German-Australian Business-News | Q2 2020 by German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce

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2020 2019 - No. 21

German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK)

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Role in Global Innovation

Apr Jan -- Jun Mar 2020 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS Please check our events calendar for the latest events and webinar information on our website: australien.ahk.de/en/events

Message to GAC's Members and Friends Dear members and friends, Welcome to the second German-Australian Business News edition for 2020. The German-Australian business community is dealing with the impact of the coronavirus and we have also adjusted our way of working at the German-Australian Chamber. Therefore, you are receiving this edition of our magazine for the first time as an online-only version. We have chosen a topic that will stay highly relevant and one of particular strength and industry leadership in the German-Australian business community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mobility ecosystems. I think it is widely known that we are in the middle of the largest mobility change in our lifetime. Several megatrends will change mobility as we know it forever. Those include connectivity, new vehicle technologies such as electric or hydrogen engines and a new dynamic in shared mobility. Our member companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; articles outline exciting developments in this area with a special focus on the connectivity and the importance of data. We also offer a fascinating look by our member ZF into health aspects of modern mobility. Other insightful articles include one provided by our Premium Partner Monash Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobility Design Lab that outlines key criteria for successful urban mobility systems. From a more industrial perspective, Liebherr presents the first electrically-powered truck mixer and Linde demonstrates how data and connectivity is key to automating a warehouse. The strengths of our global AHK network is also demonstrated by the view from abroad by our colleagues at the AHK in Norway where electric mobility is much more widely adopted than so far in Australia. In addition to the topical articles, you will also find reports from our 2020 German-Australian Chamber activities and events. We kicked off the year with several key discussions and professional networking opportunities before we temporarily moved our events program online. I also want to thank all our members and partners for the warm welcome I have received and the many important discussions we had during my interim stay here. It is now time for me to return to Germany and I am pleased that the new Executive Director has been selected. Christoph von Spesshardt will lead the German-Australian Chamber from 1 May, following his senior management career in the Knauf group where his last role included responsibility for the Asia-Pacific region. Enjoy reading this special edition of the German-Australian Business News and please get in touch with the Chamber team if you want to discuss any aspect of the magazine further. Kind regards, Gert Rabbow Executive Director (interim)

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Content

MOBILITY 4

Governmental Affairs Update on Trade and Investment

International Women’s Day 2020

6-7

New Year’s Receptions 2020

8-9

Business Lunch with HSBC’s Chief Economist Paul Bloxham

Industry Update with Jeff Lang

Roundtable with the German Bundestag Delegation

High-Level German-Australian Policy Discussions

Coastal Shipping – a Greener Mobility Solution (CMX Global Logistics)

ZF Research to Counteract Motion Sickness (ZF)

14-15

From Room to Region – the Changing Face of Urban Mobility (Monash University)

16-17 The Art of Automating a Warehouse: Seamlessly Connecting Technology, Robots & Humans (Linde Material Handling) 18-19

‘E’ Makes all the Difference (Liebherr Group)

Technology for Automatic Passenger Counting (iris Asia Pacific Pty Ltd)

Norwegians Ahead on the Road (German-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce)

22-23

Exclusive Member4Member Offers

24-25

New Member Profiles

Please contact Steven Zabeti or Brett Cox for a confidential discussion on +612 8226 1655 or email szabeti@accrusyd.com.au www.germany.org.au

NEWS

German-Australian Chamber

Governmental Affairs Update on Trade and Investment The German-Australian Chamber continues to push for an ambitious Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, including during our German delegation discussions. In February, the sixth round of formal negotiations for the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took place in Canberra. This round included a Joint Stakeholder Briefing where the two Chief Negotiators discussed the FTA progress with a large group of stakeholders. The German-Australian Chamber was again participating in this stakeholder briefing and asked a question in regards to technical barriers to trade, an area particularly important for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SME). In this stakeholder briefing, it became clear that the overall progress of the negotiations is good and that Australia’s negotiations with the EU are far more advanced than the negotiations that are currently planned with the United Kingdom (UK). The AustraliaEU negotiations cover all the key tariff and non-tariff areas mentioned by our member companies as current trade barriers. This includes tariffs, recognition of standards, intracompany transfers, SME friendliness, quarantine rules and labelling. The EU side has also indicated that they are interested in getting the issue of the Luxury Car Tax addressed. Both sides aim for an ambitious and serious agreement that deals with the many details required to remove tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. I am optimistic that a comprehensive agreement can be reached by both sides, but it is impossible to say when the negotiations will be concluded. However, the German-

