Advanced robotics hub offering help to manufacturers in need

The team from Australia’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub are offering their industry expertise to help manufacturers evolve and meet supply needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ARM Hub in Northgate, Queensland, is a collaborative facility for the local manufacturing sector, led by the Queensland Government and delivered in partnership with QUT and Urban Art Projects (UAP). Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said ARM Hub staff are eager to help more manufacturers overcome current industry challenges and fill gaps in the market, leveraging robotics, automation and other Industry 4.0 technology and processes.

“The ARM Hub is a facility for all of Queensland, and I encourage manufacturers from around Queensland to contact the team, take advantage of their knowledge and skills, and work together to take new products to market,” he said. “Just recently the hub’s robotics and design talents have been called on to assist with the prototyping of the OzVader ventilator, which was designed and manufactured here in Queensland.

“Hub staff are also working on strategy and technical capacity with businesses to ensure they’re in the best possible position to bounce back successfully and keep employing once industry returns to normal operation. Businesses needing manufacturing support should get in touch with the ARM Hub to schedule a video call or teleconference to discuss their needs.”

Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said the ARM Hub is about transforming industry, protecting jobs and helping businesses thrive through change.

“This is the hardest period many Queensland businesses have ever faced, so it’s important we’re working together to keep manufacturers producing and workers in jobs,” she said. “To know this level of support is available locally is really pleasing, and I hope many more manufacturing businesses take the opportunity to connect with the ARM Hub team.”

ARM Hub Technical Director Professor Jonathan Roberts said the hub team are ready and eager to support operational transformation during this challenging time and beyond.

“We have to work together to find safer, cost-effective and productive solutions,” said Professor Roberts. “Businesses can use the ARM Hub to explore, experiment and implement advanced manufacturing solutions, powered by robotics and assistive technologies like augmented and virtual reality.

“The hub offers design capabilities, from industrial, process and digital through to workflow, engineering and architectural design. Additionally, our Learning Factory is available for businesses to see and trial the technology firsthand.”

Queensland manufacturers looking for ARM Hub support can contact the hub’s Business Development Manager, Peta Portelli, via peta.portelli@armhub.com.au.

Queensland manufacturers and suppliers can also register what they need and what they have available to keep manufacturing supply chains open via dsdmip.qld.gov.au/qld-supplies and the ICN Gateway.

Image: Queensland Government.