Construction of ‘cutting edge’ digital zone begins

An airport is embracing next-generation technology as it begins work on a “pioneering” digital trade facility set to transform freight and customs processes.

Teesside International Airport is now home to the UK’s first “Teesside Digital Trade Test Bed” – a 5G-enabled zone where new technologies including AI, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), geofencing and decentralised digital identities will be trialled to speed up goods movement, reduce costs and cut red tape.

Led by Teesside University and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the project, which has been backed by £3.5 million of funding from the Teesside Freeport, includes new scanning software, a covered workshop, cabins and smart security infrastructure.

An artist's impression of the proposed Digital Trade Testbed

Officials say that by replacing slow, paper-based trade admin with smart digital systems, the testbed could save businesses time and money – while shaping the UK’s future border strategy.

They add that the site will also support autonomous vehicle testing and aims to provide real-world solutions to challenges in customs zones, forming part of the wider Teesside Freeport vision.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, who sits on the Teesside Freeport Board, said: “It’s great to see we’ve finally got spades in the ground to create this important zone. 

“We are well known as a leader in pioneering technology to attract huge international investment – and our 5G work, and digital prowess, is making huge global companies sit up and take notice.

“We will be putting Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool on the international map to remove trade barriers, promoting cutting-edge research, and making it easier to do business nationwide and worldwide.”    

Professor David Hughes, associate dean (research and knowledge exchange) in Teesside University’s school of computing, engineering and digital technologies, added: “This project places Teesside at the heart of pioneering solutions for the future of international trade.

“By combining Teesside University’s research expertise with real-world applications at Teesside Airport, we’re demonstrating how advanced technologies like AI, IoT and digital identities can remove long-standing barriers to global commerce.”

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