Murarrie’s Cyborg Dynamics Engineering awarded $3.3 million boost in pursuit of Aussie first
The Morrison Government has awarded a $3.3 million contract to Murarrie based robotics and AI company Cyborg Dynamics Engineering to develop an unmanned combat vehicle; the likes of which have never been made in Australia.
The contract is the company’s first with the Defence Innovation Hub and will secure 20 local jobs.
Visiting the Cyborg Dynamics HQ, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was proud to award them this significant investment to develop their semi-autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).
“Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities and what’s more is that ground-breaking work is happening right here in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.
“Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its kind innovations, integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a modular, robotic platform, which if successful, could enhance the load carriage, fire support capabilities and protection of dismounted soldiers.
“This is a major win for Bonner and one which demonstrates how investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe, whilst also enabling more local jobs and supporting businesses right across the supply chain.”
Cyborg Dynamics’ innovation will also explore on-board AI target recognition and advanced driving technologies that could allow for single person operation.
This would enable the all-terrain platform to improve in-field soldier capabilities and lethality, ultimately reducing operator risk by providing a robotic-assisted force.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said, “The Morrison Government invests in Australian businesses like Cyborg Dynamics because we understand that truly cutting-edge innovation could provide leading capabilities and better protection for the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said.
“The Government’s investment in innovation through the Defence Innovation Hub is critical to ensuring Defence maintains a capability advantage as Australia’s strategic environment continues to rapidly evolve,” Minister Price said.
Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au.