Smart Manufacturing

Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia

Daniel Rossetto, Adjunct, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future. Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people. The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business. So, are the new packages going to be money well spent? To answer that question, let’s examine the priorities. A national priority Steel is an industry in which securing sovereign production capability is crucial. Sovereign capability means ensuring an industry can survive external shocks such as interruptions to shipping routes or disputes with other countries in the supply chain. Steel is a vital input for defence industries such as ship and submarine building. What could be said of a country’s autonomy – or its sovereign capability – if it relies on others for the steel needed for its defence? Whyalla is one of the two largest steelworks in Australia, the other being BlueScope’s Port Kembla plant. At least at first glance, the green iron investment fund seems to deal with the sovereign capability criterion well enough. Whyalla appears an ideal candidate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas visit Whyalla Steelworks in Whyalla last week. Isabella Ward/AAP However, the public subsidy is large. The subsidised plant’s ability to operate in an economically competitive manner needs to be examined. Further, while the Whyalla plant began its life as a supplier to an adjacent shipbuilding operation, […]

The Global Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs: Aluminium and Steel

Daniel Kohut, Vice President, Industry Strategy, Blue Yonder As of February 11th, the Trump administration announced worldwide tariffs of 25 percent on aluminium and steel imports, which form a major part of Australia’s economy. The Trump administration’s proposed increase in tariffs on imports in other areas—ranging from 60% to 100% for China, for example—is sending shockwaves through industries worldwide, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With China serving as a global manufacturing hub, companies are grappling with rising costs, supply chain reconfigurations, and market volatility. Industry leaders from manufacturing, automotive, industrials, high tech, and life sciences share their perspectives on the implications of these tariffs and the strategies companies must adopt to mitigate risks. Blue Yonder’s industry leaders across manufacturing, automotive, industrials, high tech, and life sciences share their perspectives on the implications of these tariffs and the strategies companies must adopt to mitigate risks. In most cases the economic impacts are likely to be severe, and advanced technologies and business operational changes such as risk and scenario modelling and inventory planning will become critical to ensure business continuity. APAC manufacturing: Navigating Supply Chain Shifts Manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region, many deeply integrated with China, will experience cost increases as tariffs take effect. To offset these challenges, businesses may relocate production to Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia. However, shifting supply chains can strain existing infrastructure and labour markets, while also increasing logistical costs. Companies will require enhanced visibility into sourcing, inventory, and compliance, with cloud-based supply chain platforms and advanced risk modelling emerging as critical tools for managing disruptions. Automotive: Balancing Cost Pressures and Supply Chain Adaptability The global automotive industry faces rising production costs due to increased tariffs on imported components. Automakers may respond by reshoring production closer to domestic markets, boosting local manufacturing jobs but also raising labour costs. In […]

Breakthrough Victoria launches groundbreaking fellowship program to boost research entrepreneurship

Breakthrough Victoria is excited to announce the launch of the Breakthrough Fellowship Program, a pioneering initiative designed to ignite research entrepreneurship talent across Victoria. The Breakthrough Fellowship Program is a $7.5 million, multi-year initiative aimed at fostering research entrepreneurship in Victoria. It is projected to establish up to 50 new startup companies and create at least 50 jobs, thereby nurturing entrepreneurial talent and enhancing future investment pipelines. The program addresses critical market gaps and aims to cultivate the next generation of startup founders from Victorian universities and medical research institutes. Data from the U.S. National Science Board highlights the pivotal role of STEM founders in attracting investment and creating high-paying jobs. Despite this, internal analysis by University College London (UCL) revealed that the optimal time for starting companies is during the PhD level, particularly when multiple PhDs collaborate on varied research topics to uncover commercial possibilities. In Victoria, however, there is a notable lack of awareness about entrepreneurship and startup careers among students. A post program review of the University of Melbourne’s PhD Innovators program led by the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre’s Professor Colin McLeod found that 89 per cent of participants were interested in becoming venture founders yet faced a scarcity of investment opportunities. The Breakthrough Fellowship program is designed to bridge this gap. This unique fellowship program is the first in Australia to offer a tangible salary and research commercialisation funding, alongside mentoring and skills development. Under the Breakthrough Fellowship Program, Breakthrough Victoria will invest up to $150,000 per startup. Each startup must focus on commercialising research conducted by the founders or associated university professors. Fellows will have to draw a salary between $60,000 and $90,000 from the invested capital, ensuring financial stability during their entrepreneurial journey. The remaining funds will support additional hiring or product development. Applicants must […]

