Catch up on this month\u2019s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ve uncovered since our last edition.<\/p>\n
World Cup Robots<\/strong><\/h3>\nCar manufacturer, Hyundai, is providing robot dogs at the 2026 World Cup, marking one of the most high-profile uses of robots at a major sporting event. Alongside robot developer Boston Dynamics, which it acquired in 2021, Hyundai is deploying the company\u2019s four-legged Spot robo-dogs at some of the tournament\u2019s venues.<\/p>\n
The robots are being used to support security teams by carrying out perimeter checks and investigating hazards, like suspicious packages. However, because of concerns over facial recognition surveillance, they will not be interacting with humans at matches.<\/p>\n
The deployment highlights how robotics, cameras, remote operation and connected systems are beginning to become part of large-scale public events. Similar robotic dogs are also being deployed at the BBVA Stadium, another World Cup venue in Guadalupe, Mexico.<\/p>\n
AI Cuts Traffic Delays<\/strong><\/h3>\nA smart road project using AI and digital twin technology is helping to reduce traffic delays for drivers in the Tees Valley. Since implementation, waiting times at some of the busiest junctions have been cut by half, with the local authority reporting that last year, drivers saved 5,000 hours of waiting at six of the area\u2019s main traffic hotspots.<\/p>\n
The system works by collecting real-time traffic data and creating a virtual model of the road network. This helps it predict where traffic might build up, enabling it to adjust traffic lights to improve flow. Currently, the technology is deployed in 57 locations across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, where it controls nearly 200 traffic lights.<\/p>\n
The project, which received \u00a32 million in funding from the FUSION scheme and the Digital Twin transport project, shows how AI-based traffic management can improve travel times and help cut emissions without requiring major road construction.<\/p>\n
UK Data Centre Demand<\/strong><\/h3>\nResearch by Savills shows that a lack of construction space and increasing demand are putting the UK data centre market under pressure. Over the last decade, the vacancy rate has dropped from 27% to 8%, with London at just 7%.<\/p>\n
While 2024 saw record levels of new data centres being built across the country, the pace of construction has slowed, with only 48 MW completed in the first quarter of 2026. Moreover, London still accounts for over 90% of the UK\u2019s data centre MW capacity.<\/p>\n
Savills claims that the issue isn\u2019t a lack of projects, but rather how much new capacity will be ready in the near future. Of the 242 MW currently being built, only about 66 MW is expected to be ready by the end of the year, with many other projects still at earlier stages. Another issue is the longer wait for power in key areas of West London, which has led some companies to look for alternative energy solutions.<\/p>\n
\u00a31.1bn Tech Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe UK government has announced a \u00a31.1 billion plan to improve the UK\u2019s technological standing. \u00a3750 million will go towards a new national AI supercomputer, which will be one of the world\u2019s most advanced when completed in 2030.<\/p>\n
The government will also spend \u00a3400 million on new AI chips, with \u00a3150 million of this earmarked for buying innovative processors from both well-known and startup British companies. The aim is to encourage the use of hardware designed in the UK and to reduce dependence on foreign companies.<\/p>\n
Besides funding for hardware purchases, \u00a3120 million is to be invested in an AI Hardware Innovation Programme, which will help UK businesses create, test and grow new chips. Of this, at least \u00a320 million will be spent on improving the Scaling Inference Lab.<\/p>\n
Additionally, \u00a345 million is to be used for skills development, including PhD training and college scholarships for future engineers, technicians and chip designers. There will also be a separate fund, backed by the British Business Bank, which will invest up to \u00a3150 million in UK AI hardware companies to create a better commercial path alongside research.<\/p>\n
Threat Resilience<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe speed at which AI can detect software vulnerabilities means hackers can now exploit systems much faster. According to software company, Commvault, this means security teams need to rethink how they prepare for attacks, focusing not just on recovery, but also on being ready for unexpected attacks.<\/p>\n
As a result, Commvault says that businesses need to develop a stronger approach to resilience. This includes swifter risk assessments, better recovery processes<\/a>, and improved data protection.<\/p>\nFirms should also ensure that key systems can be safely restored, that backups are secure and separate, and that recovery times are suitable given the faster pace of AI-enabled threats. Recovery plans should also include essential services, like data pipelines and workflows.<\/p>\n
Going forward, Commvault expects automation to play a bigger role in scanning for threats<\/a>, organising recoveries and testing systems. This will help companies check their readiness more often and restore systems with greater confidence.<\/p>\n
A smart road project using AI and digital twin technology is helping to reduce traffic delays for drivers in the Tees Valley. Since implementation, waiting times at some of the busiest junctions have been cut by half, with the local authority reporting that last year, drivers saved 5,000 hours of waiting at six of the area\u2019s main traffic hotspots.<\/p>\n
The system works by collecting real-time traffic data and creating a virtual model of the road network. This helps it predict where traffic might build up, enabling it to adjust traffic lights to improve flow. Currently, the technology is deployed in 57 locations across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, where it controls nearly 200 traffic lights.<\/p>\n
The project, which received \u00a32 million in funding from the FUSION scheme and the Digital Twin transport project, shows how AI-based traffic management can improve travel times and help cut emissions without requiring major road construction.<\/p>\n