NEXT ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE (APK) The next Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) will take place 18-19 October 2020 in Tokyo, Japan/ This senior-level conference will again bring about 800 business and political leaders from Asia-Pacific and Germany together to discuss with international experts in the areas of global trade, digitalisation, the green revolution, sustainability, agritech and mobility. The last conference in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, attracted over 1,000 participants. The German-Australian Chamber will again organise an Australian busi-

Australian Chamber is already preparing for this time by designing industry-specific workshops in multiple Australian locations to inform our members of the practical benefits of the agreement for their business and also by organising a roadshow of information events in Germany to help businesses understand the details of the agreement and the benefits of increased trade and investment with Australia; the Germany activities are planned in collaboration with our global head organisation, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and local Chambers of Commerce. However, I want to emphasise to our members that the government affairs work of the German-Australian Chamber is also much broader than just the very active participation in the FTA negotiations. Other projects include managing the exchanges with German delegations when they are in Australia and where we raise opportunities to deepen the bilateral relationship. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming several very senior German delegations to Australia and they included the Vice President of the German Bundestag, Wolfgang Kubicki MdB, for an exclusive roundtable discussion in Sydney and senior members of the German-Pacific Parliamentary Friendship Group of the German Bundestag, chaired by Volk-

ness and political delegation that will be participating in the conference and have a tailored side-program in Tokyo. Our delegation will run from the evening of 17 October to the evening of 20 October and will deliver you insights into the key Asia-Pacific business trends, professional networking with decision-makers from hundreds of German leading companies and participation in senior-level political discussions. This year’s conference will include again an Oceania session that will discuss the business environment in Australia and New Zealand. Based on current planning, the German-Australian Chamber Delegation will also be only dedicated country delegation from Asia-Pacific

mar Klein MdB, for a roundtable discussion in Melbourne. Besides, a senior delegation from one of Germany’s most important research organisation, the Leibniz Association, travelled to Australia in February and the German-Australian Chamber co-organised a reception with the delegation at our Premium Partner, the University of New South Wales, where several industry-research collaboration topics were discussed. Finally, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the European Australian Business Council (EABC), we had the great pleasure of discussing with Klaus Schüler in a small roundtable format the economic policy situation in Germany, Australia and globally. We are also delighted that New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has kindly agreed to open the German-Australian Business Summit on 26 August in Sydney, to be held at the prestigious and wonderful International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney). The Chamber’s Policy Advisory Committee and our newly established Research-Industry Advisory Committee provide additional input to our governmental affairs work and we thank all members involved in those two committees. We will also organise at least one Canberra Delegation over the coming weeks and we will invite all member companies to participate; please keep an eye out for our emails with the details of the Canberra Delegation and how you can participate. Please get in touch if you want to discuss our work in this area or if you encounter a trade barrier that the Chamber could address. Written by Dr Michael Zettinig, German-Australian Chamber Email: michael.zettinig@germany.org.au Phone: (02) 8296 0448

and therefore we can provide you with special access to top-level discussions. German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier is confirmed as APK participant and Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is planning to attend and to chair the German-Australian Chamber Delegation to Tokyo. Participation in the delegation is expected to cost $5,000 + GST per person, covering all activities in Tokyo including the full conference participation and five-star accommodation. Please contact Dr Michael Zettinig to express your interest in participating and to discuss the program and the benefits from your participation.

