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Deakin Digital Design and Engineering Centre
Leading the way in digital design and engineering solutions
Research that improves social, economic and environmental outcomes
Our goal is to drive industries crucial to Australia’s social, economic and environmental future, with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure. Founded in 2017, the Deakin Digital Design and Engineering Centre combines expertise in civil, mechanical, electronics, environmental, renewable energy and electrical engineering.
Our research areas
Our research focus spans a broad range of emerging areas, from cyber-human-physical systems and 3D printing, to metal additive manufacturing and particle engineering.
Digital transformation for health and society
We’re driving the future of healthcare through digital technology and 3D printing, empowering individuals and improving physical and emotional wellbeing. Key focus areas include:
- Sensing and tracking technology: for diagnostic, preventative, training and rehabilitation applications.
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing): personalised product design and fabrication.
- Person-centered design and engineering: creating digitally enabled healthcare solutions.
Digital transformation for infrastructure
We leverage digital technologies at both micro and macro levels to design structural components and ensure the safe, efficient operation of infrastructure systems through advanced modelling and smart monitoring. Key focus areas include:
- Structural component design: using simulation and additive manufacturing for efficient structural applications.
- Infrastructure systems modelling: considering social, environmental, economic and political factors in decision-making.
- Structural health monitoring: real-time monitoring to detect damage and ensure safety throughout the lifespan of infrastructure.
- Data driven maintenance and closed-loop protection of engineering and renewable energy infrastructure.
Digital transformation for manufacturing
We’re developing people-centred solutions for the manufacturing sector using advanced manufacturing knowledge and process monitoring to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Key focus areas include:
- Lean manufacturing: enhancing productivity and competitiveness through advanced technologies.
- Sensors and material behaviour modelling: improving process efficiency and product quality.
- Process simulation and training: using virtual and augmented reality for workforce development.
- People-centred design: creating solutions that support and enhance the manufacturing workforce.
Help us create engineering solutions
Work on design, digital and engineering solutions to help advance the health, infrastructure and manufacturing industries which are vital for Australia’s future. Our team works with manufacturers, industry and government organisations to deliver innovative, transformative solutions for a digital era.
Our core capabilities
Our team consists of multidisciplinary experts from the School of Engineering, who work across the following core capabilities:
- design and construction
- visualisation
- manufacturing and materials
- structural health monitoring
- materials performance and protection.
Our facilities
Led by world-class researchers and powered by state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, our labs are dedicated to furthering our research strengths.
Featured projects
Discover how our projects utilise digital design and engineering innovation to solve real-world problems for a better future.
Capabilities in metal additive manufacturing
Our team explores the capabilities in additive manufacturing, working with metal and non-metal materials, sustainable materials for constructions, hydrogen energy infrastructure materials selection and hydrogen fuel cells in heavy-duty trucks.
Innovative corrosion control
Corrosion is a major challenge for steel structures like underground pipelines and offshore wind turbines. Our project, led by Dr Mike Yongjun Tan and his project team, has developed a new technology that reduces corrosion by 90%, extending the life of industrial assets.