UK Data Centre Demand<\/strong><\/h3>\nResearch by Savills shows that a lack of construction space and increasing demand are putting the UK data centre market under pressure. Over the last decade, the vacancy rate has dropped from 27% to 8%, with London at just 7%.<\/p>\n
While 2024 saw record levels of new data centres being built across the country, the pace of construction has slowed, with only 48 MW completed in the first quarter of 2026. Moreover, London still accounts for over 90% of the UK\u2019s data centre MW capacity.<\/p>\n
Savills claims that the issue isn\u2019t a lack of projects, but rather how much new capacity will be ready in the near future. Of the 242 MW currently being built, only about 66 MW is expected to be ready by the end of the year, with many other projects still at earlier stages. Another issue is the longer wait for power in key areas of West London, which has led some companies to look for alternative energy solutions.<\/p>\n
\u00a31.1bn Tech Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe UK government has announced a \u00a31.1 billion plan to improve the UK\u2019s technological standing. \u00a3750 million will go towards a new national AI supercomputer, which will be one of the world\u2019s most advanced when completed in 2030.<\/p>\n
The government will also spend \u00a3400 million on new AI chips, with \u00a3150 million of this earmarked for buying innovative processors from both well-known and startup British companies. The aim is to encourage the use of hardware designed in the UK and to reduce dependence on foreign companies.<\/p>\n
Besides funding for hardware purchases, \u00a3120 million is to be invested in an AI Hardware Innovation Programme, which will help UK businesses create, test and grow new chips. Of this, at least \u00a320 million will be spent on improving the Scaling Inference Lab.<\/p>\n
Additionally, \u00a345 million is to be used for skills development, including PhD training and college scholarships for future engineers, technicians and chip designers. There will also be a separate fund, backed by the British Business Bank, which will invest up to \u00a3150 million in UK AI hardware companies to create a better commercial path alongside research.<\/p>\n
Threat Resilience<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe speed at which AI can detect software vulnerabilities means hackers can now exploit systems much faster. According to software company, Commvault, this means security teams need to rethink how they prepare for attacks, focusing not just on recovery, but also on being ready for unexpected attacks.<\/p>\n
As a result, Commvault says that businesses need to develop a stronger approach to resilience. This includes swifter risk assessments, better recovery processes<\/a>, and improved data protection.<\/p>\nFirms should also ensure that key systems can be safely restored, that backups are secure and separate, and that recovery times are suitable given the faster pace of AI-enabled threats. Recovery plans should also include essential services, like data pipelines and workflows.<\/p>\n
Going forward, Commvault expects automation to play a bigger role in scanning for threats<\/a>, organising recoveries and testing systems. This will help companies check their readiness more often and restore systems with greater confidence.<\/p>\n
The UK government has announced a \u00a31.1 billion plan to improve the UK\u2019s technological standing. \u00a3750 million will go towards a new national AI supercomputer, which will be one of the world\u2019s most advanced when completed in 2030.<\/p>\n
The government will also spend \u00a3400 million on new AI chips, with \u00a3150 million of this earmarked for buying innovative processors from both well-known and startup British companies. The aim is to encourage the use of hardware designed in the UK and to reduce dependence on foreign companies.<\/p>\n
Besides funding for hardware purchases, \u00a3120 million is to be invested in an AI Hardware Innovation Programme, which will help UK businesses create, test and grow new chips. Of this, at least \u00a320 million will be spent on improving the Scaling Inference Lab.<\/p>\n
Additionally, \u00a345 million is to be used for skills development, including PhD training and college scholarships for future engineers, technicians and chip designers. There will also be a separate fund, backed by the British Business Bank, which will invest up to \u00a3150 million in UK AI hardware companies to create a better commercial path alongside research.<\/p>\n
Threat Resilience<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe speed at which AI can detect software vulnerabilities means hackers can now exploit systems much faster. According to software company, Commvault, this means security teams need to rethink how they prepare for attacks, focusing not just on recovery, but also on being ready for unexpected attacks.<\/p>\n
As a result, Commvault says that businesses need to develop a stronger approach to resilience. This includes swifter risk assessments, better recovery processes<\/a>, and improved data protection.<\/p>\nFirms should also ensure that key systems can be safely restored, that backups are secure and separate, and that recovery times are suitable given the faster pace of AI-enabled threats. Recovery plans should also include essential services, like data pipelines and workflows.<\/p>\n
Going forward, Commvault expects automation to play a bigger role in scanning for threats<\/a>, organising recoveries and testing systems. This will help companies check their readiness more often and restore systems with greater confidence.<\/p>\n
Firms should also ensure that key systems can be safely restored, that backups are secure and separate, and that recovery times are suitable given the faster pace of AI-enabled threats. Recovery plans should also include essential services, like data pipelines and workflows.<\/p>\n
Going forward, Commvault expects automation to play a bigger role in scanning for threats<\/a>, organising recoveries and testing systems. This will help companies check their readiness more often and restore systems with greater confidence.<\/p>\n
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