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German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

International Women’s Day 2020 On International Women’s Day, the global community has an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic and political achievements of women. It is also a chance to reflect on barriers that stop women from reaching their potential. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was ‘Each For Equal’, which calls for collective individualism. Since there are still unequal opportunities, especially when it comes to work and salary conditions, this issue is not only a women’s issue but a business issue which finally needs to change. The German-Australian Chamber co-organised the Melbourne International Women’s Day event again and for the first time, organised a Sydney International Women’s Day in collaboration with partner Chambers. In Sydney, the International Women’s Day High Tea was organised in collaboration with the American Chamber, the Australia-Israel Chamber, the French-Australian Chamber and the Spanish-Australian Chamber on 11 March and had 200 participants. On arrival guests were welcomed with either a Mimosa or fresh coffee at the Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf. While enjoying the beautiful view over Darling Harbour, attendees had the opportunity to network before Frank Ribuot welcomed all guests on behalf of the participating Chambers as well as all contributors and sponsors: Doltone House, Julie Hyne, Katherineland, Simone Pérèle and Qatar Airways. Frank then gave the floor to Alison Hernandez, who kindly moderated the panel discussion. Alison introduced the four female speakers: Karine Delvallée, CEO at BNP Paribas ANZ, Alison Green, CEO at Pantera Press, Emma Dunch, CEO at Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Penny Locaso, CEO at BKindred. The first major topic was about how to improve the position of women in business and where to find female talent. They all agreed that companies need to talk freely and appreciate the work that both men and women have created as well as the need to judge on talent and not on gender. Following this, there was discussion on what more can be done within companies to promote women. Possible solutions were to fund scholarships allowing women to have the same opportunities as men and giving women the chance to present the culture they come from and make them feel more comfortable in their professional environment. Finally, the speakers were asked to advise their

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younger selves. They all agreed that younger women should stand up for themselves and say what they have to say. Frank announced the winners of the business card draw, who won fantastic prizes from the contributors. In Melbourne, the Chambers and Business Councils residing at the International Chamber House came together to host their annual International Women’s Day Afternoon Forum and High Tea at the Grand Hyatt’s Savoy Ballroom sponsored by Swisse, Australian Unity and Boeing on 6 March. Over 400 guests came to enjoy the fantastic food and to hear from two inspiring speakers. Cathy Foley, Chief Scientist at the CSIRO, spoke passionately about the important role women have in society and how existing barriers can be removed. She also emphasised the importance of women working together and helping each other. The second speaker for the day was Katrina Sedgwick, Director and CEO of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Katrina helped the audience understand the position of women in the arts space and in particular the digital and gaming industries. These areas offer great opportunities for women and need a more equal workforce. After the speeches, the guests had the chance to ask both the inspiring leaders questions to gain further insights into their stories and to learn how they think the status of women globally can be improved. This was followed by networking opportunities for all attendees, resulting in great new connections and avid discussions about the two speakers’ ideas. Overall, the events in Sydney and Melbourne were a great success and enjoyed by all. The Chambers of International Chamber House in Melbourne and the collaborating Chambers in Sydney would like to warmly thank all our speakers and moderators for giving up their time to be a part of International Women’s Day 2020. We also want to thank the event sponsors for their generous contributions and the great audiences in both cities. Written by Celine Beer & Mathias Suter, German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

German-Australian Chamber

New Year’s Receptions 2020 As every year, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce was delighted to invite members and friends to its New Year’s Receptions, hosted in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, on February 5th, 11th and 18th respectively. All three events aimed at providing a festive and relaxed atmosphere for all guests to enjoy a drink, make new connections and maintain existing relationships within the GermanAustralian business network. On February 5, together with both the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Australia and the Belgian Club Victoria, The German Chamber welcomed over 120 guests to the New Year’s celebrations at Hophaus, on Melbourne’s Southbank. The notoriously temperamental Melbourne weather was kind to us and allowed for an evening of networking on the terrace and optional beer tasting inside. With over 30 candidates wanting to challenge their palates, we drew the names of 15 guests to participate. After the first elimination round, we were quickly down to three, who had to decide which country the beer they had tasted was from by raising the respective flag. The last two contestants had to identify and put three different beers in the correct order. The winner of our little beer tasting competition, Nick Postma from City Discovery, won a hamper and voucher, generously provided by Hophaus. The evening was a great opportunity to catch up as well as meet some new faces of the European and Australian business community. A special thanks to Michael Pearce SC, Honorary Consul General for Germany, for attending and to Helene Hagemans from the Netherlands Chamber for being the MC of our beer tasting. Sunny weather on the 11 February drew more than 150 members and friends of the

