<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/9DFA64AF-2C69-4FA6-933D-C7989D9BA22D" ns1:id="9DFA64AF-2C69-4FA6-933D-C7989D9BA22D"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/D26234DF-A0F9-4C49-9335-2424F4DE76EF" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/4493F1FA-912C-433D-B61A-94F60F1E4FB6" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/4493F1FA-912C-433D-B61A-94F60F1E4FB6" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-01-31T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/528A6E96-F5D5-4C14-9BAB-1C6044A9FB0D" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2024-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10111357</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Optimization and Refinement of Manny: AI Assistant for Streamlined Manufacturing</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Investment Accelerator</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>**Objective:**

Our project aims to optimize and refine Manny, an AI assistant prototype utilizing digital twin technology in batch manufacturing, initially focusing on the apparel industry. Our goal is to slash the man-hours required during the new style production flow setup phase - especially in anticipating material consumption and labour times, everyday task assignment, line management, calibration and training by 50%, enhancing operational efficiency and the effectiveness of just-in-time small batch production. 

**Innovation:**

Manny introduces a paradigm shift in manufacturing management, combining AI with digital twin technology to streamline workflow and personnel coordination. This innovation uses image based reasoning, combined with a proprietary dataset of 11,000 garment elements to arrive at an operation bulletin, Bill of Materials, including consumption in meters / running meters or numbers. 

**Development Phases:**

The project encompasses a series of ten work packages designed to enhance 'Manny', our innovative AI-driven tool for manufacturing management. Key focuses include refining Manny's algorithm for greater factory efficiency, developing a decision-support feature for assessing new orders, and creating easy-to-use tools for digital twin creation.

The plan involves rigorous testing and integration of these features, followed by real-world deployment across selected factories. This approach aims to streamline production processes and enhance decision-making capabilities in manufacturing settings. The project will culminate in a comprehensive evaluation and documentation of all developments and findings, laying the groundwork for future advancements in manufacturing technology.

**Outcome:**

This project will deliver an advanced, efficient Manny, ready for broader application across various manufacturing sectors. Manny's enhanced capabilities will be instrumental in revolutionising factory operations, achieving significant time and resource savings, and establishing new efficiency standards in the manufacturing industry.

**Impact and Future Economy Alignment:**

Manny aligns with Innovate UK's future economy vision by contributing to net-zero goals through efficient resource management and advancing next-generation digital technologies.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>