Collaborative research at its best

IMCRC yesterday opened its two-day Australian Manufacturing Innovation Showcase at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. 

On display are the innovative outcomes of over 40 collaborative manufacturing research and development (R&D) projects between ambitious Australian businesses and research organisations, including 13 leading universities and the CSIRO. 

With support and co-funding from IMCRC, each project has explored, developed and applied advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, robotics, data analytics and augmented and virtual reality to deliver transformative business models, products and services. 

Outcomes on show include Ausdrill’s rock scaling robotic system, Boral’s ultra-sustainable concrete and Monitum’s automated displacement monitoring device, Kurloo. 

Commenting on the Showcase, IMCRC’s Chair the Hon Ian MacFarlane said, “in 2016, IMCRC embarked on a mission to help catalyse the transformation of Australia’s manufacturing sector through collaborative investment, research impact and innovation. 

“Six years on, and our efforts and the efforts of our project partners have culminated in a portfolio of 71 R&D projects and generated more than $230 million in investment into research-led innovation. 

“Today, we’ve come together to champion Australian manufacturing, demonstrate research capabilities and share our industry’s successes. Given the challenges many businesses faced through the pandemic, we feel this is more important than ever to do.”