The age-old process of cleaning and making safe rock faces in mines could soon be replaced by an autonomous robotic system. Perenti subsidiary Ausdrill, the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre and the University of Technology Sydney have joined to back a research project that combines robotics and virtual reality to make rock scaling operations safer.…
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By Denham Sadler Labor has successfully launched a Senate inquiry into Australia’s domestic advanced manufacturing capability, as support for the sector and sovereign capability shape up to be an election issue. Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching moved a motion in the Senate on Thursday morning calling for the Economics References Committee to conduct an inquiry into…
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Moves towards the production of novel battery materials and batteries in Australia are gathering pace with announcements from three companies this week. Brisbane battery developer RedEarth has received Clean Energy Council approval for its lithium-iron-phosphate (LIP) battery – the first Australian battery to be added to the list. Metals development company TNG commissioned Perth firm…
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Western Australian robotics firm Nexxis has launched its Magneto-EX – the world’s first EX-rated inspection robot (pictured). The spider-like prototype robot crawler and camera device unveiled in Perth has magnetic ‘feet’ and is the first system to be developed which is suitable for use in hazardous area inspections. Nexxis’ managing director Jason De Silveira said…
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Queensland-based weapons and munitions company NIOA is continuing manufacturing operations at the Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) Benalla Munitions Facility in Victoria while recapitalising 120mm tank ammunition destined for the army’s M1A1 Abrams tank fleet. The project extends the life of type of M1028 cannister tank ammunition and represents an initial step for future manufacture…
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Artificial intelligence researchers like me have been warning of the advent of such lethal autonomous weapons systems, which can make life-or-death decisions without human intervention, for years. A recent episode of 4 Corners reviewed this and many other risks posed by developments in AI.
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Australian Wool Innovation has highlighted 3D printing as offering new applications for materials based on merino wool.
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By Denham Sadler The federal government has blocked the release of departmental briefing documents for its billion-dollar manufacturing fund, amid Labor’s accusations that rorting has been “baked-in” to the grant scheme. The Senate this week approved a motion to force the government to table “decision briefs and merit assessment packs prepared by the Department of Industry…with…
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Poker machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology has reported a loss for the 2021 financial year on revenues that are recovering from the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The Sydney company released a selection of unaudited results today. Revenue for the second half is expected to be $88 million, up from $72 million in…
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The Victorian government has announced $2 million in funding for a new centre at Deakin University’s Burwood campus, which it says will provide support to SMEs involved in healthcare, manufacturing and trades.
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