating humanlike expressions “by integrating sophisticated actuators, or muscles, inside the robot” and expressed how “incredibly motivating” is the thought of being able to create “robots that can heal themselves, sense their environment more accurately and perform tasks”. 

Professor Takeuchi also highlighted the scale and scope of the challenge of creating living skin for robots that’s self-healing, saying that “Self-healing is a big deal – some chemical-based materials can be made to heal themselves, but they require triggers such as heat, pressure or other signals, and they also do not proliferate like cells.” 

He added that “Biological skin repairs minor lacerations as ours does, and nerves and other skin organs can be added for use in sensing and so on.”

Goal 

Although they created a smiling skin face in the research, Takeuchi and his lab are keen to emphasise that they have a serious goal in mind for this application in terms of helping in several areas of medical research. For example, Takeuchi suggests that something like a “face-on-a-chip” could be useful in “research into skin aging, cosmetics, surgical procedures, plastic surgery and more”. Also, Takeuchi said that if sensors could be embedded, robots may be able to gain a better environmental awareness and improve their interactive capabilities.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The apparent breakthrough achieved by Professor Shoji Takeuchi and his team at Tokyo University could signify a profound transformation in various industries, particularly cosmetics and medical training. For businesses in these sectors, the integration of living skin tissue onto robotic platforms presents exciting opportunities.

In the cosmetics industry, for example, this innovation could revolutionise product testing and development. Traditionally, cosmetic products undergo testing on synthetic materials or live animals, both of which have limitations and ethical concerns. However, the use of robots with human-like skin could offer a more accurate and ethical alternative. Companies could test how their products interact with human skin, including how they are absorbed, how they affect skin texture, and their long-term impacts. This method may not only ensure a higher fidelity of results but also align with increasing consumer demand for cruelty-free products.

For businesses involved in medical training and plastic surgery, the ability to simulate human skin on robotic models could be a real game-changer. These advanced robots could provide surgeons and medical students with realistic practice scenarios that better prepare them for real-life procedures. The potential to replicate various skin conditions, responses to surgical interventions, and healing processes on these models could enhance the educational experience and lead to better patient outcomes. Also, the development of self-healing skin technologies could extend the lifespan and utility of these training models, reducing costs and improving training efficacy.

This innovation could also open new avenues in fields such as robotics and human-computer interaction. Robots equipped with human-like skin and the ability to heal and sense their environment more accurately could lead to advancements in service robotics, elderly care, and rehabilitation. Businesses in these areas could see improvements in the functionality and acceptance of their robotic products, as the ability to mimic human touch and appearance enhances the user experience and trust.

The research also hints at future possibilities where robots could be more seamlessly integrated into daily life, performing tasks that require a human touch. For instance, in hospitality or customer service industries, robots with human-like skin could provide more personalised and engaging interactions, setting new standards for customer experience.

Overall, the development of robots with living skin tissue is not just a scientific curiosity but appears to be a significant leap forward with practical implications. Businesses that adapt and integrate this technology early may expect to lead in their respective fields, offering innovative solutions that were previously unimaginable. Whether through enhancing product testing, improving medical training, or advancing interactive robotics, this breakthrough could provide a unique competitive edge and open up a world of new possibilities.

NASA has given Elon Musk’s SpaceX the contract to ‘deorbit’ (and destroy) the International Space Station at the end of its operation as NASA transitions to commercially owned space destinations closer to home.

SpaceX To Develop The Deorbit Vehicle 

US space agency NASA has chosen SpaceX to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that NASA says will “ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations”, i.e. it will tow the space station into low earth orbit before it burns up on re-entry. NASA reports that while SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. NASA also says that along with the space station, SpaceX’s Deorbit Vehicle “is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process.” 

When? 

The International Space Station has been in operation since 1998 and NASA says the United States, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of ESA have committed to operating the station through 2030.

How Much? 

The contract for SpaceX to make the Deorbit Vehicle is thought be worth $843 million.

Whose Responsibility? 

Although SpaceX is to make the Deorbit Vehicle, NASA says the safe deorbit of the International Space Station is the responsibility of all five space agencies – CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos.

Where Will It Land? 

It is expected that any parts of the space station and Deorbit Vehicle that don’t fully break up on re-entry will land in the ocean with NASA saying the actions of the Deorbit Vehicle will “ensure avoidance of risk to populated areas.” 

What If It Hits Your House? 

Although NASA’s plans sound good, try telling that to a Florida family who are currently suing NASA after a 1.6lb (725g), 4ins by 1.6ins part from the International Space Station crashed through their roof and floor. Thankfully, none of the family, who are seeking $80,000 (£63,000) for the stress and impact on their lives, were physically injured. According to NASA, the metal part that hit their home was the result of ground controllers using a robotic arm on the space station to release an almost 3-ton cargo pallet containing “aging batteries” back in March 2021.

Mica Nguyen Worthy, the lawyer for the Oteros family, has been quoted as saying: “Here, the U.S. government, through NASA, has an opportunity to set the standard or ‘set a precedent’ as to what responsible, safe, and sustainable space operations ought to look like. If NASA were to take the position that the Oteros’ claims should be paid in full, it would send a strong signal to both other governments and private industries that such victims should be compensated regardless of fault”. 

Space Debris 

Space debris has become a significant problem due to the increasing number of satellites and space missions, leading to a crowded orbital environment. For example, it’s estimated that there are approximately 36,500 pieces of space debris larger than 10 centimetres, about 1 million pieces between 1 and 10 centimetres, and around 130 million pieces smaller than 1 centimetre currently orbiting Earth.

This debris poses risks to active satellites, spacecraft, and indeed, the International Space Station, potentially causing collisions and generating more debris in a dangerous feedback loop known as the ‘Kessler Syndrome’. With this danger in mind, the ‘Space Liability Convention’ of 1972 was created to establish the liability of countries for damage caused by their space objects.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The decision by NASA to entrust SpaceX with the task of deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS) heralds a new era in commercial space operations, signalling some perhaps significant implications for businesses. As the ISS’s operations transition to commercially owned space destinations, companies in the aerospace sector are poised to gain unprecedented opportunities. SpaceX’s $843 million contract not only highlights the increasing role of private entities in space but also the potential for lucrative government contracts and partnerships in an evolving space economy.

For businesses, this shift could mean an expanding market for innovation in space technologies. Companies involved in developing deorbiting vehicles, space debris mitigation, and sustainable space operations may expect increased demand for their expertise. The collaborative approach required by the five space agencies overseeing the ISS deorbiting operation also suggests a growing need for international cooperation and compliance with space liability conventions, making regulatory and legal expertise in space law more valuable than ever.

Also, the challenges highlighted by incidents such as the Oteros family’s lawsuit against NASA underline the importance of risk management strategies. The outcome of this lawsuit could, for example, set a significant legal precedent for how liabilities from space debris impacts are handled, potentially influencing policies and compensation frameworks globally. Businesses need to be prepared for potential liabilities associated with space operations, including debris impact on Earth, and adapt their operations to mitigate such risks effectively.

This scenario presents an opportunity for businesses to develop advanced tracking, monitoring, and risk mitigation solutions to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities. The case also demonstrates the need for companies to engage in proactive legal and insurance planning to manage potential claims and safeguard their operations.

In essence, the move to commercialise space destinations and manage space debris responsibly potentially opens many of avenues for businesses to innovate and expand. Staying ahead in this competitive landscape will require agility, a commitment to sustainability, and an understanding of the complex regulatory environment governing space operations. As space becomes a more integral part of our economic infrastructure, businesses that can perhaps seize new opportunities position themselves as significant players in the growing space industry.

Finally, on the subject of space, it’s also worth noting here that NASA’s plans to return to the Moon, through the Artemis program, may also bring commercial opportunities. For example, the lunar missions will require new technologies, habitats, and supply chains, presenting another vast market for companies involved in space exploration and infrastructure. A move to greater lunar exploration will undoubtedly bring a need for innovative solutions and partnerships to support sustainable operations, e.g. on the Moon and beyond.

It’s been reported that following the recent announcement that ChatGPT is to be integrated into Apple’s devices and its new “Apple Intelligence” technology is to be across its suite of apps, Apple is to take up an observer role on OpenAI’s board.

Bloomberg reported that with effect from later this year, Apple ‘Fellow’ and head of Apple’s App Store, Phil Schiller, will be attending OpenAI board meetings as an observer (without voting rights).

OpenAI announced in March that it would be appointing new directors to its board, including company OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Sue Desmond-Hellmann, a former CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nicole Seligman, formerly a president of Sony Entertainment, and Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart. Adding an Apple member to OpenAI’s board will help Apple to keep up with the other main players in the AI race.

A grieving family from Berkshire have reported how online fraudsters used a photo of their recently deceased son on social media to make mourners click on bogus link for a streamed funeral service with the goal of exploiting their grief to get data and cash.

Alex Chadwick’s photograph was used by the fraudsters and although the funeral service was not filmed (despite the fraudsters using a bogus streaming-link), the family have expressed their shock at the criminals’ tactics and have called for legislation to stop it happening to others.

Alex Chadwick’s father Gary has been reported (BBC) as saying that he believed the family had been targeted because his son was young and had a lot of followers on social media.

A new fast-charging battery technology from Nyobolt that can charge an EV battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just under five minutes has just successfully completed its first demo road test.

