Australia launches first Defence Cooperative Research Centre.

The first Defence Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Trusted Autonomous Systems was formally launched in Brisbane on 23 May at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2018.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Honorary Christopher Pyne MP (Picture source: Twitter)

Minister for Defence Industry, the Honorary Christopher Pyne MP, welcomed the CRC which established under the Next Generation Technologies Fund. “I am pleased the first Defence CRC, which is focused on trusted autonomous systems, has got off to a fitting start at the world-leading International Conference on Robotics and Automation,” Minister Pyne said.
“The Defence CRC allows Australia’s industry and research sectors to collaborate with Defence on leading edge technologies such as autonomous systems to maintain the ADF’s capability advantage.”

The Defence CRC has been established to research and deliver game-changing autonomous technologies to Defence, ensuring trusted and effective cooperation between humans and machines. Inaugural founding company members of the Defence CRC include BAE Systems Australia, DefendTex, RMIT University, and Defence Science and Technology.

The Defence CRC will initially carry out three research projects in the maritime, air and land domains led respectively by Thales Australia, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. Minister Pyne said the CRC program is a tried and tested model with a proven track record in translating research into capability. “Not only will Defence benefit with new capabilities, Australian industry will improve its expertise and competitiveness in autonomous technologies,” Minister Pyne said. “I look forward to the CRC making a vital contribution to advances in autonomous systems for Defence capability.”

To be headquartered in Brisbane, the Defence CRC for Trust Autonomous Systems is chaired by Mr Jim McDowell, Chancellor of the University of South Australia.
Held annually, this year’s ICRA, a flagship event for worldwide robotics researchers, is convened by the Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky.