Author: Angela Reed

The ARM Hub has welcomed news that the Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) has been selected as an Industry Partner Organisation for the Industry Growth Program.

Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic today announced that four not-for-profit organisations will work with the Industry Growth Program to help participating small and medium businesses bring new products and services to market.

The Industry Growth Program provides expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth to startups and high-growth small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund to help build Australian manufacturing for the future. This advice is provided by Industry Growth Program advisers.

As an Industry Partner Organisation, the AMCN will complement this advice, offering specialised advisory services, drawing on its sectorial expertise.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said this was an opportunity to better enable SMEs and startups become global innovation leaders.

“On behalf of the AMCN, we are thrilled to be partnering with the Industry Growth Program. I would like to thank the Australian Government for this opportunity as well as our network partners for their commitment to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and growing the national economy,” Professor Stewart said.

“Australian industry has a scale-up challenge resulting in a ‘missing middle’ of ambitious export-orientated SMEs and startups. Small business – which accounts for 93% of all Australian business – have low levels of free cash flow and human resources that limit their capacity to invest in adopting and scaling innovation.

“The AMCN, which will be led by the ARM Hub, will help them by facilitating access to a comprehensive network of technology experts, world-class manufacturing facilities and equipment, and valuable commercialisation services.

“We complement the role of the Industry Growth Program by offering deep technical support across the spectrum of ‘enabling capabilities’ such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.”

The AMCN is a collaboration between industry, government, and universities.

Its members include the ARM Hub, Core Innovation Hub, CSIRO, Flinders University, Swinburne University of Technology, Queensland Government, University of Technology Sydney, and Western Sydney University.

It is further supported by technology partners, specialist providers, and venture capital investors Advisory Board Centre, Data and Knowledge Enterprise (DKE), Defence Science Centre Western Australia, Defence Innovation Network, Defence Science Institute, Friday Capital Partners, Johnson Winter Slattery, Paradigm Shift Asset Management, Partner Ventures, and Smartsat CRC.

It will act as a support and advisory service to the Industry Growth Program, helping companies in the program to overcome challenges associated with commercialising projects.

Further details about the AMCN will be released shortly.

>> Read the full announcement by Minister for Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic.

The ARM Hub is supporting a Queensland start-up to build a smart, safe, and clean lithium battery for Australian homes.

The batteries have a special casing that enables them to be repaired remotely, at a cell level.

The company, Vaulta, is scaling their pilot assembly plant at the ARM Hub.

Challenge: the challenge with lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are widely used, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

They store more energy in a smaller and lighter package, retain their charge longer when not in use, and operate effectively across a wide range of temperatures.

This combination underscores the technological and environmental potential of lithium batteries in driving forward the transition to cleaner energy and more sustainable consumption patterns.

However, concerns persist about the technology as their production is resource-intensive and they pose a fire risk if damaged or improperly handled.

The recycling and end-of-life disposal of these batteries also presents environmental challenges, as the process is complex and not fully efficient.

Approach: a new approach to lithium-ion battery packs

Vaulta is a Brisbane-based start-up tenanted at the ARM Hub Learning Factory. It is creating a ‘smarter, safer, and cleaner’ lithium battery pack for stationery storage applications, such as homes. The batteries are not used in cars.

CEO Dominic Spooner says while battery cell technology is evolving, the battery case has remained the same.

“I was working in the field and found evidence that battery recycling was a pending issue as we transitioned to more battery use. Between 2 and 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, and as the first wave of electric cars near the end of their lifecycle, that’s bad for the environment and business,” he says.

“I felt it was in part due to the casing and difficulties in repair and disassembly. Being an industrial designer, I was able to iterate a prototype which formed the basis of Vaulta.”

Battery cases contain too many parts, adding unwanted size and weight that affects the battery performance. It also means they are expensive to recycle.

“Dangerous goods freight is very expensive. Currently, when a battery fails the whole 100kg battery pack must be decommissioned and freighted. If the battery can repaired at a cell level you can reduce the components that need recycling.” he says.

“Less battery weight means less in freight costs, which means there is more appetite for recycling and repair.”

