August 2023

Swisslog showcases future-ready automation at CeMAT 2023

Intralogistics leader, Swisslog, demonstrated its latest warehouse automation technologies, including the Australian and New Zealand launch of its new AutoPiQ technology, at CeMAT 2023, Australia’s largest logistics and materials handling exhibition. Swisslog Head of Sales and Consulting, Sean Ledbury noticed a stronger presence by automation companies, and fewer manual materials handling exhibitors at this year’s event. “It makes sense in a climate of labour shortages that companies are looking to automation to meet customer demand and deliver on time, and CeMAT certainly reinforced that this is where the market is moving,” he said. “Compounding the issues faced by e-commerce, e-grocery, retail, food and beverage, and industrial businesses is the increasing cost of land, so maximising output within the same space can be highly beneficial to profitability and performance,” adds Ledbury. (Right) One technology on display at Swisslog’s CeMAT 2023 stand was AutoStore, a grid-based Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), for which Swisslog is the number one integrator, globally. Swisslog Managing Director, Dan Ulmamei added that it’s an exciting time in the industry, as everyone looks at innovative ways to tackle local and global challenges. “With our new customer-focused strategy, refreshed brand, and experienced management team in Swisslog ANZ, I believe Swisslog is ideally equipped to meet industry needs today, and into the future,” he says. Scalability and intelligent software “Speaking with the CeMAT audience, the industry is focused on being future-ready. People use to talk about being future-proof, but in reality, no one can really know what the future holds – it may not even exist yet! Instead, companies need to be equipped with the best technology, best features, and most useful data so that when a new need arises, they can adapt quickly, and better meet their customers’ needs,” says Ledbury. “Swisslog provides future-ready technologies in two main […]

BlueRoom wins national innovation award

BlueRoom, a world first, multiplayer, mixed-reality simulator created by Australian company Real Response and being used by the Royal Australian Air Force, took out the most Innovative Project Award for 2023 at the Simulation Australia Awards in Adelaide. The groundbreaking BlueRoom Simulator emerged from a company of medical professionals and software developers in St Kilda, Australia, and is now enabling Navy, Army, and Air Force medics to master the use of real medical equipment and navigate intricate medical scenarios within a virtual environment. The BlueRoom Simulator leverages state-of-the-art mixed reality (MR) technology, utilising the Varjo XR3 headset, to provide an immersive and interactive platform for medical practitioners. Unlike traditional virtual reality (VR) experiences that rely on controllers, MR empowers users to engage with the virtual realm using their own hands and physical movements, mirroring real-world interactions. This pioneering technology holds immense potential within the medical field, offering professionals the opportunity to hone their skills in diverse and challenging settings. From field operations and remote hospitals to helicopters, aircraft, and naval vessels, the BlueRoom Simulator enables medical practitioners to develop muscle memory and refine their techniques. The award judges stated that “the innovative combination of mixed reality was judged as an outstanding solution for highly engaged learning. The efficiency in relation to cost, as well as the ability to develop fine motor skills is a great use of a novel technology.” Co-founder of Real Response and registered Paramedic, Benjamin Krynski, expressed the game-changing nature of the BlueRoom Simulator, stating, “BlueRoom completely reimagines what is possible using simulation – a student can be placed into any environment, and a trainer can manipulate the scene and adjust the patient’s condition all while the student is performing interventions using their own hands with real equipment.” One of the most remarkable features of the BlueRoom Simulator is […]

