Monash opens new robotics lab

Monash University has opened a new $6.5 million Monash Robotics Lab as the newest part of its robotics precinct. In a statement on Tuesday, the university said the lab would link researchers to develop new solutions with economic and wellbeing impact. It includes “experimental space and equipment to enable realistic experimental validation” and would help…

Week-long Queensland manufacturing showcase to run again next month

Registrations of interest are being sought for this year’s week-long Inside Advanced Manufacturing Tour, running over May 16 – 20 in Queensland. The showcase coordinated by the state government will see a collection of manufacturing businesses open their doors, sharing “their innovative manufacturing techniques and technologies to other manufacturers.” On the schedule (see here) are…

‘Advanced manufacturing’ should be about people, skills and the environment, not fancy new tech

By Dr Jesse Adams Stein It is now a common trope of Australian election campaigns that both major parties pay lip service to the importance of supporting ‘advanced manufacturing’, while regularly donning hard-hats and high-vis vests. But what does ‘advanced manufacturing’ really mean for jobs, for communities, or for the environment? Image by Matt Roberts…

Grants up to $750,000 available to food manufacturers to expand in or relocate to WA

Western Australian food and beverage manufacturers have been invited to apply for the $7 million second round of the state’s Value Add Investment Grants program. Grants under the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) program offer matched funding for agriculture, food and beverage companies under two project streams: Feasibility stream grants are…