Solution

Vaulta does not weld its battery packs, allowing technicians to access the battery at the cell level. The packs also have a communications-enabled battery management system (BMS) that allows the company to remotely repair problems if they arise in the field.

Using advanced composite materials and a smart, streamlined design, Vaulta’s battery casing condenses multiple functions into fewer parts.

The no-weld design means modules can be easily assembled and disassembled, and cells can be reused and recycled, reducing waste and, crucially, giving batteries a second life.

The development process involved meetings with industry to validate the issue, designing and iterating prototypes with hand selected suppliers, and further discussions with industry to validate the proposed solution.

“We met with polymer experts, battery companies that were willing to help, Arc accelerator, and advisors.”

In terms of safety, Dominic says the batteries meet all certification and compliance requirements and the BMS ensure it is safe for the home.

Other key facts:

• the casing are up to 15% lighter
• the cases are easier maintain and assemble in the field
• the cases can be configured to suit different needs.
• the cases are electrically and thermally conductive, meaning they cool cells at their terminals.
• “The Vaulta battery is enabling a faster transition to electricification,” says Dominic.

“We are using locally designed and manufactured technology that is funded in part by the Australian and Queensland governments and is backed by ASX listed investors.”

We are working with Australia’s banana industry to improve processing.

The second stage of a research project to automate de-handing bananas is underway, with the proof-of-concept to be tested at a mocked-up banana processing facility at the ARM Hub.

The robotic arm will build on the first stage of the project, which found computer vision within the robotic system could identify appropriate cutting locations, assisted by the contrasting green and black abscission line present where the hand connects to the stalk.

The ARM Hub was instrumental in the feasibility stage of the study, which provided information to the industry on what was required for automation.

What is banana de-handing?

Banana de-handing is the process of separating the banana hands from the bunch.

It is a crucial process on any commercial banana farm and those responsible set the pace of the packing shed and the quality of fruit heading to market.

While a skilled task, it is manual, repetitive, and labour intensive, relying heavily on being able to hire and train experienced staff.

Any improvements in efficiency impacts on growers’ processing costs, which is also a win for consumers.

The project is a collaboration with Hort Innovation, QUT, Future Food Systems CRC, and BNL Industrial Solutions.

Read the ABC Rural article

The rapid evolution of AI technologies and their integration into our lives demands a proactive approach to its responsible use.

The ARM Hub adopts the definition of responsible use of AI as a ‘practice of developing and using AI systems in a way that provides benefits to individuals, groups and wider society, while minimising the risk of negative consequences.’

This policy has been prepared by Dr Cori Stewart, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ARM Hub. AI generated content is used within this document.

Download AI Guidelines

We have launched a new research initiative that will lead to real solutions for industry challenges.

The ARM Hub Industry-led Research Fellowship program is designed to close the gap between industry and academia.

It involves engaging a researcher (called a Fellow) to work solely on developing tailored solutions to your company’s challenge.

We want to hear from you!

Fellows work on projects put forward by companies.

For this initiative, we are looking for companies with a problem or challenge that may be overcome using robotics, artificial intelligence (ai), data analytics, or design.

Please outline your project here.

Time and costs

Fellowships are a cost-effective way of generating innovative solutions and accessing world-class research, with companies required to provide just half of the costs.

Fellows work on a project for anywhere between six months to four years, depending on the needs of the company and the complexity of the challenge.

Don’t miss out!

Companies have until 21 January 2024 to submit their project proposal.

This is a brilliant opportunity to have a solution to your business challenge addressed by leading specialists in robotics, ai, data analytics, and design.

For more information, please contact Samuel.jesuadian@armhub.com.au.

Earlier this month, our CEO Dr Cori Stewart visited advanced manufacturing hubs with university and industry collaborations similar to the ARM Hub in Germany and Belgium. In the following article she reflects on the tours as part of an Australian delegation to the region.

‘The ongoing work of catalysing Industry 4.0 digital transformation for individual businesses was a feature of these innovation hubs.

Flanders Make in Belgium is an impressive network of independent advanced manufacturing hubs that form a network of university and industry collaboration centres.

For a decade they have been tackling the requirements of Industry 4.0 digital transformation with local industry, creating solutions with individual businesses as well as creating a library of digital manufacturing tools for widespread use.

