Technology News

In the early hours of 22 March 2024, a rocket blasted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA. On board was a small device labelled ‘Multi-resolution scanning’, packed with CSIRO smarts. Its goal was to test a new CSIRO-developed 3D sensing and mapping payload for a NASA robot called Astrobee, which operates inside the International Space Station (ISS). Leading the project was Dr Marc Elmouttie. For Elmouttie, this launch was the culmination of years of hard work and extensive international collaboration. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s take a step back. What is the Astrobee anyway? Why does it need multi-resolution scanning? And what are they doing up in space? Let’s start with Astrobee. This system of three free-flying robots moves around the ISS autonomously, or via remote control, to document experiments or even move cargo. As modular platforms, they can be loaded with other technologies, one of which will be multi-resolution scanning. The multi-resolution scanning device brings together…

Bosch, a pioneer in automation solutions, has teamed with RayGen, a leading innovator in solar and long-duration storage technologies, to expedite the deployment of its state-of-the-art concentrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This collaboration showcases the pivotal role of automation in modern energy solutions. The project centres around the assembly of heliostats (mirrors used to focus sunlight), a crucial component of the concentrated solar PV system. These heliostats are designed to track the sun throughout the day, optimising solar energy capture. The process, to be deployed on-site at RayGen’s first utility-scale project, after rigorous in-field testing, involves the assembly of the heliostats on a highly automated production line designed by Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) automation engineering specialists. BAMS’ cutting-edge automation capabilities are instrumental in making this assembly a faster and lower cost process. The project aims to assemble a heliostat every three minutes. The heliostats, each measuring approximately 4x5 metres, are comprised of eight individual mirror panels that must be assembled to tight tolerances to maximise the energy produced by the solar technology. Scheduled for deployment by the end…

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub has welcomed news that the Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) has been selected as an Industry Partner Organisation for the Industry Growth Program. Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic recently announced that several not-for-profit organisations will work with the Industry Growth Program to help participating small and medium businesses bring new products and services to market. The Industry Growth Program provides expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth to startups and high-growth small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund priority, and to help build Australian manufacturing for the future. This advice is provided by Industry Growth program advisers. As an Industry Partner Organisation, the AMCN will complement this advice, and add value to and enhance the support provided to SMEs by offering specialised advisory services, drawing on its sectoral expertise. ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said this was an opportunity to better enable SMEs and startups to become global innovation leaders. “On behalf of the…

Plastics that would otherwise go to landfill can now be repurposed into building materials at Australia's first RESIN8 production facility that opened in Melbourne recently. CRDC Australia, in partnership with the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP), are proud to officially open the state-of-the-art facility, located in Tottenham. The opening marks a significant leap in Australia's efforts to tackle the plastic waste crisis, by transforming hard-to-recycle plastics into a valuable material for the construction industry. The launch event, attended by over 100 stakeholders from government, non-profits, academia, and industry, highlights the collaborative effort towards innovative environmental solutions. RESIN8, a versatile, high-performance, low-carbon hybrid mineral-polymer, is engineered for both structural and non-structural building applications. It meets and surpasses international ASTM standards, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials. Unique to RESIN8 is CRDC’s proprietary, carbon-negative production process, which accepts all types of plastics (resins 1-7)— a significant advancement over traditional recycling methods that typically only handle resins 1 and 2. Shane Ramsey, Managing Director of CRDC Australia, said officially opening the full-scale RESIN8 facility was a landmark in…

In December of last year, the Westpac Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey revealed that sentiment among local manufacturers had fallen to its lowest levels since the global financial crisis. This sentiment was mirrored in the New Zealand market with the latest data from Business NZ revealing that the manufacturing sector contracted for the tenth straight month in a row. The results were no surprise, given the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by inflationary pressures, regulatory change and supply chain disruptions. Despite the economic headwinds, I have observed a sense of quiet confidence among local manufacturers regarding business conditions. Data can often be a lagging indicator, and with inflationary pressures likely to ease in the second half of this year, the Australian economy is expected to land more softly than originally anticipated. A recent Grant Thornton study also suggested that local manufacturers have a more positive outlook on the market, with many recording strong sales growth in 2023. This trend is particularly evident for emerging manufacturers that are continuing to…