Vaxxas awarded AU$5.4M for typhoid vaccine patch Phase I study

Vaxxas is a clinical-stage biotechnology company commercialising a needle-free vaccine patch. Global charitable foundation, Wellcome, has made an award of AU$5.4M to conduct initial studies and a Phase I clinical trial for a potential second generation typhoid vaccine delivered by Vaxxas’ proprietary high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) platform technology. The project is expected to be completed within two years. The typhoid vaccine formulation used to coat the HD-MAP will be based on an approved typhoid conjugate vaccine that was jointly developed by Vaxxas’ collaborator in this project, SK bioscience, and the International Vaccine Institute. The typhoid vaccine candidate used in these studies will be formulated to be stable at higher temperatures than required for needle and syringe vaccination. Improved thermostability of vaccine products is a key potential benefit offered by Vaxxas’ HD-MAP platform, and has the potential to reduce the cost and complexity of cold-chain distribution and storage, which are both significant barriers to vaccine accessibility in lower- and middle-income countries. The HD-MAP also has the potential benefit of requiring less training to administer and even self-administration. As such, success in this endeavor has the potential to increase global access to the typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (commonly known as Salmonella Typhi) which is usually spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 9 million people globally are infected by the disease each year. Of this, approximately 110,000 people die from the disease, mostly in lower income countries, and disproportionately children, where water quality and hygiene are compromised. “To help protect more people at risk from deadly diseases like typhoid fever, new vaccine innovations are needed to improve access and ensure equitable coverage,” said Wellcome Senior Research Manager Pierre Balard. […]

Opturion selected by Woodside Energy to provide simulation and optimisation solutions

They will support the company’s strategic development of future hydrogen and ammonia facilities. By simulating the full lifecycle of a facility, the software application can inform key decisions on potential projects, including concept development, investment decisions and power sourcing. Woodside will also be able to estimate production potential and cost. Alan Dormer, Managing Director of Opturion, said, “We are excited to be selected by Woodside and anticipate future opportunities as others invest in the new energy economy. Our collaboration with Woodside aligns with our sustainability efforts, including our focus on achieving Net Zero emissions, as the fuel and resource savings our customers experience directly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.” Opturion’s optimisation technology is well-suited for supporting strategic decisions with long-term implications. These decisions encompass physical and financial aspects, such as equipment performance and capacity, future input costs and receipts, requiring accurate and comprehensive consideration. The technology can be applied to various sectors, including manufacturing, supply chain, transport, and logistics. It also aids in determining optimal operating rules and policies, evaluating contracts, and acquiring assets. Opturion’s AI-based approach surpasses the scalability of conventional optimisation techniques enabling the solution of large-scale problems within a reasonable timeframe. Woodside has a portfolio of oil and gas assets and is also developing a portfolio of new energy products and lower carbon services, including proposed hydrogen and ammonia production facilities, assessment of carbon capture and storage opportunities and investments in carbon to products technologies. Opturion specialises in advanced optimisation solutions. Leveraging cutting-edge algorithms and machine learning techniques, Opturion tackles complex optimisation problems across multiple industries.

Chamberlain -An open and shut case

West Gosford access solutions and products manufacturer Chamberlain makes an open-and-shut case for garage door automation. Now, with no foul play involved, it plans to revolutionise the US poultry industry. Chamberlain designs and engineers residential garage door openers, commercial door operators, and gate entry systems. For Chamberlain, “smart starts in the garage”. Its myQ technology connects its products and empowers users with smartphone access to regulate or monitor their entry points. Graeme Sheekey, Chamberlain’s director of operations and new geographies, says the myQ app gives the operator control of their garage door whenever and wherever they are. It offers real-time alerts, and the ability to set daily schedules and offer guest access. “You can provide entry for a contractor, house cleaner, or family member any time,” Mr Sheekey says. “With myQ, people know when their garage door opens and closes, which allows them to keep track of daily comings and goings. The scheduling feature allows the operator to pre-set days and times for the garage door to close or the lights to turn on or off. It’s an easy way to keep a home secure, especially when owners are away on a trip.” Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) named Chamberlain’s Alex Nivison its Apprentice of the Year – Manufacturing for 2022, winner of the Excellence in export and global supply chain award in 2021, winner of the Excellence in Sustainable Operations in 2020, and took out both the People & Skills Development award and Manufacturer of the Year in 2019.. HMA represents all businesses actively engaged in the manufacturing sector, including their allies, in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions. The awards inspire, encourage, and recognise vibrant and enduring manufacturing in these regions. In recognising the growth of manufacturing in the […]

