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Research-led systemic Intelligent Automation management

Intelligent Automation Systems Lab

More and more, organizations are seeking to implement digital transformations, or to create new business operations using advanced technology like big data, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). This trend is shaping the business landscape as companies aim to adopt algorithms that enhance their business processes and efficiencies. Similarly, tech providers are striving to support this transformation.

AI has become a major player in developing a competitive edge. As a result, AI strategies are at the forefront of both private and government investments, policy-making, and strategic planning. This is demonstrated by recent measures like the establishment of new AI standards, the AI Act, and other similar regulations.

Our lab brings together a multidisciplinary team with expertise in areas that help organizations understand, manage, and utilize these technologies both at an individual and systematic level, focusing specifically on intelligent automation systems (IA systems).

 

Our combined knowledge in fields like technology adoption, multidisciplinary design, policy implementation, data science, natural language processing, digital transformation, logistics, and skills development enables us to produce in-depth research. Moreover, we provide extensive support to organizations undergoing IA-related changes, assisting them in both strategic deployment and technical transformation.

We collaborate with the National Robotarium, members of the HWU Interaction Lab, Scottish AI Alliance and the Data Lab, and regularly take part in AI-related events.  

We have membership of the AI Standards Hub

We are based in the Centre for Networks and Enterprise Excellence (CNEE) at Heriot-Watt University.

Come say hello!

Projects, Publications and Public Engagement

Active projects:

  • Impact of robotics on job displacement from an economics perspective - Lead: Dr. Cristina Tealdi

  • Supplier-client Knowledge gaps in IA Systems Procurement (ScotGov Interest Project) - Lead: Dr. Luciana Blaha

Previous projects:

  • EPSRC Summer Internships 2023

Upcoming Publications:

  • Chandarana, K., Blaha, L. and Brown, D. (2024) Intelligent Automation Procurement: What are we thinking about? 40th European Group for Organizational Studies Colloquium, Milan, 2024.

  • Crawford, M., Blaha, L., Avraham, J.B., Ogbonna, J. (2023) Integrating AI in the Workplace, MIS Quarterly.

  • Cai, J., Blaha, L., Moonesirust, E., Frifiray, S. (2023) Emotion, Coping, and AI, MIS Quarterly. 

Previous Publications:​

Public Engagement:

  • SICSA AI Panel Discussion on "Impact of LLMs in Research and Education", 21st August 2023

  • Artificially Intelligent? Heriot-Watt Learning & Teaching Conference roundtable, 7th June 2023

  • Digit.North, 25th May 2023

  • Experiences and Challenges of using AI in the Workplace, Scottish AI Alliance, November 2022

Projects, Publications and Public Engagement

Active projects:

  • EPSRC Summer Internships 2024

  • Extend Robotics, Touchlabs and the National Robotarium Feasibility Study (Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund)

  • Accelerated Knowledge Transfer with the National Robotarium (UKRI AKT) - Lead: Dr. Ingo Keller, Dr. Luciana Blaha, Project Manager: Ruth Plant, the National Robotarium

  • Impact of robotics on job displacement from an economics perspective - Lead: Dr. Cristina Tealdi

  • Supplier-client Knowledge gaps in IA Systems Procurement (ScotGov Interest Project) - Lead: Dr. Luciana Blaha in partnership with Validate AI

Previous projects:

  • EPSRC Summer Internships 2023

Public Engagement:

  • Towards Trustworthy AI From the Perspective of Tax Administrations and Taxpayers, WU Vienna, 15th May, 2024

  • The Age of AI - How to survive and thrive in the working world, National Robotarium, 26th March 2024

  • SICSA AI Panel Discussion on "Impact of LLMs in Research and Education", 21st August 2023

  • Artificially Intelligent? Heriot-Watt Learning & Teaching Conference roundtable, 7th June 2023

  • Digit.North, 25th May 2023

  • Experiences and Challenges of using AI in the Workplace, Scottish AI Alliance, November 2022

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Supervision & internships

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1

PhD/DBA

We have opportunities available for Graduate Teaching Assistants, Scholarships, and DBA supervision yearly. We also supervise independent PHD proposals with external funding.

2

Dissertation Supervision

Masters and undergraduate topics from current research are proposed yearly to dissertation coordinators. Please contact them for specific projects, or email us to ask about research projects which you could contribute to. 

3

Internships

We are part of the yearly EPSRC Summer Vacation scheme, publicized through the Year 3 Research Methods Course. Please contact Prof. Stephen Gibson to express interest. 

Collaboration Opportunities

Academic Research Collaboration

  • Guest speaker/workshop opportunities

  • Joint bid development and application

  • Best Practice Exchange

Industry and Public Engagement

Knowledge Exchange

  • Public/staff training and engagement with events

  • Feasibility studies and commercialization support

  • Technology Readiness Audits (partner service through Vyne Analytics Ltd.)

  • Consulting Services

  • Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

  • Teaching & Practice Co-design

Social Media Updates

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