New robotics and automation precinct opens in WA

The WA Government has opened what it says is Australia’s largest robotics and automation headquarters in Perth’s north. Developed with a $28 million state government investment, the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) at Neerabup aims to provide an ideal environment for testing, research and development across autonomous solutions, remote operations, and robotics, with a commitment to advancing zero-emissions technology.

Organisations will now be able to use one of AARP’s seven test beds, and have development teams working on backend software in the HQ, all while connecting in with their head offices or other offices around the world.

The AARP HQ features:

• a co-working space with sit/stand desks and monitors for plug-and-play connection
• five four-person offices
• maker space
• warehousing
• labs for testing and development
• fully-equipped event spaces for networking and robotics and technology demonstrations
• meeting rooms and a training facility.
   

Early state government forecasts suggest that the AARP will contribute between $450 and $600 million in economic benefits to Western Australia by 2030.

“Our Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct will play a key role in the integration of robotics to increase efficiency and safety within key industries in WA, including mining,” said Premier Roger Cook. “It’s exciting to be opening this world-class innovation hub right here in Perth, strengthening WA’s position as a global leader in innovation, and setting our State's economy up for the future.”

“This incredible precinct now places Western Australia at the forefront of global innovation,” said Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson. “The AARP’s new headquarters are designed to support robotics technology development by giving companies access to innovation infrastructure that enables collaboration with decentralised, multidisciplinary teams.”

For more information visit: www.theaarp.com.au.