Australia may spend hundreds of millions of dollars on quantum computing research. Are we chasing a mirage?

By Timothy Duignan, Griffith University The Australian government is going all in on quantum computing. After investing more than $100 million on “quantum technology” in 2021, it is now reportedly considering spending up to $200 million on purchasing a “quantum computer” from a US company. Is this a sensible decision? You might think so, if…

Australians are concerned about AI. Is the federal government doing enough to mitigate risks?

By Toby Walsh, UNSW Sydney Today, the federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic revealed an interim response from the Australian government on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). The public, especially the Australian public, have real concerns about AI. And it’s appropriate that they should. AI is a powerful technology…

Canberra backs Australian businesses to adopt AI

A new programme to support Australian businesses adopt and integrate Artificial Intelligence safely into their work practices has been launched by the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic. The Australian Government’s Responsible Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program will provide $17 million to establish up to five AI Adopt centres across Australia. The government is seeking…

CSIRO launches A.I. month

The CSIRO’s National A.I. Centre (NAIC) has launched Australia’s first artificial intelligence month, comprising a series of events and forums to help shape the country’s A.I. future. Run from November 15 to December 15, the initiative aims to bring together A.I. organisations, entrepreneurs and researchers over more than 50 free and ticketed A.I.-related events. Federal…

Phasio raises cash for manufacturing platform development

Manufacturing technology developer Phasio has raised $3.8 million in a seed round, led by AirTree Ventures, to accelerate development of its software platform and interface supporting manufacturing productivity. Among those contributing to the round include 500 Global, Entrepreneur First, Michael Sorkin’s Gattaca Ventures. Co-founded by Australian entrepreneur, Harry Lucas and ex-CSIRO researcher, Sudharshan Raman, Phasio…

Advanced Navigation opens Sydney robotics facility

Robotic and navigation technology manufacturer Advanced Navigation have unveiled a high-tech robotics manufacturing facility, based out of UTS Tech Lab in Sydney. The facility will scale up the manufacturing of Advanced Navigation’s AI navigation systems for GPS-denied environments, including the digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) technology, Boreas. Made with strategic-grade standards, DFOG is entering new markets…

AROSE lunar rover to test Australian technology capabilities

The AROSE consortium and the EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania consortium are each designing early-stage prototypes of a semi-autonomous Moon rover to be transported to the Moon via NASA. In this contributed article, AROSE outlines the challenges and industry opportunities. When Australia’s Trailblazer lunar rover arrives on the Moon, the remotely operated vehicle will confront…