A newly-announced project led by Space Machines Company (SMC), which is developing vehicles for in-space servicing of satellites, is aiming to develop an orbital robotics testbed. According to a statement from SMC on Friday, the project aims “to develop a ground-based proximity operations robotic test bed for space-borne perception and intelligence targeted at [on-orbit servicing],…
Move over, psyllium husk—Australian natives are stepping up to the plate…or rather, the bread basket. Scientists from the University of Adelaide have discovered the potential of two local Plantago species, P. cunninghamii and P. turrifera, to revolutionise gluten-free bread by making loaves that are softer, springier and fluffier. Led by Dr James Cowley, the research…
A new research centre to tackle the challenges of AI adoption has been launched with the opening of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR) Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic officially launched the centre created with the South Australian government. The RAIR will embark on research that will ensure AI implementation addresses misinformation…
Research programs developing new metamaterials, higher-quality long-life lithium batteries, and novel thermal energy storage approaches are among those supported in a new round of Australian Research Council Discovery Projects. Announced on Tuesday, the round allocated $342 million in funding to 536 projects supporting basic and applied research. “Discovery grants support individual researchers and research teams…
The federal government has invested $60 million in quantum and counter disinformation technologies critical to defence and to a future made in Australia. The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) programme has signed 21 contracts with Australian universities and industry partners. The investment was made under the National Defence Strategy and…
Silicon energy storage system developer 1414 Degrees is becoming increasingly confident that its SiBox storage technology is at the point of commercialisation. SiBox, which is is being developed in association with Woodside Energy Technologies, stores renewable electricity as latent heat. In a demonstration module, it has produced up to 900◦C hot air, proving its potential…
By Jack Hetherington, University of Adelaide; Adam James Loch, University of Adelaide, and Pablo Juliano, CSIRO Every year, 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted in Australia. When we think about this, we might picture mouldy fruit, stale bread and overly full fridges. But in fact, almost half of this waste happens before…
Battery recycling company Iondrive has claimed “exceptional results” in large-scale bench trials this month, using its process to recover critical minerals from end-of-life battery materials. In a statement on Monday, the ASX-listed company shared that “a major leap forward” had been achieved in its ability to demonstrate recovery of valuable minerals, including lithium, even from…
By Peter Draper, University of Adelaide Finally, Australia’s rock lobster industry will be able to export to China again, following a deal struck on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos last week. It will take some weeks to finalise the paperwork, but Chinese diners can expect to eat our high-quality crustaceans as we…
Timing technology company QuantX Labs has announced the landmark first sales of its state-of-the-art optical atomic clocks. The company recently signed two contracts with the Department of Defence totalling over $2.7 million. Supporting Australian Defence Force requirements, QuantX will deliver a mobile precision timing test bed for Defence Systems to Defence Science and Technology Group…