Deakin University will collaborate with Geelong-based immersive learning solutions developer Flaim Systems and an international engineering and technology organisation to develop a cutting-edge augmented and virtual naval firefighting system for the Australian Drefence Force.
The Australian government announced this week it has signed a $5.13 million contract with Deakin University for the project.
Flaim Systems developed the world’s first immersive technology enabled firefighter training solution at Manufutures on Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus. The business now boasts a world-wide client portfolio including the US Airforce, Rio Tinto and CFA.
Researchers at Deakin, in partnership with Kellogg, Brown & Root and Flaim Systems, will work to develop an immersive training system for naval firefighting, combining virtual reality and augmented reality with artificial intelligence.
Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, said the investment could significantly improve the ADF’s naval firefighting training capability.
“Deakin University’s new system will provide the ADF with a more diverse and realistic range of naval firefighting and training options that could significantly improve learning outcomes and safety,” Minister Price said.
“This investment highlights the innovative research and development that Australia’s sovereign industry is capable of producing and exporting.”
Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said this contract will build on Deakin’s international reputation for ground breaking research and excellence.
“Deakin University has executed more than 165 contracts with the Australian Defence Department, highlighting the important role our region’s institutions can play in driving innovation and generating cutting-edge capability in support of the ADF,” Senator Henderson said.
This contract follows the signing of the $1 billion agreement between Hanwha Defense Australia and the Australian government to produce Howitzers for the Australian Army.
Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au