We're proud to welcome John Batterbee to head up our new applied technology practice at Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group. He's an engineer who has worked across defence, security, energy, transport and water industries, helping clients enhance the customer experience, increase productivity and increase resilience through technology.
What is the applied technology practice?
We're a centre of excellence for data, digital and technology skills. Our rapidly growing team of 300 people solve complex client challenges in aerospace, defence, security, government and critical national infrastructure.While we focus on applied technology, we collaborate with others across our business. Our expertise includes architecture, software development, data science and geospatial. Every member's skills, expertise and knowledge mean a lot to me. It's great being able to work together with talented people who just want to see each other succeed and grow.
Why did Atkins need a whole new practice?
Atkins is known for its diversity of thought, expertise, and great work. And there aren't many entities that understand the integration of operational tech and information tech like my team. The way we support clients is unique. We get the whole spectrum from the operational technologies that link to physical assets to the information technologies that enable enterprise business processes.So far, what are you enjoying about Atkins?
We always have a wide variety of projects on the go. These are big and small, from biometric airport security to digital rail maintenance, AR apps for property and programme management, AI across the project's lifecycle and assessing the environment from space!
It's fantastic to see teams work on the entire lifecycle of their projects, from the upfront strategy and architecture to technology solutions, service delivery, and ongoing data-driven performance improvement.
I also enjoy the flexible working culture. Employees respect each other's priorities and are ready to support each other to get the job done.
What kind of projects are your junior team members working on?
We work in a flat structure with team members of all levels working alongside each other. I like to see colleagues at any level trusted with more responsibility, while being supported to succeed.For example, we have mixed teams working on a biometric security solution for Heathrow. It enables 40 million passengers to pass through quickly and efficiently, with a single record of their access throughout the airport.
Another team is doing digital lineside inspection for the rail industry. Traditionally, rail side vegetation is inspected manually. By using data analysis for this, we’re cutting down manual checks by 80%, which has significant cost benefits as well as reducing the risk of disruption to improve the passenger experience.
How would the team like to see AI make a tangible difference in people's lives?
I'm struck by how Atkins genuinely cares about the well-being of its employees. So, we've been thinking about enhancing safety and improving efficiency through augmented intelligence, derived from connected worker data sources.We could get real-time data on individuals' well-being from existing wearable tech, like Fitbit. When compiled and analyzed, it could help us deliver a happier, more rewarding work environment with better safety outcomes.
What other technologies are the team pursuing?
More and more projects are establishing a common data environment as their foundation. And that's exciting because if we can get more organized data, we can find new ways to deliver what's right for people and the environment. The team can analyze that data and apply AI to create superior predictive insight and better asset design and operation.We're gathering data around the world in innovative ways. For example, satellite imagery lets us assess biodiversity impacts on a broader scale than ever before. The team uses natural language processing to quickly make sense of thousands and thousands of pages of unstructured documentation. It's saving hours of time on things like requirements documents.
We're also looking into virtual and augmented reality (AR). Our AR apps, for example, allow the client to point a smartphone at one of their assets and check its maintenance history and current health. It's no good having lots of data if we can't unlock its value by making it accessible to the right people at the right time.
Do you have a message for candidates who are looking for opportunities in digital and technology?
The applied technology practice is growing very fast, we're actively recruiting, and we value equality, diversity and inclusion. I want to hire people who look and think differently from me and come from different backgrounds and disciplines. If you want to build a career by being the best you can be, you'll do well here. Search our available roles.
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
As a hub of diversity and multiculturalism, the UAE boasts a thriving economy with rapidly growing infrastructure. Steering away from a reliance on oil and toward cutting-edge innovation, the UAE is
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
Meet Tom from our D&AT (Design & Advanced Technology) team. He's an associate at AtkinsRéalis who has built an exciting career on diverse and career-defining projects, including work on the Lo
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/26/2024
Summary
By implementing reforms in the public sector and wider society, the KSA’s Vision 2030 has greatly improved government efficiency, bringing about new growth and investment opportunities. What is Visio
.jpg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional endeavours, finding a workplace that feels like your safe space is a rare gem. AtkinsRealis stands as a beacon in this regard, where talents not only
.jpg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban drainage modelling, AtkinsRéalis stands as the leaders with large highly skilled urban drainage modellers. Our focus on serving our clients around urban dra
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the skill of managing constantly changing environments has become more and more important. New construction project management software offers innovativ
+(1).jpg)
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp
.jpg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Hi there! I'm Paul, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience specializing in networks and drainage engineering. My role at AtkinsRéalis spans managing projects, directing major initia
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Meet Paul, a talented civil engineer in water management whose career journey is as inspiring as impressive. Starting at AtkinsRéalis, fresh out of university in 1997, Paul quickly distinguish
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In the vast expanse of the Saudi Arabian landscape, you’ll find a beacon of innovation, a vision for a better, greener tomorrow. NEOM sits in the heart of the Tabuk province and isn’t just anothe
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
As a global metropolis, Hong Kong has long been a fantastic place to be a civil engineer. With world-class infrastructure all around, effective civil engineers have many opportunities to be a
