By Howard Wiseman, Griffith University Lasers were created 60 years ago this year, when three different laser devices were unveiled by independent laboratories in the United States. A few years later, one of these inventors called the unusual light sources “a solution seeking a problem”. Today, the laser has been applied to countless problems in…
Recently-released figures show no improvement in Australian purchases of industrial robots, and other nations seem to be upping their investment as they adapt to the pandemic. Brent Balinski looks at some recent trends in this part of our Robotics adoption matters series.
University of Southern Queensland has emerged as a national leader in composites research, with an explicit focus on real-world, industry-based problems. Brent Balinski spoke to the university’s Centre for Future Materials founding director Professor Peter Schubel about some of its recent work, and why it makes sense to work together rather than compete.
Brent Balinski spoke to Kimberly Bolton, the CEO of Carapac, about their plans to turn an abundant waste source — crustacean shells from seafood processors — into biodegradable films and containers.
Brent Balinski gathers some reactions to last week’s industry policy announcement, and to the notion of picking winners.
Australian manufacturing could be called a story that doesn’t tell its story. The wind is very much in the industry’s sails, an audience heard last week, but its members could do a better job communicating their successes.
There is no shortage of promising papers being published, but they need to better focus on where they can make a difference, according to a long-time recycling researcher. Brent Balinski spoke to Associate Professor Abbas Mohajerani about focus, patience and turning butts into building products.
Philanthropic organisations are able to mobilise capital and drive innovation to solve big, thorny problems in a way that governments cannot, according to Adrian Turner, the former CSIRO executive now running the Minderoo Wildfire and Disaster Resilience program.
Compost Revolution’s beginner-level worm farm, made in Australia and entirely out of recycled plastics, won gold at last week’s Good Design Awards. Brent Balinski spoke to the company’s David Gravina about the project.
@AuManufacturing’s Australia’s niche champions series is now in its third and final week. Brent Balinski speaks to Amanda Harris and Ben Tait of UAP about their unusual company, which is among the world leaders in creating public art.