New CSIRO company pursues hydrogen game changer for heavy industry

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and corporate advisor RFC Ambrian have co-founded Hadean Energy, a new company to commercialise cutting-edge technology that can produce hydrogen with 30 per cent less electricity and help to decarbonise heavy industry. CSIRO will trial the technology at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks to demonstrate the equipment at pilot scale in an industrial environment. CSIRO’s tubular solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technology efficiently produces hydrogen by electrolysing water using a combination of heat and electricity and promises to significantly reduce hydrogen production costs and industry emissions through process efficiencies. The International Energy Agency estimates demand for hydrogen is expected to increase 138 per cent by 2030, but high production costs and energy inputs are key challenges for producing green hydrogen. Dr Sarb Giddey, lead scientist on hydrogen research at CSIRO, said the development of tubular SOE technology at CSIRO is a key project aimed at producing more affordable and efficient hydrogen to help industry dramatically reduce emissions. “CSIRO’s SOE technology has the potential to produce hydrogen at a higher efficiency and lower cost for integration with industrial processes,” Dr Giddey said. “It allows industrial waste heat to be integrated back into the industrial processes, which decreases the electrical energy required to produce hydrogen or syn-gas by up to 30 per cent. “It’s great news for industry, because integrating the hydrogen product back into industrial processes onsite also eliminates storage and transport costs while drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels in the industrial process,” Dr Giddey said. The hydrogen product can be used as a feedstock for producing chemicals including ammonia, petrochemical, methanol, dimethyl ether, sustainable fuels and has applications in low emission steelmaking and heavy transport. Being free of platinum group metals and nickel also reduces reliance on international supply chains. Hadean Energy will have exclusive […]

5 steps to foster a safe workplace after trauma

– Brett Ward, Head of Member Safety, Sonder In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the importance of a safe and supportive workplace cannot be overstated. A positive work environment not only enhances productivity and employee satisfaction but also cultivates creativity and innovation. Companies that prioritise the wellbeing of their employees experience reduced turnover rates, higher employee engagement, and ultimately, improved bottom lines. Sadly, employees are often subjected to violence and abuse, our latest safety report data shows police were involved in 23% of Sonder customers’ critical incidents in the quarter from April-June 2023 – an increase of 35% from the previous quarter. Every week, our technology-enabled, professional care team and on-the-ground responders actively support cases involving physical aggression, harassment, violence, assault, and sexual abuse. The top five categories for police incidents that we see are; assault by a customer, attempted suicide by a customer, attempted suicide by a member, customer death on site and armed robbery. In the workplace context, psychological debriefing immediately after a traumatic event has long been offered by employers but it is no longer best practice. So how can companies support their frontline teams if they experience these situations at work? The latest research shows psychological first aid (PFA) is best practice and a crucial approach for providing initial support to individuals affected by a crisis, disaster, or traumatic event. It aims to promote resilience, reduce distress, and foster coping mechanisms. It’s really simple and can be delivered by anybody in the team. Here are five steps to help implement psychological first aid: Step 1: Ensuring safety Creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount when delivering psychological first aid. Ensure that the physical space is safe and secure, free from immediate threats. When safety is reintroduced following trauma, negative reactions have been shown to […]

