National robotics competition launched

ABB Australia and the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A) have announced the launch of the 2nd Annual National Robotics Innovation Competition.

The competition asks university students to develop a project proposal for an innovative and cost-effective way to manufacture an existing component or improve a manufacturing process by using robot-based automation.

The competition has been developed with the aim of enhancing the interaction and collaboration between students, industries and universities.

“Employers are again being asked to become ‘industry partners’ and to look at their existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement via the integration of a robot,” said Paul Gekas, general manager of ABB Robotics.

“Students will then use this process improvement situation in order to investigate a possible solution through the thorough consideration of the financial, safety, quality and environmental elements.”

Projects do not have to be automotive related and multiple projects from companies are welcome, given the number of universities around Australia that have already expressed their interest in participating in the competition.

“We're thrilled that previously participating employers have signed on again, impressed with the work completed by students last year. The response from the education sector has also been fantastic, with over 160 of the brightest engineering students from universities across Australia signed up and looking for industry partners,” he said.