Convergence Medical secure $5 million from global investors for world-first surgical robot

Brisbane MedTech company Convergence Medical has secured AU$5 million from global investors, closing out its successful Series A funding round. US investor Avicella Capital has backed the company’s world-first arthroscopic surgical robot – named VO1 – which will support plans to commercialise the robot, expand into the US and disrupt the $6.1 billion global arthroscopic industry. The funding milestone elevates the company to a valuation of over AU$30 million, setting the stage for significant expansion and innovation in the global healthcare sector. It also delivers a significant return on investment to angel, pre-seed and seed investors who have backed the company since its inception three years ago. Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat over 50 million injured wrists, elbows, shoulders, spines, hips, knees and ankles each year globally. The V01 robot is designed to reduce the physical and cognitive burden on surgeons while enhancing operative precision and dexterity and is set to transform arthroscopic operations. The funding follows the VO1’s acceptance into the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program in December 2023, expediting its path to market. Less than 3% of devices submitted to the FDA are accepted into this program. Convergence Medical founder and CEO Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation, and seasoned entrepreneur behind other notable MedTech ventures including Field Orthopaedics and Audeara, said the investment would help accelerate growth. “We’re thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our journey to commercialisation and excited to be working with Avicella Capital, who are seasoned investors with a great track record in the global MedTech industry,” said Dr Jeffery. “This funding enables us to accelerate our growth and bring our transformative technology to hospitals and surgeons around the globe. “Our mission is to create more efficient, effective solutions that support medical professionals […]

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Improving processes and enhancing efficiencies in manufacturing

James Robinson, Head of Services for Asia Pacific at Syspro. In today’s global manufacturing market, competition is intense. International supply chains, shifting consumer demands and rapid technological advances force manufacturers to adapt swiftly or risk falling behind. For Australasian manufacturers, these challenges are magnified by geographical distance from key international markets and higher labour and production costs, demanding a relentless focus on agility and efficiency. Navigating global market dynamics Australasian manufacturing sectors operate within a complex, rapidly evolving global economy. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices continue to reshape the industry. According to BHP’s latest economic outlook, major economies are experiencing varying growth rates. Developed economies are stabilising after grappling with high interest rates, while India remains on a rapid growth path. Meanwhile, China’s uneven recovery underscores ongoing challenges within its industrial sectors, though it is expected to meet 2024 growth targets. Geopolitical risks are expected to remain elevated, adding uncertainty to global trade. Industrial activity in 2023 remained sluggish due to subdued global demand and the lasting impacts of the energy crisis. However, BHP projects a recovery in demand for key commodities like steel, copper and nickel by 2025, presenting growth opportunities for Australian manufacturers aligned with these sectors. For local manufacturers, this volatile landscape brings both challenges and opportunities. Higher interest rates continue to suppress domestic demand, but the recovery in commodity markets offers a chance to supply essential components to industries such as construction, transport and energy production. Enhancing agility with ERP In considering the shifting market challenges, Australian manufacturers must adopt flexible, data-driven operational strategies to capitalise on opportunities. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can help manufacturers respond effectively to shifts in demand by improving processes and enhancing efficiencies to remain competitive. ERP systems help manufacturers integrate essential processes, including procurement, production, […]

