Robotics Australia Group October Newsletter

Hello and welcome to our October newsletter!

We are pleased to welcome new network members to the community!

QUT Centre for Robotics: Building on over a decade of strategic investment, QCR conducts world-leading research in intelligent robotics, translating it into real-world outcomes for industry and society. The centre's expertise spans education, talent development, and policy contributions, with applications in agriculture, health, defence, and more.

In2Robotics: A not-for-profit dedicated to inspiring Australia’s youth through robotics competitions, In2Robotics provides hands-on opportunities for students to develop STEM skills, leadership, and innovation. Competitions are hosted across Victoria, Queensland, and NSW, empowering the next generation for the digital age.

OMRON Automation and Robotics Australia: Established in 1987, OMRON provides specialist support across industries, from industrial manufacturing to systems integration. With a focus on strategic automation improvements, the company helps businesses enhance processes and meet sector-specific needs across Australia and New Zealand.

I was delighted to deliver the keynote presentation at the DAL Expo that the Catalyst Foundation organised in Adelaide last week. Here with Rosetta Rosa, CEO of the Catalyst Foundation.

Catalyst Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and the leading provider of community information in South Australia. They support vulnerable people and their communities who are at risk of not being able to access information, services, programs and the care they need to remain and live independently.

It was fantastic to see two of our network members there, Suresan Rajandra and Ross Dellow from Omni-Health Robotics and Lee Martin from Lutheran Homes Barossa! Suresan and Ross gave a demonstration of their wonderful temi robot and Lee was on hand to answer questions about the 10 robots currently being used in his facility, with two more coming onboard!

Stay tuned for more updates, events, and collaborative endeavors as we continue to shape the future of robotics together!

Please follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates on all robotics news in Australia.

Best wishes,

Nicci Rossouw

Member Spotlight!

On this month's Member Spotlight, we feature Monash College - Future Skills.

Our network member, Monash College Future Skills, is offering the "Robotics for Leaders" course starting on 15 October for 8 weeks. Below, Natalie Moore, the trainer of the course, explains the structure of the "Robotics for Leaders" course. This course is designed to equip business leaders with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the fast-evolving field of robotics. You'll learn how to assess and integrate robotic technologies into your business environment, enhancing your leadership capabilities. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid understanding of key technologies, emerging trends, and the decision-making process for successfully implementing advanced systems.

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations to our network member, Freelance Robotics, for being awarded The Most Innovative Application Award 2023!

Huge congratulations to our network member, Freelance Robotics, who were awarded the Most Innovative Application Award 2023 by Universal Robots APAC. They developed the Blue Dragon Framework originally for Australia's leading hydraulic cylinder and rotary actuator manufacturer, PTE Hydraulics in Brisbane, with the support of an Advance Queensland grant in 2020. The Version 1 welding cell at PTE has been in continuous commercial operation since deployment.

Now in Version 2, the Blue Dragon Framework advanced manufacturing system is available for purchase. This system can be equipped with Universal Robots UR10e or UR20 models through Industrial Robotics as well as industrial robots. Over the past four years, multiple units have been deployed across various sectors including construction, marine, and industrial applications. You can find the Blue Dragon Framework on the UR+ ecosystem – Freelance Robotics is the Tier One distributor for Universal Robots in Queensland and a UR+ Partner.

Blue Dragon technology is also being adapted for off-world no oxygen welding and will be presented at the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space this November in Brisbane. This R&D effort is supported by the MMI-C grant for the Australian Space Manufacturing Network.

The Blue Dragon is listed as an International Patent (pending) under the reference PCT/AU2023/050277 - 3D Modelling and Robotics Tool System and Method.

The Future of Navigation is Mini: Advanced Navigation Launches Certus Mini-Series

Less weight and more performance, the series is designed for land systems and lightweight air platforms.

Global, September 2024 – Advanced Navigation, a world leader in navigation and autonomous systems, has announced the expansion of its versatile Certus range, with the new Mini series.

Available in three variants, the Certus Mini series includes a GNSS-aided Certus Mini D and Certus Mini N inertial navigation system (INS), while Certus Mini A functions as an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS).

Weighing no more than 55 grams, the series packs an impressive punch in performance and cost-efficiency, defying expectations for its weight and size.

Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw said, “Manufacturers and system integrators often face trade-offs between performance, size, cost and weight. The Certus Mini series is a testament these attributes do not need to conflict with one another.

For customers deploying land-based vehicles, this value-driven breakthrough lowers their entry barrier to precise and reliable navigation. It also unlocks new possibilities for those using lightweight airborne platforms, such as drones, where every gram counts towards flight efficiency and power consumption.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the series is easily integrated into existing and new system builds with simple plug-and-play connectivity, minimising development time and costs. This adaptability, paired with its performance and size, makes the Mini series a powerful addition to the already versatile Certus range.”

The Future of Navigation is Mini

Dual-antenna INS - Leading the series, the Certus Mini D features dual-antenna GNSS heading. This allows it to deliver superior accuracy in heading, position and velocity. With a maximum weight of 55 grams, it fills a critical gap in the market for a dual-antenna INS in a lightweight and compact size.
Multiband GNSS receiver - By operating on the L1/L5 multi-constellation GNSS, the Certus Mini series offers leading capabilities in interference immunity, position accuracy and multipath resistance in urban environments, such as near tall buildings, tree canopies and canyons.
Software-enabled hardware - The series houses Advanced Navigation’s breakthrough algorithmic technology. This software-enabled hardware delivers navigation data superior to outputs based on traditional filter methods, offering new levels of performance for miniature INS in GNSS-challenged environments.

Watch this space!

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Robotics Australia Group October Newsletter