SmartSat commits AU$1M+ to research ects for NSW’s Space Qualification Mission Waratah Seed
It is an historic project to help establish foundational capabilities in the NSW space sector and the Australian space industry as a whole.
Smart Manufacturing
National indigenous space academy takes off
The National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) will see up to five students studying in STEM fields travel to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL) in California for a 10 week full time summer internship program.
Capital expenditure investments at foodpro 23-26 July
The poll, run by leading food manufacturing event foodpro, also indicated that over a third of are looking to invest in processing and packaging in the same period (37 per cent of respondents).
Workers skilling up for Industry 4.0 takeover
Workers in a range of industries have been training in critical Industry 4.0 skills to prepare themselves and their employers for the rapidly increasing rollout of inter-connected technology in industry. TAFE Queensland are leaders in providing such training to students in the sunshine state with courses for students starting, enhancing, and changing their careers. Key offerings from Queensland’s largest training provider include its class-leading high-school Industry 4.0 program that forms part of the Queensland Future Skills Partnership, a three-way partnership between BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity. Consisting of the Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies (10935NAT), the program sees Year 10 and 11 students across the state complete an 18 month course that gives them a leg up on their career, says TAFE Queensland CEO Mary Campbell. “A certificate II level qualification will give the students a good taste of what kind of work goes into autonomous technologies, and with the backing of BMA we have a major employer demonstrating their interest in developing this pathway,” Mrs Campbell said. “Understanding the key concepts and gaining some familiarity of how equipment and software can make a complicated task easier or keep workers safe will help to attract young people to pursue careers in this field,” she said. The Queensland Future Skills Partnership commenced delivery to four Central Queensland high schools from Semester 2, 2020 including Moranbah, Dysart and Blackwater State High Schools. The pilot has since been expanded with wider intakes to other priority areas of the state including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Gladstone which was facilitated through the QFS Partnership along with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA). Participant Samuel Kirkman from Dysart State High School said he has always been interested in technology and thanks to this opportunity he is now gaining valuable skills for […]
Australia announces world first responsible AI Network to uplift industry
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network, is a world-first cross-ecosystem program to support Australian companies in using and creating AI ethically and safely. AI is expected to be worth $22.17 trillion to the global economy by 2030, but poorly developed AI solutions can have serious consequences, from data and privacy breaches to ethical issues. The network will be the gateway for Australia’s industries to uplift its practice of responsible AI. Bringing together a national community of practice, guided by world leading expert partners, and enabling Australian businesses with best practice guidance, tools and learning modules, the network is centred around six core pillars: Law, Standards, Principles, Governance, Leadership and Technology. Established by the National AI Centre, initial Knowledge Partners of the Responsible AI Network include the Australian Industry Group, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), CEDA, CSIRO’s Data61, Standards Australia, The Ethics Centre, The Gradient Institute, The Human Technology Institute, and the Tech Council of Australia. National AI Centre Director Stela Solar said the Responsible AI Network would help Australian businesses make the most of the trillion-dollar opportunity presented by AI technologies. “No country in the world has yet worked out responsible AI, but Australia is taking a big step forward by collaborating across the ecosystem to share best practice and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape,” Ms Solar said. “We have a sliding doors moment here to build a competitive advantage in responsible AI, and to take it to the world by equipping Australian businesses with the toolkit to build and deploy safe and ethical AI solutions,” she said. The announcement comes at a time when the world is racing to build guardrails for AI development and deployment to ensure responsible AI practices are developed in parallel with a rapidly accelerating AI landscape. “We know from speaking to hundreds of […]
Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range
Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its latest addition to its range of X5 FastMig welders – the new X5 FastMig Pulse. The X5 FastMig Pulse multi-process welding system has been specifically designed for steel, aluminium and stainless steel welding in industrial environments. The machine delivers a range of features that help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig Pulse offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics, flexible equipment setup and is industry 4.0 ready. Faster welding, better quality weldsA high-performing machine, the X5 FastMig Pulse features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard. When combined with WiseSteel software, which is also included in the X5 FastMig Pulse, it delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. The X5 Pulse tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, providing better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 Pulse helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminium applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional MAX welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operationDesigned to be hassle-free, the new model can be quickly set up thanks to Weld Assist. This feature guides the welder to set the right parameters for each application so they can start welding faster. The X5 Pulse is also very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical […]
Australia hasn’t figured out low-level nuclear waste storage yet – let alone high-level waste from submarines
Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University Within ten years, Australia could be in possession of three American-made Virginia-class nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and United Kingdom. The following decade, we plan to build five next-generation nuclear submarines. To date, criticism of the deal has largely focused on whether our unstable geopolitical environment and China’s military investment means it’s worth spending up to A$368 billion on eight submarines as a deterrent. But nuclear submarines mean nuclear waste. And for decades, Australia has failed to find a suitable place for the long-term storage of our small quantities of low and intermediate level nuclear waste from medical isotopes and the Lucas Heights research reactor. With this deal, we have committed ourselves to managing highly radioactive reactor waste when these submarines are decommissioned – and guarding it, given the fuel for these submarines is weapons-grade uranium. Where will it be stored? The government says it will be on defence land, making the most likely site Woomera in South Australia. What nuclear waste will we have to deal with? Under this deal, Australia will not manufacture nuclear reactors. The US and later the UK will give Australia “complete, welded power units” which do not require refuelling over the lifetime of the submarine. In this, we’re following the US model, where each submarine is powered by a reactor with fuel built in. When nuclear subs are decommissioned, the reactor is pulled out as a complete unit and treated as waste. An official fact sheet about this deal states Australia “has committed to managing all radioactive waste generated through its nuclear-powered submarine program, including spent nuclear fuel, in Australia”. What does this waste look like? When Virginia-class submarines are decommissioned, you have to pull out the “small” reactor and dispose of it. Small, in this context, is relative. […]
Integrated space and spatial industry key to securing Australia’s future
Industry-led Report A national coalition of leading space and geospatial industry experts have today launched the 2030 Space+Spatial Industry Growth Roadmap, an industry document designed to inform government policymakers to commit to an integrated space and spatial industry to safeguard Australia’s future economic success, societal well-being, and national security. The 2030 Space+Spatial Industry Growth Roadmap lists nine key objectives that must be met to future-proof the nation’s sovereign capabilities in these two vitally important industries – with wide-ranging consequences for tackling climate change, enhancing disaster resilience, strengthening defence, and safeguarding our most critical infrastructure. The Roadmap was developed from extensive industry-wide consultation over 18 months under the leadership of the late Dr Peter Woodgate. It was officially handed over to the Australian Space Agency today as input to its 2040 Vision Roadmap. Acting Chair of the 2030 Space+Spatial Steering Committee, Glenn Cockerton, said the simultaneous growth of the space and spatial industries would profoundly impact the nation’s well-being over the next decade and beyond. “The 2030 Space+Spatial Roadmap represents the lasting legacy of Dr Peter Woodgate and aims to help Australia take advantage of a golden opportunity to bring our national space and spatial industries closer together. The businesses at the intersection of space and spatial have a fundamental role in helping Australia navigate its response to catastrophic bushfires, the impacts of climate change, and the development of recovery plans for the economy following the global pandemic and its impact on our society and the economy.” “This work was conducted under Dr Woodgate’s leadership and was the culmination of over the last few years working across the space, spatial and research sectors. We are proud to be handing over these recommendations to the Australian Space Agency today and hope that the roadmap inspires government at all levels to take immediate […]
The role of ERP in ESG performance reporting
By Jaco Maritz, Chief Executive Officer, SYSPRO In a manufacturing business, measuring ESG standards comes down to tracking internal and external Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance standards. ESG has become a determining factor in access to capital and in the decisions made by consumers and B2B customers. So, it’s not surprising that leaders are taking ESG seriously. EY’s 2022 CEO Outlook indicates that 97 per cent of CEOs say their company has a sustainability strategy. What’s more, 28 per cent believe they will gain valuable competitive advantage by becoming leaders in sustainability. However, before CIOs, CFOs and boards consider technology investment, they should be fully aware of the growing role of ESG in reporting and in boosting corporate performance. As corporate strategy rapidly incorporates ESG, digital strategies must align accordingly. For example, a manufacturing company may commit to improvements in water usage in production processes, carbon emissions, the proportion of its products that are recyclable, and wages and working conditions of employees and contractors. Without a technology strategy that supports the collection of high-quality data along the entire value chain, companies will not be able to report data or demonstrate progress against these commitments. ESG in the supply chain Supply chain sustainability shifts the focus from short-term financial considerations to long-term value creation as well as managing the ESG performance of suppliers. By taking these factors into account, sustainable supply chain management not only benefits the environment but also reduces risks, mitigates impacts and realises reputational and financial benefits such as cost savings, brand goodwill and customer loyalty. Companies with strong ESG performance typically have robust governance frameworks, manage social and environmental risks well and have stronger relationships with suppliers. Prioritising supply chain sustainability can reduce general risks for corporations, including minimising operational disruptions caused by environmental and regulatory risks […]
Shed light on connectors
The Amphenol Socapex SL61 Connector is a robust and reliable 19 ins connector. It is a standard cable type for stage lighting and offers a high strength weight ratio. Used for conducting dimmed power from a dimmer to stage lighting instruments, it can also occasionally power other equipment. It is used in film, television and stage lighting to terminate the multi-cable. The 19 pin connector is UL recognised and is supplied with solder or crimp gold plated contacts and SLG version with seven first mate last break ground contacts provide electrical safety. The connector has a reinforced locking ring, and can be operated up to 600V and in temperatures of -40 C to +85 C. ROHS versions are available with black coating (non conductive) and nickel plating (conductive). The split backshell ensures simple maintenance and wiring, while the metallic monopiece backshell provides an IP67 waterproof sealing for outdoor applications. For more information contact Treotham on 1300 65 75 64 or email info@treotham.com.au https://treotham.com.au/connectors/circular-connectors-for-stage-lighting-industry/monopiece-19pin-25amp-400v-ip67