New applications of advanced technologies in the shipyard will be the focus of a major partnership between Naval Group and Flinders University.
In support of Naval Group’s Digital Shipyard vision, Flinders will conduct a range of research trials including applications of mobile machining robots and exoskeleton technologies, providing assistive manufacturing capabilities in shipbuilding for improved quality, safety and productivity.
Francois Romanet, CEO of Naval Group Pacific and Professor Colin Stirling, Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University welcomed the partnership saying that this ground-breaking ‘Industry 4.0’ research program will help to establish a world leading advanced manufacturing capability at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia.
“The establishment of this partnership with Flinders University is part of our commitment to ensuring shipyards are able to access the early deployment of the most advanced digital and advanced manufacturing technologies available”, said Francois Romanet.
Professor Stirling said, “This new collaboration builds on our existing research and education program with Naval Group in the fast emerging field of autonomous maritime vehicles, announced earlier this year”.
“Our research team at the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute and the College of Science and Engineering will work closely with Naval Group to test and evaluate technologies for potential application in the shipyard”, said Professor Stirling.
Flinders is a national leader in the development and application of i4.0 advanced technologies which are transforming manufacturing through automated systems including robotics, cobotics, and digitally assisted assembly.
Naval Group Pacific, the Sydney-based subsidiary of the group, leverages the dynamic R&D policy of its parent company to solve some of the local defence industry’s most critical challenges.
Naval Group Pacific and Flinders University are both members of the recently announced 16-member Australian Maritime Development Centre (AMDC).
