Researchers from the UTS Centre for Autonomous Systems (CAS) have done us proud at this year’s iAwards. They took home a Merit Award in the New Product Category of the Development Domain at both the state and national iAwards for their ‘Biologically Inspired Climbing Robot’.
Affectionately named ‘CROC’, the world's first bridge climbing robot was developed to carry out autonomous inspection of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is the product of a five-year collaboration between CAS and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of NSW, funded by the Australian Research Council, RMS and UTS. The project team, led by Professor Dikai Liu, consisted of 10 robotics researchers in CAS and six engineers and bridge inspectors from RMS.
“The joint development with the Roads and Maritime Services is a great example of UTS engaging in relevant, real-world research”, said Ian Burnett, Dean of UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT.
According to Burnett, industry connections like this are invaluable. “I believe it is important for UTS to engage with industry bodies such as AIIA and contribute to the setting of standards, the fostering of innovation and the development of Australia’s digital future,” he said.
The iAwards recognise and celebrate the achievements of Australian technology innovators and companies at the cutting edge of technology across the ICT industry. They reward projects that have the potential for positive community impacts, both locally and internationally.
CROC is doing just that, as it is driven by the need for inspection and maintenance of ageing national infrastructure. CROC is a deployable solution to a real-world problem.
Peter Ward, a member of the CROC team, is optimistic about the implications of the award for the future. “Hopefully, this award will help get recognition for the potential for our research in other industries too,” he said
UTS was the Major Partner for the state iAwards presentation, held on campus at UTS in July, and was a sponsor of the National awards in Melbourne last week. Riding on the wave of their success, the team from UTS will now go on to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards in Sri Lanka on 18-22 November.
A significant networking event on the ICT calendar, the awards also provide an opportunity for innovators to exchange ideas, attend workshops and take part in the Tech Showcase.