With a demand for real-time communication by its customers, Nord Drivesystems has spent years investing and gearing up for smart factory automation. As a German company, the trend for IoT technologies has been in the spotlight for a number of years and in Australia, the uptake is accelerating rapidly. To answer to the call, Nord now … Continue reading Latest IoT technologies to be showcased at AUSPACK →

The Queensland government is establishing a special grants scheme to advance science across the state. On January 24, minister for science Leeanne Enoch launched the Queensland Citizen Science Strategy, and the Citizen Science Grants scheme. “Science is part of our everyday lives, and is all about observation. “The new Queensland Citizen Science Strategy and grants … Continue reading Government funding aims to mobilise Queensland’s citizen scientists →

AusCann Group, a company that develops medical cannabis, is establishing a research and development facility in Perth, Western Australia. The 7,300m2 facility will focus on AusCann’s cannabinoid pharmaceutical product pipeline, supporting development of both innovative formulations and dose forms. AusCann is aiming to improve both health outcomes and building company value with the new facility. … Continue reading Medical cannabis research and development centre to open in WA →

Professor Tanya Monro has been appointed as the chief defence scientist for the Australian government’s department of defence. She will lead Defence Science and Technology group at a time of increasing requirements for scientific and technology to advance defence capability. Monro has an extensive background in science, innovation and strategy and has been influential in … Continue reading New chief defence scientist appointed for defence department   →

A group of 12 students, studying to take up future STEM careers, will work on a range of projects to progress their careers and support STEM in Western Australia. The group has been given the opportunity through the government of Western Australia’s $16.7 million New Industries Fund. The fund supports and accelerates new and emerging … Continue reading Students get career-ready with involvement in STEM projects →

Boeing has completed the first test flight of its autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype, which the company hopes will revolutionise passenger services worldwide. The test flight, in Manassas, Virginia, was completed on January 22, with the PAV completing a controlled takeoff, hover and landing during the flight. Future flights will test forward, wing-borne flight, as … Continue reading Boeing autonomous passenger air vehicle’s first flight a step to new heights →

Researchers have developed technology to detect emotions in human speech, enabling more natural conversations with robots. Current voice-activated technology used in virtual assistants is limited by its inability to decipher human emotions, causing it to provide irrelevant responses or miss the point of some conversations entirely. But a team of researchers from RMIT University’s school … Continue reading New technology helps robots detect emotions in human speech →

Swinburne University of Technology has launched a global blockchain Centre of Excellence in partnership with Capgemini, a technology services and digital transformation business. The centre will focus on advancing blockchain technologies, platforms, assets and systems to develop industry understanding and implementation of blockchain technologies. Blockchain technology uses the power of a distributed ledger to allow … Continue reading Swinburne University launches global blockchain centre →

The Australian government is taking a new approach to the long-term tenancy arrangements at the munitions facility in Benalla, Victoria, which will deliver up to 100 new jobs. Defence will enter into collaborative negotiations early this year with Australian company NIOA to establish a second long-term tenancy alongside Thales Australia trading as Australian Munitions. On … Continue reading Increased security and employment opportunities at munitions facility →

Sixteen small businesses across Australia will share almost $10 million under the Australian government’s Accelerating Commercialisation grants. The latest round of funding will help the businesses take their products to market, growing the Australian economy and creating more jobs. Minister for industry, science and technology, Karen Andrews, said the grants were designed to accelerate the … Continue reading Businesses in robotics and artificial intelligence fields receive grants →

The prestigious Endeavour Awards program will see industry leaders from all manufacturing sectors come together on May 16 in Melbourne to celebrate the best accomplishments in the sector. The annual event, held in conjunction National Manufacturing Week, shares the successes of businesses and organisations making their mark on the manufacturing industry across Australia and worldwide. … Continue reading Endeavour Awards sponsorship opportunities open door to industry’s best →

Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), Swinburne University of Technology and Sleep Corp have formed a joint partnership to advance manufacturing in Australia. With a planned move to fully automated manufacturing, this partnership with Swinburne, with assistance from the IMCRC, will analyse Sleep Corp’s business and see what improvements can be made as they move … Continue reading Joint partnership helps advance Industry 4.0 in Australia →

Rheinmetall and BAE Systems have signed an agreement to create a joint UK based military vehicle design, manufacturing and support business. The new joint venture will be headquartered at BAE Systems’ facility in Telford, England and will sustain more than 400 jobs in the UK, as well as preserve key technology and engineering skills. Rheinmetall … Continue reading Rheinmetall and BAE Systems enter joint venture with military →

Minister for defence, Christopher Pyne, will visit Japan, China and Singapore to discuss opportunities for future collaboration and joint research and development with his counterparts. Pynewill visit these countries from 22-28 January 2019 to identify future opportunities for Australia to work within the Indo-Pacific region. In Japan, Pyne will meet with Japan’s minister for defence, … Continue reading Minister’s visit to Indo-Pacific aims to increase partnerships and research →

RMIT University researchers have created fired-clay bricks containing biosolids. Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process that can be used as fertiliser, in land rehabilitation or as a construction material. About 30 per cent of the world’s biosolids are stockpiled or sent to landfill, using up valuable land and potentially emitting greenhouse gases, … Continue reading Researchers make sustainable bricks using biosolids →

Researchers have unlocked the mystery of what makes water bind to certain surfaces, with implications for creating cheap and effective antifouling solutions. A team of researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) led ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing have been able to identify a previously unclear fundamental mechanism that inhibits surface fouling. Effective … Continue reading Australian manufacturer and university create effective antifouling solutions →

The Australian government is providing $2 million to help foster Australian start-ups in key sectors such as agricultural technology, hardware development and advanced manufacturing. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews congratulated the six successful applicants, which will receive the funding under the $23 million Incubator Support initiative. “Incubators like these, and the start-ups … Continue reading Start-ups get a head start with $2 million in funding →

Automated vehicle technology will be tested in rural Victoria in 2019 in the first on-road trial approved under the new Automated Driving System (ADS) permit scheme. On January 21, acting premier Jacinta Allan announced that Bosch has been awarded $2.3 million from the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) trial grants program and granted the state’s … Continue reading First automated vehicle to hit the road in Victoria →

The Australian government department of defence has signed three contracts to deliver information computer technology (ICT) support services to commence transitioning in February 2019. The support services include ICT service desk operations, integration and coordination of multiple suppliers to bring increased alignment and optimisation of ICT operation, and deskside support for about 100,000 users across … Continue reading Australia’s defence sector invests in information computer technology →