Tech Council welcomes Federal Government’s review of Australia’s R&D system

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s strategic review of research and development (R&D) in Australia, which will examine how it can bolster productivity and economic growth. Minister for Industry and Science the Hon Ed Husic MP has announced that Tech Council Board Chair Robyn Denholm will Chair an independent panel that will deliver recommendations to strengthen Australia’s R&D system. Tech Council CEO Damian Kassabgi said the review was an opportunity for Australia to better harness the economic and productivity benefits of R&D. “A strategic approach to R&D will increase competition, attract investment and contribute to a more productive and resilient economy,” he said. “The decline in productivity is one of Australia’s biggest economic challenges. To continue enjoying our standard of living, which is among the highest in the world, Australia needs to focus on improving productivity growth. “Lifting investment in R&D can help us turn this around. To maximise the economic and productivity gains, we need a strong R&D system that encourages innovation and supports companies to transform world-class research into commercial success. “While other countries are consistently increasing their investment in technology, Australia isn’t keeping up and our spending on tech investment is actually forecast to fall if we don’t act,” Mr Kassabgi said. Research released by the Tech Council in November showed that lifting investment in R&D and tech adoption could contribute up to $167 billion in GDP by 2035 in productivity gains. Ms Denholm said she was honoured to be appointed Chair of the review. “On behalf of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), I commend the Government for initiating this independent review to enhance Australia’s R&D framework,” Ms Denholm said. “A robust and forward-looking R&D ecosystem is vital to driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and establishing Australia as a global […]

Combatting rising costs by optimising operational efficiency

James Robinson, SYSPRO Head of Services Asia Pacific. Over the past five years, the manufacturing sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, enduring many different challenges. Today, manufacturers face a renewed and formidable challenge with unexpected higher inflation raising the risk of yet another rate hike, threatening to destabilise the core economics of manufacturing businesses across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The challenging economy has dominated the news for over two years, placing the manufacturing industry in the spotlight as it grapples with the challenges it presents. SYSPRO’s recent Global CFO Manufacturing Survey showed that over 80 per cent of respondents across the Asia Pacific region cited high inflation and interest rates as a cause of drag in the manufacturing industry. Meanwhile, 67 per cent of companies surveyed have been buffeted by economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions. Yet, as history has shown, within every challenge the manufacturing sector has faced lies an opportunity for innovation and efficiency improvements. Strategies for optimising operational efficiency To counteract the effects of rising costs, manufacturers need to optimise their operational efficiency. Integrating their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management) systems can be a game-changer in achieving this goal. Here are several strategies for manufacturers to consider: Invest in technology and automation Embracing advanced technologies and automation is essential for the manufacturing sector. Innovations like ERP and MOM systems can significantly enhance operational efficiency by reducing reliance on manual labour, minimising errors and centralising information. Together with advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, provide real-time data and insights, enabling informed decision-making and improved productivity. Optimise supply chain management Efficient supply chain management is crucial for minimising costs and ensuring a steady flow of materials. ERP systems help manufacturers enhance supply chain efficiency by diversifying […]

Australian made concussion diagnosis device exported to US

Every four minutes, someone in Australia is hospitalised with a head injury, with 24 per cent of all concussive episodes caused by sport.* The time taken for a patient to be diagnosed with concussion has largely been based on rudimentary field assessments, and diagnosis is often delayed as patients are transported to scanning equipment in hospitals. As a result, the potential for misdiagnosis or delay in treatment is high. With support from AMGC, Headsafe will change this, with the introduction of a ‘brain scanner in a briefcase’ dubbed Nurochek. Nurochek is a world-first device able to be deployed in mobile and clinical settings for rapid assessment and response to head injuries at the point of injury and at treating doctors or clinics. Verified extensively in the United States (US) and Australia, this US FDA-cleared portable headset uses patented technology to measure the brain’s electrical activity and sends the results to an online AI algorithm for analysis and later to the ‘cloud’ for secure storage. In a two-minute assessment, Nurochek will aid doctors and patients understand if a concussion has occurred. If so, then the patient can be appropriately managed and ensured a safer return to activities. Nurochek has multiple applications beyond sport, offering assessments for Traumatic Brain Injury from: Falls Motor vehicle accidents Military incidents and potentially early-stage diagnosis of other acute and chronic brain conditions. The two-year project, involving 11 collaborative partners, saw Headsafe adapt the technology to suit in-the-field deployment including the development of the technology while improving the data, processing, and usability capabilities of the product. Headsafe and its collaborators designed a new user interface, analysis algorithms, device design, power usage and cloud analysis capabilities. CEO and Founder of Headsafe, Dr. Adrian Cohen said, “Speed and accuracy of concussion diagnosis is key to better patient outcomes. Far […]

