"The programme will offer residents free AI and digital skills training, provide support for small businesses to adopt AI tools, and pilot new systems in healthcare and education. Plans include testing AI-assisted check-ins, triage and outpatient care at local hospitals, introducing AI tools in GP services, and trialling AI applications in schools and at Barnsley College to improve attainment and reduce teacher workloads."
"Barnsley was selected in part because it has already moved faster than many areas in adopting AI. The council has used AI assistants in adult social care and children's services, while sensor-equipped bin lorries have been deployed to scan roads for potholes. Logistics firm Evri, which operates a major distribution hub in the town, has also trialled robotic technology for deliveries."
Barnsley has been designated Britain’s first "tech town" and will act as a national testbed for embedding artificial intelligence across everyday services. Major US technology companies including Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Adobe will support the council as it expands AI use in public services and the local economy. The programme will provide free AI and digital skills training for residents, help small businesses adopt AI tools, and pilot AI systems in hospitals, GP services, schools and Barnsley College to improve care, attainment and reduce teacher workloads. Barnsley already uses AI in social care, sensor-equipped bin lorries and robotics trials, and council leaders describe the move as a major economic opportunity, though precise financial arrangements with firms remain unclear.
Read at Business Matters
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