Operations centre to lower automation entry barriers

Perth businesses looking to harness automation now have access to a facility to test their technology in a real-world remote operations environment in Neerabup.

The Local Operation Centre, unveiled today, provides access to testing, demonstration, and training facilities for local innovators as part of the Australia Auttomation and Robotics Precinct.

It has been provided by global Geo-data company Fugro as part of the AARP, which is operated by CORE Innovation Hub on behalf of Development WA.

Remote operations technology has many applications across a variety of industries, allowing remote operation of autonomous vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Minister for Innovation Stephen Dawson and stakeholders at the opening of the remote operations centre as part of the AARP.

Fugro, the provider of the LOC, currently use similar centres to deliver remote survey, inspection, piloting and positioning services using remote operations solutions for both maritime and land-based industries.

AARP national lead Tamryn Barker said the new facility was an example of the continued investment in critical innovation infrastructure between industry and government.

“The LOC is a strategic asset that can lower the entry barriers to remote operations for SMEs, build new capability and allow industry giants to collaborate on developing advanced technological innovations and deep tech,” she said.

“Fugro is the latest global industry user of the AARP. In just two years, a mix of start-ups, SMEs and big companies, both local and international, are active across AARP’s unique facilities, leveraging its 51 hectares of test beds as Australia’s largest industrial test and innovation precinct.”

The centre allows control of drone stations, such as the one pictured above, to be controlled from thousands of kilometres away.

Fugro director of remote operations APAC Paul Mullins said that trough this collaboration, the company intended to support the local innovation ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology.

“The AARP is an ideal site for testing and development of technologies without interrupting live operations or production, which is often a barrier in developing technologies and innovations,” he said.

“Using our technology in partnership with the AARP, we want to build a greater understanding about the part remote operations can play in advancing local business and providing an opportunity to trial the technology.

Minister for innovation Stephen Dawson said the AARP served as an enabler of innovation and would help businesses future-proof their organisations.