QUT’s pioneering research into autonomous systems will be an initial focus for a research partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia, announced in Canberra today.
The research partnership will be funded through an $80 million Technology and Product Development Fund which Rheinmetall will establish as part of the Australian Industry Capability program for the Commonwealth of Australia LAND 400 Phase 2 program.
Rheinmetall is currently delivering more than 2500 logistics trucks to the Australian Army under the LAND 121 Phase 3B program and bidding its BOXER CRV for the supply of 225 vehicles to the Australian Army under the LAND 400 Phase 2 tender, now being evaluated by the Commonwealth.
Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia Gary Stewart said the Fund would be used for both fundamental research into future technologies and ongoing product development.
“The fund will invest in the development of a range of new technologies and products for the Australian and global markets, ensure the sustainability of the industry in Australia, while also generating advanced manufacturing jobs and enriching the Australian economy,” Mr Stewart said.
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) Professor Arun Sharma said the university welcomed the opportunity to establish a research and development partnership with Rheinmetall.
“QUT has developed significant research capability in autonomous systems and robotic vision which is being recognised globally,” Professor Sharma said.
“Rheinmetall Group’s global defence and civilian business provides immense opportunities for application of QUT’s technological innovation and offers new and challenging problem sets for our research to be taken further.
“In addition to research, this important partnership provides potential for education programs for our students to gain experience in a real-world environment.
“We look forward to working with Rheinmetall to explore all these avenues for collaboration.”
As well as a research partnership on autonomous systems with QUT, Rheinmetall announced it would establish research programs with CSIRO and Swinburne University of Technology on lightweight, high-performance materials for automotive and military applications and advanced and hybrid manufacturing, and with University of South Australia on advanced sensing.
Mr Stewart said: “The technology fund and partnerships will create a clear pathway for science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates to enter an industry focused on military vehicles, turret systems and automotive technologies.
“It will also allow a clear commercialisation pathway for local companies to both the Rheinmetall Defence and Rheinmetall Automotive global supply chains.”
Media contact:
Karen Milliner, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841 or k.milliner@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
