SwarmFarm Robotics’ farm robot rolls out of new Toowoomba factory
Farm robotic vehicle manufacturer SwarmFarm Robotics has released images (pictured) of the very first SwarmBot as it rolled out of the company’s new manufacturing plant in Toowoomba. SwarmBot is an autonomous platform that can be customised for tasks faced in local crop farming systems. SwarmFarm took to social media and said: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionise agriculture with cutting-edge robotic technology. Our state-of-the-art facility in Toowoomba is now fully operational, and we couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated team who made this possible.”
Austal delivers 21st Guardian-class Patrol Boat (GCPB)
Perth shipbuilder Austal has delivered its 21st Guardian class patrol boat to the Department of Defence. The vessel, Te Mataili III, was officially accepted by the Australian Government and then gifted to the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu, represented by Prime Minister, The Honourable Feleti Teo, at a handover ceremony held at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Te Mataili III replaces Te Mataili II, a Guardian-class Patrol Boat that was gifted to Tuvalu in 2019 and operated successfully until damaged beyond economic repair during twin cyclones that hit Vanuatu in 2023. Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said: “Austal Australia has now delivered 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats in just five years, which is a fantastic achievement and great demonstration of the capability and efficiency of the Western Australian naval shipbuilding industry.”
Iluka Resources and government discussions continue over rare earths refinery
Discussions are continuing between Zircon miner Iluka Resources and the federal government over funding for its proposed Eneabba rare earths refinery, which would be Australia’s first fully-integrated refinery for the production of separated rare earth oxides. The development is backed by a $1.25 billion non-recourse loan to Iluka under the Critical Minerals Facility administered by Export Finance Australia. Iluka told investors: “Capital guidance for the project is $1.7-1.8 billion and discussions with government continue in relation to funding arrangements. Q3 site works activity focussed on progressing critical path items at an appropriate level of capital outlay given ongoing nature of funding discussions.” Iluka said tendering and awarding of equipment, fabrication and site works contract packages was continuing based on criticality to schedule and overall cost commitment “given the status of funding discussions”.
Re-Engineering Australia appeals for funds to support student competitors
The not for profit Re-Engineering Australia Foundation has appealed for funds to assist Australian student competitors taking part in the F1 in Schools World Final In Dhahran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late November. The foundation conducts the highly successful F1 in Schools and Subs in Schools Technology Challenge active learning programmes developing practical STEM skills for students. Students from five Australian public and private schools are planning to attend the Saudi finals. “They are short of the necessary funds and need your support,” according to the foundation. Information and donate here.
Free MATLAB EXPO event to be held next month
MathWorks announced this week that MATLAB EXPO 2024 will be held live online across multiple international time zones on November 13–14, 2024. The event is aimed at engineers, researchers, educators, and scientists, and has eight technological focus areas, including AI, wireless communications, autonomous systems and robotics, and electrification. Event information is available here. According to a statement from software company MathWorks, which makes the MATLAB and Simulink software programs, the event will include over 50 sessions, four plenary presentations, and eight hands-on workshops using MATLAB Online and Simulink Online.
New sugar manufacturing Chair offers advice to next Qld government
Australia’s sugar manufacturers want to see the next Queensland government “tackle the big issues standing in the way of growth, diversification and job creation” according to industry group the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC.) Shayne Rutherford, Head of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, said in a statement that, “As ASMC Chair I want to send a clear message – Queensland governments cannot afford to continue ignoring the potential for an even greater contribution from this industry, not only in sugar, but also through growth and diversification opportunities in bioenergy and the bioeconomy… We know what’s possible and what we can achieve. What we lack is the supportive investment, policy and regulatory environment to make it happen. The sugar manufacturing sector needs billions of dollars in new investments to maintain our existing economic contribution while also unlocking opportunities in renewable electricity and biofuels- and even production of bioplastics and proteins.”
Workspace Commercial Furniture achieves new certification
Workspace Commercial Furniture announced on Tuesday that it has achieved the ISO 14006:2020 Ecodesign Certification for environmental and quality management. In a statement the company said the certification focussed on its holistic approach, which reduces environmental harm while meeting a growing demand from clients for sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. “We are especially proud to be the first in Australia to achieve ISO 14006 certification,” said Ivanna Dutton, Quality and Environment Coordinator of Workspace. “By embedding Ecodesign principles into everything we create, we not only help reduce our environmental footprint but also align with our clients’ desire for greener, more responsible products.” The company added that it is also celebrating the renewal of its ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems certifications.
Export Market Development Grant applications open next month
The next round of the Australian government’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program will open for applications in early November. Austrade will issue grant agreements to successful applicants for up to two years for planned eligible expenditure in 2025-26 and 2026-27, with over $100 million available in each financial year. Austrade will close applications in each tier once the funding is allocated. Applications will open across the different grant categories between November 6 and 12. New to export businesses (Tier 1) can complete a free export readiness test at the link. Austrade will host public webinars with application online information across the specific tiers on October 30 and 31, with registration and other information available at this link.
BluGlass secures $1.2 million for first phase of joint development
Semiconductor developer BluGlass has announced that it has secured a $1.2 million order for the first of a three-phase joint development agreement with US-based integrated photonics company Uviquity, According to a statement from BluGlass this week, the multi-year development agreement will see the pair develop “novel photonic chips that combine highly complementary technologies for the production of Heterogeneously Integrated Photonic Integrated Circuits (HIPIC).” BluGlass CEO Jim Haden said, “This agreement leverages BluGlass’ core epitaxy, wafer fabrication, custom device capabilities, and our ability to solve our customers’ greatest challenges.” The multi-phase, potentially three-year Joint Development Agreement has the potential for a minimum of two additional phases of non-recurring engineering, each with a similar revenue potential for BluGlass, it added.. The parties agree to execute a follow-on Master Supply Agreement to produce the HIPIC devices, six months before the completion of the development phases, with significant commercial potential.
Picture: SwarmFarm Robotics
