Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

SEA Electric creates all electric fuel truck

Electric vehicle drivetrain manufacturer SEA Electric’s collaboration with Air bp and Refuel International had produced Australia’s first electric aviation refueller (pictured). The company has developed a number of specialist electric trucks with users, describing the latest truck development as ‘perhaps our most interesting final application to date, with vastly different requirements to any previous build’.

FBR raises $20m to speed commercialisation of Hadrian X robot

Robotic technology company FBR has raised $20 million in a share placement to accelerate commercialisation of its Hadrian X construction robot. The Perth company already has a number of partnerships in place to commercialise its robot, which rapidly constructs block walls, as well as its ‘wall as a service’ which charges customers a fee based on the area of walls constructed. It plans to develop and manufacture its second-generation Hadrian X robot, and expand its WAAS service by establishing overseas entities. The next generation machine will be deployed to overseas markets to demonstrate its improved speed and accuracy and cost efficiencies.

Titomic signs up Singapore and Malaysia distributor

Metal additive manufacturing technology company Titomic has expanded marketing in South East Asia, signing on Alliance Pte Ltd as exclusive distributor in Singapore and Malaysia. Under the agreement Alliance will distribute Titomic Kinetic Fusion cold spray metal systems in areas not yet served by the company as an official reseller. Alliance is to purchase one of Titomic’c D523 machines within five months as a demonstrator, otherwise the agreement becomes non-exclusive. Alliance specialises in advanced surface engineering ands repair services across various industry sectors.

Optiscan buys IP to speed AI diagnostic imaging development

Manufacturer of AI powered confocal endomicroscopic imaging devices Optiscan Imaging has purchased a substantial portfolio of intellectual property which will help it improve its oral medical imaging equipment. The company has purchased clinical and histopathological datasets from its managing director Professor Camile Farah which includes numerous image files, clinical diagnoses and patient histories. The data files will be used to improve existing product offerings, submissions to regulators and the creation of new AI algorithms which will accelerate the development of new diagnostic devices. Consideration is the issue of six million shares in the company which will be issues to Professor Farah and held in a 12 month escrow. The purchase is subject to shareholder approval.

Young companies receive R&D tax incentive

Cancer imaging manufacturer Imagion Biosystems has received a R&D tax incentive refund from the federal government of $2.5 million. The payment is similar to that last year, indicating a steady spend on product R&D. Imagion is commercialising a new molecular imaging technology which combines biotechnology and nanotechnology. Meanwhile, net zero technology developer Environmental Clean Technologies has received a rebate of $1.8 million for expenditure in FY22. This brings the company’s cash balance to $4.3 million. Managing director Glenn Fozard said the funds would aid the commercialisation of its COLDry technology and a feasibility study into a hydrogen refinery hub in Victoria’s La Trobe Valley. Under the R&D tax incentive programme, companies can receive a tax rebate of 43.5 percent on eligible R&D expenses.

More Australian Bushmasters bound for Ukraine

The federal government is to deliver a further 30 Australian made Thales Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukraine as it steps up support for the European nation, which is being invaded by Russia. Prime Minister Albanese announced the 30 additional vehicles – bringing the total sent to Ukraine to 90 – along with deployment of up to 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to the UK where they will help train Ukraiian fighters. Australian troops will not enter Ukraine. Abanese said: “Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin. We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.” Australia has now committed support of $655 million for Ukraine.

Neurizer raises cash to fund coal to urea project

The developer of a coal to urea project at the former Leigh Creek coal field in South Australia, Neurizer has raised $3.76 million to speed development of its flagship project. The company, which has proven in situ coal gasification technology to provide syngas for the project, will use the funds to assess a ‘several funding proposals’ it has received as the project moves towards commercialisation. Executive chairman Justyn Peters said it had received the proposals as confidence in its project increased, with Neurizer planning to select the one in the best interest of the company.

Picture: SEA Electric