Live Demo 

Founded in 2019, Cambridge-based EV battery company Nyobolt has just conducted its first live road test demo of the new battery in Bedford, in front of an invited audience of industry professionals. The new battery, which was fitted to a sports car and tested over two days, achieved a range of 120 miles after four minutes. The company says this was achievable because the first four minutes are at a constant current of 500A.

Still A Success Despite Challenges On The Day 

In lab conditions, the fast-charging battery can charge from 0 per cent to 100 per cent in six minutes but on the day, factors like the hot weather, issues with the car’s cooling system, plus having to use an on-site charger (not made by Nyobolt) meant that it only charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in four minutes and 37 seconds. However, that is still a very impressive result considering that a Tesla supercharger takes 15-20 minutes to charge a car battery to 80 per cent. Using a 350kW DC charger, Nyobolt says its batteries can charge at twice the speed of the fastest-charging vehicles on the road without the degradation typically associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Fast Charge And Retention  

Nyobolt also points out that independent testing of its technology by a leading global OEM has confirmed that its longer-lasting (and more sustainable batteries) can achieve over 4,000 fast charge cycles, or 600,000 miles, maintaining over 80 per cent battery capacity retention. This is considerably higher than the warranties of much larger EV batteries on the road today and highlights longer-lasting performance benefit of Nyobolt’s battery technology.

Benefits 

The company says its ultra-fast charging battery eliminates slow and inconvenient recharge stops, i.e. it saves time and combats ‘range anxiety’.

In Talks With Other OEMs 

Nyobolt doesn’t intend to make its own EVs but says it is now in talks with eight OEMs about using its technology in high performance EVs.

Lighter EVs 

Nyobolt also says that the fact that the 35kWh battery pack, as tested in the EV prototype, is compact could also benefit car makers and motorists, enabling energy-efficient electric vehicles that are cheaper to buy and run, and use fewer resources to manufacture.

Nyobolt’s co-founder and CEO, Dr Sai Shivareddy says: “Our Nyobolt EV demonstrates the efficiency gains facilitated by our fast-charging, longer-life battery technology, enabling capacity to be right-sized while still delivering the required performance,” and adds “Nyobolt is removing the obstacle of slow and inconvenient charging, making electrification appealing and accessible to those who don’t have the time for lengthy charging times or space for a home charger.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

Nyobolt’s groundbreaking fast-charging battery technology could be transformative for various stakeholders within the EV ecosystem. For Nyobolt itself, this development not only validates their technological innovations but may well also position them at the forefront of the EV battery market. The successful demonstration in Bedford, despite the challenges faced, highlights their capability to deliver a product that can significantly reduce charging times while maintaining high performance and longevity. This achievement is likely to attract further interest from OEMs and investors (8 are interested already), accelerating Nyobolt’s growth and market penetration.

For other EV manufacturers, the introduction of Nyobolt’s technology presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The ability to charge an EV battery to 80 per cent in under five minutes sets a new benchmark in the industry and is likely to compel other manufacturers to either adopt this technology or innovate rapidly to remain competitive. This could lead to a surge in partnerships and collaborations as manufacturers try to integrate these advanced batteries into their next-generation vehicles. Also, the focus on sustainability and longer battery life aligns with the broader industry goals of reducing environmental impact and improving the overall efficiency of EVs.

The EV market as a whole stands to benefit significantly from this technological leap. The reduction in charging times addresses one of the primary concerns of potential EV buyers – range anxiety. Faster charging infrastructure will likely catalyse broader adoption of EVs, as it makes the transition from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles more seamless. The compact nature of Nyobolt’s battery packs means vehicles can be lighter and more energy-efficient, potentially lowering the cost of EVs and making them more accessible to a wider audience. This could lead to a more rapid shift towards electric mobility, reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.

For EV buyers, Nyobolt’s technology promises a more convenient and user-friendly experience, i.e. the ability to recharge quickly and efficiently means less time spent at charging stations and more time on the road. This may be particularly appealing to those with busy lifestyles or limited access to home charging setups. Also, the extended battery life and capacity retention may translate to lower long-term costs and enhanced vehicle reliability. As a result, consumers can expect a more cost-effective and sustainable ownership experience, which could drive higher satisfaction and loyalty within the EV market.

Nyobolt’s fast-charging battery technology, therefore, could herald a new era in the EV industry (which needs a boost about now), offering substantial benefits across the board. From improving Nyobolt’s market position and challenging other manufacturers to elevate their offerings, to making EVs more appealing and accessible to consumers, this innovation could reshape the landscape of electric mobility in the UK and beyond. Organisations within the EV sector will, no doubt, be closely monitoring these developments and considering how to integrate or respond to this technology to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.