From an early age, Dr. Maryam Parviz was inspired to innovate, even channelling her creativity into drawing and designing a more comfortable hearing aid for her mother. Today, as a biomedical engineer, scientist, and CEO and Co-Founder of SDIP Innovations, she is at the forefront of designing medical devices that will transform bone repair, while also advancing manufacturing excellence and capabilities in New South Wales. Driven by witnessing the distress faced by pediatric patients and their families due to repetitive orthopaedic surgeries, SDIP’s Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Iman Manavitehrani teamed up with Dr. Parviz motivated to develop a transformative solution. Their goal: to pioneer a product that reduces the need for multiple surgeries and improves treatment outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.   Challenges with traditional bone repair Traditionally, repairing bone fractures involved plaster casts and moulds. As medical technology advanced, the use of metallic implants became widespread. However, these implants have introduced significant issues, including pain after insertion, inflammation, and the potential need for revision surgeries. They also present a particular…

Alloys announces its expanded partnership with UltiMaker, a global leader in professional 3D printing technology. Under this enhanced collaboration, Alloys will distribute UltiMaker's full range of 3D printers, including the professional S series, throughout Australia. UltiMaker has earned a reputation for its innovative and reliable 3D printing solutions, catering to professionals across diverse industries such as engineering, design, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The addition of the UltiMaker S series to Alloys' product lineup further solidifies the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions to its customers. “We have been involved in the 3D printing market for a number of year and the extension of our partnership with Ultimaker provides us with further opportunities for our partners to grow their sales and capabilities in this space”, said Paul Harman, Alloys CEO.  “Our customers have been asking us to distribute this range and we believe we can provide growth for the entire Ultimaker stable at Alloys.” The UltiMaker S series provides professional 3D printing, combining cutting-edge features, reliability, and seamless integration into existing workflows. Designed to…

Rivelin Robotics is working to deliver a complete digital post-processing solution for the automated finishing of flight parts, orthopaedic implants and gas turbine components produced using metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Designated Project CAMPFIRE (Certified Additive Manufactured Parts Finished with Intelligent Robotics Engine), Rivelin is collaborating with five partners. Three are specific to post-processing applications for regulated industries using metal AM, namely Attenborough Medical, GKN Aerospace and Materials Solutions (a Siemens Energy Business). Two further partners are supporting with the delivery of key hardware technologies, namely YASKAWA EU and Saint-Gobain Abrasives. Starting with the Project Leaders, Rivelin Robotics was founded to directly address the challenges of post-processing metal AM parts. Born of painful experience as an engineer tasked with removing metal supports from AM parts and achieving various levels of surface finish, Rivelin’s CEO — Robert Bush — established the company to develop a real and repeatable solution to the problems he faced, knowing that he was not alone. The challenges with post-processing metal parts are many, not least the labour-intensive, time-consuming, filthy and sometimes dangerous activities involved in removing metal supports with…

Perhaps as a manufacturing business you’ve never considered that marketing could be your superpower.  That’s understandable – the two disciplines haven’t always been the match made in heaven they could be. Historically, manufacturers have relied heavily on a sales team to connect with potential customers through a limited number of channels - trade shows, direct selling and industry publication advertising.  Strong word of mouth and referrals have also been key to growth, and this organic approach, supported by sales, has been the new business development model that’s been popular for a large portion of manufacturers across the country.  This approach has served them well, but times are changing. In today’s competitive landscape, with challenging economic headwinds to contend with, manufacturers are engaging with strategic marketing more than ever before, not only to pursue growth, but to remain relevant with existing customers. But how do you get started?  The world of marketing can be overwhelming.  There are so many different routes out there, so many agencies offering services to generate leads…

