Rolls-Royce has launched R2 Data Labs, to act as an acceleration hub for data innovation. The new organisation, which brings together expertise from across the business, builds on 30 years of data-led services and business model innovation.

Using advanced data analytics, industrial Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques, R2 Data Labs develops data applications that unlock design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies within Rolls-Royce and creates new service propositions for customers.

“We see huge untapped potential for our customers to achieve better, more efficient operations through collaborating with Rolls-Royce in data innovation projects,” said Neil Crockett, Head of R2 Data Labs and Chief Digital Officer for Rolls-Royce. “So we’re building on our data innovation foundations with a new model that will deliver a major step-change in the capability and impact of our data innovation and services.”

At the heart of R2 Data Labs are Data Innovation Cells; mixed discipline teams of data experts who work in collaboration with teams from across Rolls-Royce’s operations. These cells apply cutting edge DevOps principles to rapidly explore data, unlock and test new ideas and turn those ideas into new innovation and services. These data innovation Cells will accelerate new ideas to fuel an already exciting portfolio of predictive, data-based services in areas such asset availability, efficiency and maintenance or safety and compliance.

“We’ve been pioneering a collaborative approach that makes what we do exponentially more powerful,” added Neil Crockett. “R2 Data Labs will look to tap into expertise from across a wide data and analytics supply chain, building a diverse community of data innovators: including OEM partners, niche start-ups, academics, and a broad range of other trusted third-parties. We believe this kind of collaborative innovation will unlock the most undiscovered value from data.”

Through R2 Data Labs, customers will be able to tap into a new community of exciting data innovation that combines deep industry, design, engineering and manufacturing domain knowledge with a global pool of Rolls-Royce data expertise.

R2 Data Labs works with best-in-class partners to provide IT infrastructure and to power its analytics ecosystem. This approach ensures Rolls-Royce can take advantage of the best open source technologies available and quickly respond, or co-create, to meet the fast changing innovation needs of our customers.

The launch of R2 Data Labs follows the recently announced partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), giving Rolls-Royce a new digital platform capability. The platform enables data to be captured, shared and analysed more easily across all areas of Rolls-Royce, so that new products and services can be developed at pace. This complements a preferred partner agreement with Microsoft for cloud solutions, and positions Rolls-Royce closely alongside two globally recognised digital service providers.

R2 Data Labs has data innovation capability hubs in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Singapore, India and New Zealand.