Thursday, February 29, 2024 6:00 a.m.
Iconic British manufacturer Dyson has announced a 40% increase in investment in research and development (R&D) in 2023 to capitalize on the rapidly growing technology sector.
Dyson, the maker of vacuum cleaners, fans and hair appliances, says it is currently spending more than £9 million a week on research and development in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, next-generation batteries and software at its main UK research site. did. Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Engineering companies’ investments in battery technology can help improve product performance and longevity.
Founder and Chief Engineer Sir James Dyson said: “Despite all the headwinds, including a difficult economic environment, inflation, product shortages and the continuing impact of the closure of our Russian business in 2022, we are looking forward to a very positive 2023. It was a year.”
After achieving record global revenue of £7.1bn in 2023, up 9% year-on-year, Dyson is now gearing up for the launch of its biggest product line to date. In particular, our 6,500-strong engineering team will focus on growth in beauty technology, home technology, and wearables.
To attract new customers, the company has been experimenting with different types of products, including active noise canceling and air purifying headphones.
“We are bringing forward our investment plans and are investing in radical innovations such as the professional Dyson Supersonic r™ hair dryer, Dyson Airstrait straightener, Dyson Zone and a completely new way to clean hard floors using our wet cleaners. “We’ve launched new products that will help you get started,” Dyson said.
“We’re excited to get these products into people’s hands in 2024,” added the British businessman, who recently criticized political leaders for “not aiming for growth”.
In January, the electronics giant named auto industry veteran Hanno Kilner as its new chief executive officer. The decision was made after it scrapped plans to build electric cars in 2017, after investing £500m in the business.
This comes as construction of Dyson’s major £100m technology center in Bristol, announced last year, is still underway. In the UK, Dyson also has an advanced robotics team at Flavington Airfield and a growing team at its AI research lab in London.
To address the UK’s skills gap, and Sir James Dyson’s own frustrations with finding enough people, Dyson launched the – Opened an institute to provide a place for undergraduate students to earn engineering degrees without paying tuition while earning a salary. Fee.
There are currently 156 undergraduate engineers enrolled, and a master’s degree in engineering will be available starting in September.
Mr Dyson, who was once an avid Brexiteer, said he hoped students who “pay their taxes and actually contribute to the Treasury” will lead their companies in the future.