Specialising in diverse industries such as Defence, Rail and Road, Medical, Recreational Vehicles, and Solar PV, the company has embraced 3D printing to streamline its manufacturing processes. Wiring Systems initially experimented with a $5000 3D printer from a different supplier but encountered issues due to the lack of supplier support. Recognising the potential of 3D printing, Harry Antoguelli sought a reliable solution that would meet their printing needs and provide comprehensive support. After that experience, Harry came to Bilby3D and was introduced to the Raise3D Pro3 Plus. Harry mentioned how a main consideration for purchasing from Bilby3D was that we offer parts and support for the Raise3D machines, so he could have the peace of mind that if any problems were to arise then he would have a phone number to call, and that there are spare parts for his machine stocked in Australia. Having a dedicated and foolproof holder for all the hand tools required at a given assembly station means that tools don't find themselves wandering across the…

Metal additive manufacturing encompasses various techniques for creating complex 3D objects layer-by-layer from digital models. Generally speaking, metal AM touts many benefits, including less manufacturing time, lower material waste and, in some cases, stronger material properties than traditional manufacturing processes. The landscape of metal additive manufacturing is constantly evolving for advanced manufacturers in Australia, particularly those serving industries like Defence, Oil and Gas, and Maritime Aerospace and Energy. While techniques like Laser Bed Powder Fusion (LPBF) and Cold Spray have garnered significant attention, Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) offers a compelling alternative, especially when considering large-scale applications. The question often posed to industry specialists is, “How does one know which metal additive manufacturing process is best suited to their workshop needs?” Under ASTM/ISO 52900, there are currently over 18 processes categorised into seven core metal AM techniques; without technology education, the average manufacturer can be forgiven for confusion regarding the process and technique suitable for their specific application. Generally speaking, a majority of Metal AM processes are best applied to smaller componentry or metal parts with a footprint well under…

Located in Emu Heights, just under the vast skyline of Sydney's Blue Mountains, Opie Manufacturing Group stands as a prominent example of industrial evolution. Founded in 1962 by James MacDougal Opie, this enterprise has transitioned from its early days of basic metalwork to become a leader in contract metal manufacturing and fabrication services across Australia. Today, the business is managed by his grandson, Tristan Opie, is the third-generation leader to successfully direct this Australian manufacturing company alongside his sister, CFO Alyssa Le Breton. Opie Manufacturing Group, despite its size and growth, always retains at its core the heart of a family business. From humble beginnings to advanced operations Initially focused on leveraging the then-novel potential of stainless steel to produce sanitary fixtures and washroom accessories, the company has expanded significantly. Today, it combines decades-old engineering practices with advanced technologies. This strategy not only sustains but enhances Opie Group's market position through high-precision laser cutting and full-service contract manufacturing to development of complex Data-Enhanced Production Systems and “Smart”…

A significant milestone for the Elexon Group of Companies has been hit as it relaunches its facility nine months after the devastating fire that fatally damaged the whole business. Stepping into the new era of Elexon 2.0, the group, led by its manufacturing branch, Elexon Electronics, is not just setting goals but setting the bar high. With an ambitious vision of achieving zero delays, zero defects, and zero returns, Elexon is propelling itself into the future with an Industry 4.0 facility and a bright outlook that aligns with the goals of product quality enhancement through the Elexon2Zero program. “Embarking on the Elexon 2.0 journey, the company is shifting its focus from recovery towards quality and continuous improvement, setting the stage for the future in alignment with the innovative Elexon2Zero program,” said Frank Faller, the CEO of Elexon Electronics. The event was a huge success, and we were honoured to have an incredible lineup of speakers, including Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher, Minister Nikki Boyd, CEO of Regional Development Australia Jacqueline Steele, and Professor Karen Becker. The Elexon Group of Companies has…