Imdex secures robotics centre deal

Mining tech company Imdex has struck a deal with the state government to become the first industry partner of the recently built Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct.

The Balcatta-based business will use the nearby purpose-built precinct to further the test and demonstrate its multi-sensor drill system and other technology.

Located north of Perth in Neerabup, the 51-hectare hub was developed by the state government for companies to test and develop autonomous, remote and robotic systems and equipment.

Imdex has signed as the first industry partner for an initial two-year period and will build and maintain a common user drill pad as part of a 22 hectare “dirt lab” to enable commercial and collaborative opportunities in the sector.

Chief executive Paul House said having the purpose-built, robotics research and development site so close to the company’s headquarters was ideal.

“While we operate globally and have an unrivalled presence on all major mining operations, WA is home to some of the world’s major mining companies so having the opportunity to develop and promote our technology locally is an additional benefit,” he said.

“BLAST DOGTM won’t be the only technology we will test at the site.

“We have plans for testing a range of IMDEX tools and technology developed by our research and development team.”

At the precinct, the government is developing a common user facility building, which will house facilities such as laboratories and advanced test beds for companies and researchers to use without disrupting on-site operations.

The state government said work was set to begin on the common user facility building at AARP and that Devlyn Australia had been awarded a $7.3 million contract to deliver to facility.

Lands Minister John Carey said AARP was preparing WA for the future by supporting local jobs and innovation in critical technologies across key sectors.

"Developed with a $28 million investment from the Cook Labor Government, the AARP provides local, national, and international industry innovators and researchers the opportunity to accelerate technology development, testing and scaling without interrupting on-site production and activities,” he said.

"Together with the commencement of the CUF, this is a major milestone marking another exciting step in WA's innovation journey.

"By providing infrastructure to enable technological development, knowledge sharing and collaboration, we are creating avenues for growth and innovation in local industries and positioning WA as a global technology hub."