Nano-thin ‘liquid-like’ coatings pave the way for a self-cleaning world

A biodegradable alternative to ‘forever chemicals’ with numerous applications. Droplets on a slippery surface [Credit: Isaac Gresham] University of Sydney researchers have observed oil molecules retaining their ‘liquid-like’ properties when they are chemically attached as an extremely thin layer to solid surfaces, opening new possibilities for designing sustainable materials with non-stick characteristics. The findings are published in the leading chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie, led by Dr Isaac Gresham with co-authors Professor Chiara Neto and honours student Seamus Lilley from the School of Chemistry and Sydney Nano, Dr Kaloian Koynov from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and Dr Andrew Nelson from the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering. The ‘liquid-like’ coatings the team studied, known as slippery covalently-attached liquid surfaces (SCALS), are produced from silicones or polyethylene glycol – both of which break down into harmless byproducts in the environment. SCALS are anti-adhesive without relying on problematic perfluorinated polymers (PFAS), known as ‘forever chemicals’ that are usually used for their low adhesion properties. “These liquid-like layers are extremely slippery to most contaminants: they shed liquid droplets effortlessly, which is great to increase the efficiency of heat transfer and for collecting water, they prevent the buildup of scale, and resist the adhesion of ice and bacteria, bringing us one step closer to a self-cleaning world,” said Professor Neto, who leads the Nano-Interfaces Laboratory at the University of Sydney. “We can correlate the exceptional performance of these layers with their nanostructure – meaning we now know what we’re aiming for when we design slippery surfaces, enabling us to make them even more effective and provide viable alternatives to fluorinated coatings.” The slippery nano-thin layers, between two and five billionths of a metre thick or 10,000 times thinner than a human hair, are made up of oil molecules that are only a hundred atoms long. “A water droplet glides with no friction over a thick […]

Australian Hydrogen Council charts way forward for national hydrogen strategy

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s review of the National Hydrogen Strategy (NHS), and has today offered a comprehensive position paper with 53 key recommendations and supplementary reports to chart a clear way forward. The paper forms AHC’s response to the consultation paper released by the Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water on the Refreshed NHS published on 7 July 2023. Much has changed since the original strategy from 2019. The effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have forced a reassessment of how nations consider the strategic overlaps between decarbonisation, national security, and self-sufficiency. In Australia we have also had a change of government, with a new approach to climate change and net zero. Importantly, and as a fundamental outcome of these factors, the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – also a response to these global issues – requires a form of policy response to ensure Australia can continue to attract capital in a competitive environment. Australia cannot match the IRA in terms of the quantum of support, but a targeted policy and funding approach is needed. “All of this is much larger than the question of hydrogen. However, clean and green hydrogen has a key role to play to decarbonise key sectors of the Australian economy, to support the decarbonisation of our trading partners’ economies, and to support our own fuel self-sufficiency. “The lessons learned since 2019 have only amplified the need to focus our attention on how we can best effect the energy transition for Australia,” AHC’s CEO Dr Fiona Simon says. Overall, our position is that the revised National Hydrogen Strategy must be viewed as a key element of the Australian Government’s net zero strategy. This is logical given that hydrogen is itself the means to decarbonise the parts […]

Rae-Line Product Development Seat Cover Design

Rae-Line saves 20% in quality and time through SYSPRO implementation

The Rae-Line team. Established in 1972 and based in Melbourne, Australia, Rae-Line is a market leader in the design and manufacture of commercial upholstery, sports and safety padding solutions. From humble beginnings, the company has grown steadily and now employs more than 140 staff and supplies its products to some of the biggest names in the automotive, heavy transport, recreational vehicle and sports padding industries. The Business Challenge Rae-Line’s inhouse ERP solution was no longer keeping pace with its growth. The system didn’t include Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and the financial system was separate. Management identified a need for a fully integrated, robust system to meet its changing requirements and support future expansion. The Solution Rae-Line evaluated six ERP suppliers before selecting SYSPRO based on an in-depth presentation, the capabilities of the solution and the responsiveness of the team. “From bulk upload of sales orders to managing those jobs through bills of material, inventory controls, stocktakes, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and all the way through to the financial processes, SYSPRO is strongly aligned with our business processes.” – Dave Moody, General Manager and SYSPRO Project Leader The Outcome As a single point of entry, SYSPRO supports the 60% growth in staff and orders experienced by Rae-Line over the past two years. In addition, Rae-Line has seen a 20% improvement in quality and time through its ability to feedback information, resulting in fewer mistakes and reworks. Meeting stringent customer demands In recent months, several major customers have increased their demand by around 50%. This, combined with the 60% growth in staff and orders over the past two years, brought with it challenges which required a strong system. Commenting on the increase in orders, Moody says: “Because SYSPRO has a strong front end and can upload bulk sales orders, we’ve been able […]

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August 2023