Oz SMBs to receive local robotics training

A new robotics facility has opened at Swinburne University, aiming to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the training for how to use the technology in manufacturing.

(Assembly Instruction Manual image by
Andres Rueda, CC2.0)

Opening the facility last Friday, the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said it would give Australian companies an edge when competing for global work.

"Defence equipment is evolving as technology evolves and Australian manufacturing companies need the skills to match," he said. "That's why this facility is important — it will boost the skills of Australian SMEs in the use of high-end robotics technology."

The facility is the result of a partnership between Swinburne University, the Australian Government and Boeing Australia. More than 50 companies are expected to train their workers at the facility in the first 12 months of operation.

Swinburne has already been using the facility to conduct training courses in automated finishes, inspection, reverse engineering and feature and part picking via robotics.

"We know how challenging it can be for Australian businesses to access high-tech training in robotics," Boeing Australia and South Pacific president Ian Thomas said.

"While the introduction of robotics into manufacturing ultimately offers cost savings, many companies have told us that learning these new skills can be both expensive and difficult.

"This purpose-built training facility will offer high-quality courses for Australia's increasingly high-quality defence suppliers."