Advanced, energy efficient computing cluster speeds up science

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has worked with Dell Technologies to build a high-performance computer (HPC) system which will speed up scientific discoveries and help grow Australia’s industry and economy. Named Virga, the HPC system is built on state-of-the-art Dell PowerEdge XE9640 servers and is the first deployment of its kind in Australia, designed to optimise artificial intelligence (AI) workflows while also being power-efficient using direct liquid cooling. Professor Elanor Huntington, CSIRO’s Digital, National Facilities and Collections Executive Director, said Virga will provide the critical computing infrastructure needed for machine learning and AI to grow Australia’s industry and economy. “CSIRO is proud to be a steward of some of Australia’s most important pieces of research infrastructure,” Professor Huntington said. “AI is used in practically all fields of research at CSIRO, such as developing world-leading flexible printed solar panels, predicting fires, measuring wheat crops and developing vaccines, just to name a few. “High-performance computing systems like Virga also play an important role in CSIRO’s robotics and sensing work and are crucial to the recently launched National Robotics Strategy to drive competitiveness, and productivity of Australian industry.” The HPC cluster, which is housed at CDC’s Hume Data Centre in Canberra, is named Virga after the meteorological effect of rain that evaporates before it reaches the ground and was named in recognition of CSIRO’s decades of research into cloud and rain physics. CSIRO’s new, powerful and energy-efficient high-performance computer (HPC) Virga (below)is speeding up science, working alongside THE other HPC Petrichor. Dr Jason Dowling from CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre said the increase in medical imaging data coupled with the growing complexity of diagnostic techniques has led to an urgent need for advanced computational power and data processing for medical image analysis. “The new HPC facilities will allow researchers in our Australian e-Health […]

Over 30 trades represented at 47th WorldSkills International

The refrigeration industry will be among over 30 trades represented at the 47th WorldSkills International tournament, a global movement dedicated to promoting the skills excellence of young tradespeople playing a crucial role in the visibility, development, and empowerment of tomorrow’s experts. WorldSkills Australia competitor, Bailey Loenneker, a fourth-year refrigeration apprentice from the Sunshine Coast, and his Expert Carl Balke will represent Australia in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning category on the global stage in Lyon, France in September to compete against the best young apprentices in the world. The contingent of apprentices, trainees, and students, known as the Skillaroos, is the largest delegation of competitors, trainers, officials, and team management ever sent to an International Competition. Refrigeration represents a crucial yet often overlooked trade. Despite the vital role refrigeration tradespeople play in maintaining the cold chain essential for food safety, healthcare, comfort cooling, air quality, and numerous industrial processes, their numbers are significantly lower compared to other trades on offer. This is one of the reasons that the WorldSkills Australia initiative is supported by Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) and like-minded organisations committed to the promotion and development of skills excellence in Australia. Kylie from Refrigerant Reclaim Australia says this disparity highlights the need to elevate the profile of refrigeration professionals, by increasing awareness and appreciation for their specialised skills.” “Our longstanding partnership supporting WorldSkills helps to Promote the importance of refrigeration tradespeople and underscores their contribution to public health, safety, and the economy”. Carl, WorldSkills Australia Expert, emphasises the transformative impact of the competition on young apprentices and highlights the importance of the competition in promoting refrigeration apprenticeships to the wider sector. “The competition is not only great for the young apprentices coming through, but it also lifts the profile of refrigeration apprentices which historically has remained unseen”. In addition […]

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