More than 200 members of the manufacturing, research, and academic communities attended the first-ever ARM Hub Open Day recently.
Our visitors explored cutting-edge technologies that are set to revolutionise the manufacturing industry.
Founder and CEO of ARM Hub Professor Cori Stewart was pleased with the turnout, saying it was an opportunity to highlight the critical role that advanced manufacturing plays in driving innovation, exports and Australia’s industrial future.
One of the key themes of the Open Day was manufacturing clean energy technologies here in Australia and how we integrate clean technologies into established manufacturing processes.
Among the innovative clean-tech companies featured was Wisk, which is developing the world’s first self-flying, all-electric air taxi. This project, which aims to be operational by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation. The use of electric power in aviation is a critical step towards reducing carbon emissions in one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise.
ARM Hub tenant Vaulta also demonstrated how it is enabling a faster transition to electrification with its ‘smarter, safer, and cleaner’ lithium battery pack for Australian homes. Vaulta does not weld its battery packs, allowing technicians to access the battery at the cell level. 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.
Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, AI, and 3D printing, are also making production more efficient by significantly reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing. These technologies enable manufacturers to digitise and account for carbon emissions, optimise energy use, minimise waste, and transition to renewable energy sources.
Showcasing sustainable manufacturing solutions
The Open Day also featured interactive sessions with robotic equipment from QUT and CSIRO, as well as augmented and virtual reality demonstrations. These exhibits underscored the potential for advanced technologies to enhance sustainability in manufacturing. For example, robotics can improve precision and efficiency, reducing energy consumption and material waste, while AI can optimise production schedules to align with the availability of renewable energy sources.
The Future of Manufacturing is Green
The ARM Hub’s Open Day dispelled outdated perceptions of manufacturing, instead highlighting how the future of manufacturing is increasingly tied to clean energy, new technologies and sustainability.
The ARM Hub’s ongoing development of a Generative AI chatbot for industry, in partnership with major technology companies, is just one example of how digital innovation can support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the integration of clean energy technologies into manufacturing processes will be essential.
Professor Stewart said the ARM Hub was playing a pivotal role in driving the clean energy revolution within the manufacturing sector: “By embracing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, the ARM Hub is helping to build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Australia and the world.”
