A new report by the Productivity Commission has concluded that, despite disruptions due to Covid-19 and trade tensions, “only a few” traded products are vulnerable to supply chain shocks.
Here are the first pictures of the new Ford GT Heritage edition supercar, which is equipped with a new version of the Carbon Revolution road wheels manufactured in Geelong, Victoria. The single-piece carbon fibre composite wheels are structurally stiffer than the standard aluminium wheels offered on the Ford GT, while at the same time save…
Province Resources has spelled out its efforts to push ahead with its proposed HyEnergy green hydrogen project located near Carnarvon in Western Australia’s Gascoyne Region. The project will take advantage of the region’s climate and wind patterns to install a commercial scale wind and/or solar farm to produce green hydrogen for use locally and for…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Australian Wool Innovation has highlighted 3D printing as offering new applications for materials based on merino wool.