During our visit we saw teams creating augmented reality digital workstations with digital work instructions; robotic visions systems for quality control and picking and sorting in production-line processes; robotics stations designed for agile and flexible manufacturing production; and a semi-trailer full of tech demonstrations that goes to industry and events to educate and inspire. This network of hubs has ensured local manufacturing is relevant, connected, globally competitive and has access to the latest equipment, research and talent.

The Australian delegation spent several days with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institutes and local manufacturers in Stuttgart, the manufacturing heartland of the nation and home to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch, Festo, Trumpf were among the industrial companies and research institutions.

Fraunhofer had systematised Germany’s success at Industry 4.0 implementation into business assessment tools.

In 2016, Australia’s Innovative Manufacturing CRC collaborated with Fraunhofer to translate and share this work with Australian companies. Now the Fraunhofer are building on this work with added focus on advanced product development and green manufacturing.

This development is of interest to ARM Hub given it is relevant to our high-value bespoke or mass customised manufacturing, including robotics manufacture. If you are similarly interested and want to connect with ARM Hub and Fraunhofer around these capabilities please do reach out.

Our time in Germany culminated in the formal event, the Fraunhofer Science and Innovation Day Australia in Augsburg.

The day did result in new and expanded partnerships with the Fraunhofer Institutes and the message to share is that there are well established programmes and funding pathways for Australians and Germans researchers and companies to leverage investment for collaborative projects.

There is also a dedicated program for Queenslanders managed through the Queensland Investment and Trade office in Frankfurt.’

The ARM Hub has begun its Technology Accelerator Roadmap for Female Founders.

This exciting accelerator goes beyond exploring your business goals — it identifies the technology companies need to grow their business, expand revenue opportunities, and increase readiness for investment.

We are thrilled to have six fantastic women participating in this program.

Meet our female founders

Stephanie Bofinger, CEO and Founder of Fempro Armour
Fempro Armour is a cutting-edge, women-focused technology company that specializes in creating innovative and high-quality protective gear for women. Our mission is to provide protective gear for fall prevention, so we all can live in a world where people are safe when they fall. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Fempro Armour has developed a range of products that cater to the unique safety needs of women in impact sports, healthcare and high-risk frontline personnel.

Abby Walsh, Director at Stomping Elephants
At Stomping Elephants our passion is to help people to experience the joy of expressing their personality. We are the home of a huge range of fun, unique and affordable quality Australian made earrings which are available online and at markets/stores across Australia. All of our earrings are designed and manufactured in house by our amazing team at Stomping HQ in Mackay, Queensland. Our ever-changing range includes over 2,500 different styles, ensuring there is something for everyone. Our manufacturing process utilises multiple machines, predominantly UV printers and Laser cutter/engravers to produce the various styles, with the assembly being done by hand.

Umar Nguyen, Director at Platinum Provedore | The Fish Girl
My agency operates as a beacon of innovation and growth for Australian primary producers in the seafood sector. We specialise in sales and marketing, driving the creation of unique solutions and the development of new markets. Our strategy is distinctive – we engage directly with chefs nationwide, ensuring pull-through via enhanced brand awareness and education. With our extensive knowledge of market trends and our expansive network, we promote local and sustainable producers, offerings them a platform to shine and flourish.

Sheree Lamont, Business Manager at Minecorp Australia
Minecorp is an Australian manufacturer of automotive components and a modifier of fleet vehicles with complex requirements. Based in Acacia Ridge, Minecorp was founded in 2007 during a time where minesite compliance and vehicle safety engineering was a at the forefront driver protection. We manufacture steel and aluminum accessories such as trays, toolboxes, and supporting components as well as purpose built trailers for industry. Minecorp also support the defence industry with sovereign capability to produce build to print components. We modify vehicles that are required to withstand harsh environments and have significant site requirements such as mining, utilities, rental and government. We are very passionate about providing solutions for large corporate fleets where uptime and mobile work is critical to the success of clients. We are an agile business who understands our own capability and what we can deliver both internally or through partnerships with our suppliers. Our goal is to be the leader in the automotive fleet modification sector with technology driving efficiency and repeatability whilst delivering the best financial outcomes for our clients.

