RAIDER project delivers world-class robotics-driven training to the ADF
Media release
Nearly two dozen Australian small businesses, including 14 from the Geelong region, will be supported through a Deakin-led project to deliver robotics-driven target systems to the Australian Defence Force.
The contract, valued at more than $1 million and announced today by the Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, will see the ADF receive six more RAIDER Mobile Moving Target Systems, which mimic tanks and light armoured vehicles, as well as trailers and thermal targets.
Ms Price said the RAIDER is a world-first system developed by Deakin's Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) to provide more realistic mobile target systems for combined arms live fire training.
"This is leading technology developed here in Australia, which is not only creating opportunities for local industry but also keeping our soldiers safe," Ms Price said.
Victorian Senator, Sarah Henderson, said of the 23 small businesses involved in the project, 14 were from the local Geelong community including businesses involved in metal fabrication, powder-coating, laser cutting and advanced engineering services.
"The Morrison Government's $200 billion investment in defence industry is creating opportunities like these right across Victoria," Senator Henderson said.
Deakin's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Julie Owens said IISRI's innovative thinking and breadth of specialist skills was supported by world class facilities and a strong emphasis on industry focused research.
"The RAIDER project demonstrates Deakin's ability to translate globally unique research into solutions with real world impact and in the process shows Australian research capability can lead the world," Professor Owens said.
