Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Research progresses robots for construction waste recycling

New research — using deep learning (DL) and artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise vast array of materials and particles in mixed waste — could revolutionise the way construction waste materials are processed and recycled, according Monash University. Led by Monash PhD candidate Diani Sirimewan, a study “paves the way for the use of advanced robotics and automation for construction waste processing,” according to a statement this week, potentially replacing manual picking through dangerous and potentially contaminated waste. Sirimewan is working closely with colleagues who are trialling the technology using simulation with robotic arms and hopes it will spur investment in R&D to improve the efficiency of construction waste processing and recycling in Australia. “It’s exciting. The technology could significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills through better-quality recycling – benefiting the environment and reducing the need for workers to be exposed to dangerous and toxic materials,” she said. The research was published in the Journal of Environmental Management (linked here.)

GoZero buses added to NSW preferred supplier list

Zero emission commercial transport company GoZero’s subsidiary Nexport Pty Ltd has been appointed as a preferred supplier of buses to Transport for NSW. Under the terms of Bus Panel 4, the new bus procurement panel introduced on 1 March, operators of public bus routes can only procure new buses from suppliers like Nexport that are qualified by the panel. GoZero Group Limited’s Executive Chairman Stephen Cartwright said: “For every one bus we build in Australia, five Australian jobs are retained. Having a strong pipeline of bus sales is key to the sustainability of local bus manufacturing and the renewal of the public transport fleet that carries over 40 percent of public transport passengers.”

Oncosil raises $7.1 million in new capital

Pancreatic cancer treatment device company OncoSil Medical has received commitments for a capital raising of up to approximately $1.48 million before costs by way of a placement to sophisticated and professional investors. The company is also conducting a non-renounceable entitlement offer to eligible shareholders at the same issue price as the placement, to raise up to a maximum of approximately $5.65 million before costs. The Company’s Chairman Douglas Cubbin has agreed to subscribe $75,000 of the $1.48 million placement. CEO & Managing Director Nigel Lange, said: “The funding will be applied to our existing key projects encompassing continued commercialisation of the OncoSil device, regulatory approvals to include new markets and expansion of existing indications.”

Micro-X wines first Argus commercial order 

X-ray technology company Micro-X announced on Thursday that the first commercial purchase order for an Argus camera has been received. The order is from an unnamed defence and security entity in the Middle East, with delivery of the unit to occur “within the customary delivery cycle”, following the final safety “compliance certification for the Argus which is close to completion.” It follows an Argus sales team presenting at a major regional security expo as part of Team Defence Australia, facilitated by the Australian Defence Export Office. Micro-X’s website describes Argus as a backscatter imaging technology, taking images “to detect threats such as bombs, drugs, and other organic material” and with the potential to transform “stand-off imaging capability in the counter IED domain”. Micro-X CEO Kingsley Hall said, “It is fitting that our first Argus sale is to a recognised security organisation that embraces disruptive and innovative technologies. Using our NEX Technology, Argus is designed to enable defence, security and law enforcement to detect IEDs and other threats, as well as searching for concealed contraband.” 

Aurora Labs continues work for defence customers

Perth additive manufacturing company Aurora Labs is continuing its engagement with defence and aerospace customers for the use of its industrial print services to print components for defence applications. CEO Rebekah Letheby said: “The design for additive manufacture of parts with defence applications has accelerated quickly to a stage where we are now undergoing mechanical testing which is advancing well. We have a strong level of interest in A3D’s printed parts from select defence customers such as Chiron Global Tech. It is our goal to have a cutting-edge piece of 3D printing technology to sell to the sizeable defence and aerospace markets in the future, while also 3D printing parts for serial applications which have a place in the defence market.” She said printing for customers like Chiron Global Tech helped to fast track the company’s progression in the design and engineering of its machines.

Water monitoring project to boost territory jobs, says NT government

A project valued at a million dollars and supported by a $485,223 Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund grant will deliver an integrated monitoring and filtration system for remote communities. The project led by Think Water Darwin in collaboration with Eco Detection and Terracorp Industries uses a sophisticated “capillary zone electrophoresis” method, and will help ensure safe, high quality drinking water year-round. After three integrated prototype systems undergo six-month trials at three different remote locations, 15 per cent (by value) of Melbourne-based Eco Detection’s Ion-Q+ electronic systems will be assembled in the territory, scaling up to 70 per cent in four years. Northen Territory Chief Minister, Eva Lawler said that new and innovative projects were being attracted to the NT, “which get the Territory working and develop our communities – this is exactly what Think Water accomplishes.” The AMEF grant is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.

Picture: (L-R) Charmaine Phillips, AMGC; Mandie Lammens, Eco Detection; Jefferson Harcourt, Eco Detection; Jens Goennemann, AMGC (supplied)