Fingal County Council Hosts Industry Discussion on Skills, Innovation, and Workforce Development

Transport & Logistics event Kinsealy 1

On 17 September, Fingal County Council brought together key stakeholders from the transport and logistics sector at the Riasc Centre in Kinsealy to examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Transport and Logistics Sector  The event formed part of the implementation of the Fingal Skills Strategy 2024-2029, supporting its focus on future skills, digital transformation and workforce development by helping businesses identify the skills and supports needed to harness AI and work alongside it.

Organised in partnership with with Dublin Regional Skills Forum, TU Dublin, Fingal Chamber Skillnet and Dublin College of Further Education and Training Baldoyle, the event provided a platform for key stakeholders to explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption. Participants shared insights on how their organisations are leveraging AI whilst overcoming implementation barriers. Discussions throughout the day examined a range of topics, including AI integration in the workplace, its impact on jobs and skills, and the practical steps organisations can take to future-proof their workforce. Attendees also heard real-world examples of how AI technologies are being applied across different Transport and Logistics enterprises.

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Speakers included:

·       Greg Hurley - Sculpted by Aimee

·       Carmel Somers - Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist and Director, Carmel Somers Consulting Limited.

·       Dr. Horacio Gonzalez-Velez – General Project Coordinator, GreenShift; Professor of Computer Systems and Founding Head of the Cloud Competency Centre, National College of Ireland

·       Cuty Gupta – Founder and CEO, Cozmotec

·       Derek Dunne – Managing Director, Manifests Ireland

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Speaking at the opening of the event, the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tony Murphy said; “Transport and logistics underpins almost everything we do. Every product we buy, every service we use, and every supply chain we rely upon depends on a strong and efficient transport and logistics network. Without this sector, nothing moves. I'm especially proud to say that Fingal has established itself as a leading hub for transport and logistics enterprises. The sector plays a vital role in our local economy, and Fingal enterprises continue to be at the forefront when it comes to growth and development”.

The integration of AI and Robotics was also to the fore on the day. A number of robots were on display at the event to showcase how AI can enhance and speed up delivery for Transport & Logistics Companies. Some of the examples were:

  • PUDU MT1 Max – an AI-powered autonomous sweeper and vacuum, which demonstrates how autonomous cleaning, 3D LiDAR navigation and intelligent obstacle avoidance can support large, busy environments such as warehouses, logistics facilities and other commercial spaces. It’s a good example of how AI can improve operational efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention.
  • PUDU T300 – a transport robot designed for industrial material handling and high-load commercial delivery scenarios. With a payload capacity of up to 300 kg, it demonstrates how autonomous transport can support the movement of goods and materials across different areas, including environments with elevators and access gates.
  • PUDU T600 – a heavier-duty industrial transport robot, which was selected to show a different level of material-handling capability. Unlike the T300, the T600 is designed for more demanding industrial applications and features a lifting function, making it particularly relevant to discussions around heavy-load transport and operational efficiency.
  • Sparkoz TN70 – an autonomous floor-cleaning robot with advanced navigation, mapping and intelligent obstacle detection. Demonstrates how AI and robotics can support large-scale facility operations, helping businesses maintain clean, safe and efficient working environments with less manual intervention.
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For more information on the Fingal Skills Strategy 2024-2029 please visit the links below.

Skills Strategy Webpage: Skills Strategy

Skills Document Link: fingal-skills-strategy

If you have any queries or would like to get involved in our Skills Strategy sub-groups, please contact [email protected]