Machine intelligence

We focus on building critical mass in applied AI, developing intelligent systems that drive fundamental advancements across science and industry.

Research and impact

A researcher sitting at a computer programming a robot face

Our research expertise and leadership across core areas of AI, including natural language processing, machine learning, speech processing and computer vision drives and underpins our impactful applications. 

AI for materials discovery and manufacturing is a core focus where we apply advanced algorithms to real-world physical challenges: accelerating the search for novel sustainable materials, optimising complex production processes, and ensuring product reliability and performance.

Our work in neuromorphic computation and devices aims to develop highly efficient, brain-inspired computing architectures that can process data faster and with significantly less energy than conventional systems.

Artificial intelligence

Colourful representation of an insect brain

Exploring Insect-inspired AI for Autonomous Robots

This talk explores how studying insect brains can guide the design of more efficient and reliable robots, and how this new approach to AI is already starting to appear in real world technology.
AI

Accelerating the UK’s AI future with NVIDIA

The University of Sheffield and NVIDIA are working together to advance the UK’s AI future through research, education, and upskilling initiatives.
A visual representation of AI learning from different kinds of data
AI could learn from data beyond vision and language to make it more practical, trustworthy and improve its understanding.

Advancing practical, trustworthy AI

A new ‘blueprint’ for building AI that highlights how the technology can learn from different kinds of data to make it more deployable in the real world, has been developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield and the Alan Turing Institute.

Neuromorphic computing

Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing

Brain-inspired Computing Centre

Bringing together leading researchers from UCL, Sheffield, King’s College London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Strathclyde, Imperial College London, and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Neuroware will act as a national hub to drive new technologies from lab to market.
A honeybee flying towards a purple flower

Honeybees can solve maths tests without using numbers

Insights into how honeybees solve numerical problems could be used to design more sophisticated machines based on the brains of animals, which have evolved to find the simplest, most efficient way to carry out certain tasks.

Materials discovery and manufacturing

Materials 4.0 centre for doctoral training logo

ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Developing National Capability in Materials 4.0

Materials 4.0 aims to maximise the value of materials data and link the digital with the physical via cyber-physical systems for prediction, classification, and control of material performance.
Two men stand in front of a manufacturing machining centre looking into a laptop.

University of Sheffield spinout company set to revolutionise advanced manufacturing

DigitalCNC is set to transform precision manufacturing by leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to dramatically improve quality, efficiency, and productivity. Its pioneering solutions have already drawn strong interest from leading aerospace manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce and Boeing.

Our teams and facilities

Our world-leading research centres and facilities make an incredible impact.

By harnessing our wealth of interdisciplinary expertise, and together with partners across the world, they are constantly furthering academic knowledge and addressing the wide range of global challenges facing society.

Research centres and groups

AI x Software Engineering & Testing (ASET) 

Bioinspired machine intelligence

Centre for machine intelligence 

Natural Language Processing

Sheffield robotics

Speech and Hearing

Access our facilities

We're home to world-class facilities that support research both within the University of Sheffield and in collaboration with a wide variety of partners.

Visit our dedicated webpages

Work with us to make a difference

Collaborations

Our partnerships are key to our success. By collaborating with our partners, we unlock their potential and build a powerful network of innovation. 

Partnerships and collaboration

Externally funded Research Fellowships

Our support for externally funded Research Fellowships is designed to establish you as a research leader in an ambitious, vibrant and supportive environment.

Engineering fellowships

Research, Partnerships & Innovation

A dedicated team at the heart of supporting the University's delivery of research and impact across many sectors. Discover more about our people and how you can be a part of it.

Research, Partnerships & Innovation