Technology billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has joined the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in backing solar cell manufacturing start-up SunDrive Solar which is aiming to make a new breed of cheaper, more efficient solar cells. Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures and Blackbird Ventures have invested $5 million into Wollongong, NSW based SunDrive which was founded by UNSW graduates…
The federal boost to university research and CSIRO funding “is a good beginning” that must be followed by a new focus on working with industry to translate institutional research “into tangible things”, according to ANZ bank chairman and University of NSW chancellor David Gonski.
Laboratory and hospital supplier Westlab has moved to automate manufacture of hospital gowns as it extends its range of locally-made personal protection equipment (PPE). The company, which is also planning for continued competitiveness with imports in a post-Covid-19 business environment, is working on a number of fronts to develop automated production facilities to manufacture isolation…
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.
Ophthalmic treatment device manufacturer Nova Eye Medical has established a new subsidiary, AlphaRET, to commercialise its laser technology for the treatment of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). The new company will be the focus for developing the company’s 2RT minimally invasive nano-pulse ophthalmic laser therapy, and delineates the project from the company’s core business centred…
Perth international shipbuilder Austal has built on its growing global marine support business with the purchase of ship repair and support business BSE Maritime Solutions for $27.5 million. BSE has customers in defence, commercial, tourism, and luxury vessel sectors and services customers including Australian Border Force, BAE Systems, Thales and Svitzer in Cairns and Brisbane.…
National bus manufacturer Custom Denning is completing the build of Australia’s first locally designed and built electric and hydrogen/electric buses at their St Marys, Sydney facility. Available for delivery from March 2021, the first of five prototypes have begun production with completion due in November and December 2020, when they will be trialled with a…
Carbon fibre composite road wheel manufacturer Carbon Revolution continued to grow in the March quarter despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The company announced revenue of $11.8 million, up 26.3 per cent from the previous corresponding quarter, and 45.9 per cent up on the fourth quarter of FY20. The company sold 4,425 road wheels in the quarter,…
Industrial scale additive manufacturing company Titomic will supply tooling carbon fibre parts produced using its Titomic Kinetic Fusion process to UK-based Hockley Pattern & Tool. The companies see the deal as a foundation for future opportunities, as they will work collaboratively to deliver Titomic managing director, Jeff Lang said: “TKF for tooling has been proven…
The Boeing Loyal Wingman has moved under its own power for the first time, ahead of planned flight by the year’s end. The prototype aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour) and demonstrated several activities while maneuvering and stopping on command, according to a statement from Boeing. Boeing is developing…
