Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up

By Ali Abbas, University of Sydney; Dominic Bui Viet, University of Sydney, and Eric Sanjaya, University of Sydney Every year, Australia buries millions of tonnes of waste in landfills. But these sites are filling fast, recycling has its own limitations, and most waste export is banned. So councils and state governments are looking for alternatives.…

Five misconceptions about manufacturing that belong in the past

By Madeleine North, Senior Writer, Forum Stories When we think about AI transforming industries, manufacturing is probably not the first one that springs to mind. And, yet, the sector is embracing the technology more rapidly than oil, gas and mining, government administration, and even healthcare. Misconceptions about manufacturing are not contained to tech, either. Here, four New Generation Industry…

Australian engineers develop brain-like device for next-gen visual processing

RMIT University researchers have created a breakthrough “neuromorphic” device that can detect hand movements, store memories, and process information like a human brain—all without requiring an external computer. This tiny innovation, which mimics how our eyes capture light and our brains process visual information, represents a significant advancement toward enabling instant visual processing in autonomous…

Researchers develop breakthrough solar thermal technology to reduce industrial emissions

UniSA and partners have launched a world-first solar thermal demonstrator that could revolutionise how Australian industries generate heat while slashing carbon emissions, according to a statement released on Monday. The innovative project combines lightweight plastic mirrors with advanced reflective coatings to create a concentrated solar thermal (CST) system that can generate temperatures between 100°C and…

ASCA launches defence mission to counter drone threats

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) launched Mission Syracuse on Monday, seeking industry support to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities against small uncrewed aerial systems. According to a statement released on Friday, the mission will focus on rapidly developing advanced technology options to intercept drones that can be integrated into the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) existing…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Titomic signs collaboration agreement with DNV  Last week cold spray additive manufacturing company Titomic announced a strategic collaboration agreement with DNV, an assurance and risk management provider. According to a statement from Titomic, it will advance Titomic’s efforts to obtain certifications for its coating and repair technologies across the oil and gas and maritime sectors,…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, May 5 – May 9, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Computer/information services and the path to a Future Made in Australia It is now well understood by innovation policy analysts and advisers that, on many fronts, Australia stands at a pivotal crossroads in its innovation journey, writes Dr John H Howard.…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, April 28 – May 2, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) The critical trade keeping Australian manufacturing alive Australian manufacturing faces a hidden crisis as the number of toolmakers and engineering pattern-makers has declined by 70 per cent between 2006 and 2021, according to the latest Census data. Only 2,220 practitioners remain…