Rebecca McIntosh, Director and Co-Founder of CHRYSALIS PROJECTS
The core of my life’s work is connecting community through conversation and meaningful experiences. I am an artist and a creative entrepreneur and have founded three businesses LOVE TV, POPSART arts media and Chrysalis Project creative Place Makers which are all ultimately focused on making cities great! I believe in the power of art and creativity to do this by uniting communities, revitalising their public spaces, and helping us understand better who we are as people.

Melissa Nguyen, Co-Founder of Subarashii Seats
We use your existing seat base and modify it just for you and your riding preferences. Rest assured as your seat gets reupholstered with superior grade foam and with comfort in mind. Whether you’re a short person in need of a lower seat or a long distance rider in need of a supportive seat. Anything you need, we can modify to suit you.

The accelerator is a joint initiative between Advance Queensland and VenturePro.

ARM Hub CEO and Founder Dr Cori Stewart summarises her opening remarks for the Australian Governnment’s recent House Standing Committee inquiry in Brisbane this month.

I raised three factors critical to manufacturing in Australia at the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources for Developing Advanced Manufacturing in Australia.

1. Australia’s population decline

Our declining population demands we innovate to drive new productivity into manufacturing and make the most value out of our working population. Technology must be a force multiplier here.

Australia’s birth-rate is 1.6, and a nation needs 2.1 to maintain its population. It means we will have about 2.5 people in 2050 of working age (15-64) for every older Australian.

These statistics have Australia on a trajectory of hard-to-reverse population decline often described as the “Japan Dilemma”.

Australia needs a strong technology sector to do the jobs we don’t or cannot do. We need to use our human labour in more valuable and rewarding working roles if we want to secure a manufacturing workforce at all.

We need a strong robotics, automation and artificial intelligence capability. We know that robots creates jobs, they don’t take jobs.

Australia is 30th of all countries in its ratio of robotics to the human workforce, which is poor given at the same time we are globally recognised as leaders in robotics research and robotics innovation more widely. Australia also has the lowest manufacturing capability of all OECD countries.

Incremental change, uncoordinated policy efforts, and unstable or uncertain investment environments will hamper our ability to be a modern competitive manufacturing nation.

2. Australia is poor at scaling enterprises

This includes scaling manufacturing as well as the technology businesses like robotics that underpin our manufacturing ability.

Recently, the Tech Council of Australia released its Shots on Goal report saying:

‘Australia needs a lot more scale’up capital to match the United States on a per capita basis. While we do meet comparative investment environment to the US for Series A funding and we not too bad at Series B funding, for Series C and D – the scale-up stage characterised as when you employ a large workforce and export to the globe – Australia will need to increase funding by five times above BAU growth to match the United States by 2030 on a per capita basis. At our current rate Australia will face an expected gap in scaleup funding of $53b by 2030.’

The Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund and the Industry Growth Program are critically important in this space and will need to invest in ‘intangibles’ such as software, which is the smart part of manufacturing.

It is critical we scale-up manufacturing, which means accessible investment. It is the only way we can realise a net gain from cooperative trade policy settings with the U.S. (e.g. the Inflation Reduction Act, the proposed Defence Production Act, and the Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact).

3. Coordinated national approach to industry policy

We strongly believe a coordinated national approach to industry policy would coalease Australia’s efforts and resources, making us more competitive.

I would like to build on the idea of Australia’s network of Factories of the Future to facilitate open innovation and collaboration in manufacturing, which enables investment in key sovereign capabilities to be translated across industry sectors.

We also recommend further investment in strategic programs for industry:

• technology accelerators
• global supply chain innovation programs
• workforce development programs
• manufacturing precincts of global renown.

Australia needs to set the foundation for a coherent and successful industrial transformation strategy.

A strong network of Factories of the Future will tackle Australia’s narrow trade and industrial structure and create the industries and jobs of the future.

Only manufacturing can provide the foundations for national reconstruction because it will deliver the innovation, productivity and competitiveness and jobs we need to ensure greater sovereign capability and economic complexity, including diversification of our export mix.