TraffEase (now called Aptiq) has evolved from a seedcorn‑funded research initiative into a robust platform known as Chat Loughborough capable of integrating multiple datasets into a single, user‑friendly tool. Its public launch through the Chat Loughborough platform as part of the TOWN Observatory made these insights openly accessible, which enables anyone to explore patterns of activity across the town. Collaboration with local authorities and partners strengthened throughout development, as stakeholders were engaged in demonstrations, testing and feedback. The success of the platform ultimately supported its transition into a commercial product, contributing directly to the formation of Aptiq (through Transhumanity Ltd) and facilitating its further £400k investment to scale deployment across the UK.
Impact Achieved
The project has already delivered significant economic and academic impact. Economically, the technology progressed from a research prototype to a commercial product with the creation of TransHumanity Ltd., which secured £400,000 in pre‑seed investment to scale Aptiq across the UK. This demonstrates clear commercial potential and positions the platform for broader adoption.
Academically, the work has provided a real-world demonstration of agentic AI in the transport sector, contributing new insights into data interaction, AI deployment and human‑centred design. It has strengthened Loughborough’s profile in transport AI research, supported further funding success and received national recognition, including distinction as a Manchester Prize finalist and as one of the UK’s Top 40 tech start‑ups.
Potential Future Impact
Looking ahead, Aptiq has strong potential for further economic, societal, cultural and sustainability-related impact. The recent investment will help local authorities achieve faster, more evidence‑based decision-making by transforming time‑consuming analyses into rapid insights that support business case development, congestion management, road‑safety planning and net‑zero transport strategies. Early test deployments with Nottingham City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester indicate clear public service benefits, and the platform is expected to scale to additional regional and national authorities, including those linked to Loughborough.
Societal and cultural benefits are also anticipated, as the platform’s conversational approach widens public access to urban data and enriches the TOWN Observatory’s engagement with the community. Residents, businesses and community groups will be able to understand town‑centre activity more easily, improving local decision-making, event planning and community cohesion, with additional accessibility potential through voice‑based interaction.
Finally, Aptiq may contribute to sustainability goals by enabling more efficient analysis of trends relevant to net‑zero planning, congestion reduction and improvements to pedestrian and mobility infrastructure. By supporting evidence‑based decisions, the platform can help authorities target sustainable travel initiatives and advance environmental objectives.
Project team and roles
Dr Haitao He (Lead Investigator)
Dr Hui Fang (Co-lead Investigator)
Richard Sun
Yifan Wang
Fouroy Deng
Haoyu Wang
Rowan Davies
Stefano Sarti
News