German-Australian Chamber to Pyrmont, where the ‘James Craig’, a 19th-century barque was waiting to be boarded. Due to the great weather, the speeches could be held on the upper deck of the boat. The interim Executive Director, Gert Rabbow, welcomed everyone and thanked Premium Partner Accru Felsers for making this fantastic event possible. He also welcomed the Consul General of Germany, Peter Silberberg and gave a short overview of the ambitious program and exciting events the Chamber has in store for its members in 2020. Meanwhile, the ship left Pyrmont to pass Darling Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and cruise around Sydney Harbour. All guests had a great time meeting and reconnecting, whilst enjoying the great food and drinks on offer and watching the sunset over the Sydney skyline before returning to Pyrmont. The Queensland Chapter of the GermanAustralian Chamber of Industry and Commerce kicked off 202 with a well-attended reception in the QLD Museum. In the Wild State Gallery, which presents different environments and species of Queensland, members and friends of

the chamber gathered to hear insights about technology and innovation. Representatives from State and Local Government, the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as a delegation of the German Pacific Parliamentary

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German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

Friendship Group, academics, business and industry leaders from Queensland joined the vibrant event. Jens Grovermann, Business Development Manager for Global Projects, Renewable Energy and Defence at DB Schenker Australia and QLD Chapter Committee Member, was the MC on the night. His welcoming remarks were followed by speeches from both Councillor Angela Owen and the German Consul General, Peter Silberberg. Tea Dietterich, QLD Chapter Chair, recapped the Chamber’s 2019 activities and highlighted some of the focus areas of the chamber’s policy work for 2020. Tea was followed by the keynote speaker of the night, Jackie Taranto – Chief QODE Officer - who took the audience through an exhilarating journey off innovation in AI and robotics across Australia’s growth sectors and industries and left the crowd inspired and curious to learn more. All attendees had lively and inspiring conversations after the presentation, whilst winners for the sought after QODE Red tickets, as well as family passes to the Spider Exhibition in the QLD Museum were drawn, before the event was formally closed. We hope that our members and friends enjoyed themselves at our three unique New Year’s Receptions and thank all our event partners for making these events possible. Written by Mathias Suter, Ulrike AndresenNikolai, Celine Beer & QLD Chapter

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EVENTS/ PROJECTS

German-Australian Chamber

Business Lunch with HSBC’s Chief Economist Paul Bloxham The Australian economy is entering uncharted territory. With interest rates at a record low and talks of quantitative easing, understanding the Australian landscape has never been more important for international companies. It is fair to say that the global economy has already faced some headwinds in 2020.

To shed some light onto the complexities of the current economic situation, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce worked alongside mutual partner HSBC Australia to organise a Business Lunch with HSBC’s Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities, Paul Bloxham.

Both in Sydney and Melbourne, Paul took the audience on a journey around Australia’s economy and beyond. He discussed global growth, global interest rates and global commodity prices before dipping into the state of the Australian economy. Here he touched upon unemployment, housing prices, inflation and household income budgets. All this then also was discussed in the context of current global and domestic developments such as the coronavirus, as well as the recent bushfires and floods in Australia and their consequences for the Australian economy. Thanks to his extensive experience Paul was able to point out a myriad of interesting facts and impressed the audience with his knowledge of the matter and depth of understanding After an hour that felt more like 20 minutes

due to Paul’s enthusiastic presentation style, the audience had the opportunity to ask some questions. Paul was able to answer the audience’s questions, providing even greater insight into the intricacies of the global economic situation in 2020. Then, Dr Michael Zettinig, Director of Events & Governmental Affairs at the German-Australian Chamber in Melbourne, and Adam Serry, General Manager of the American Chamber Victoria, thanked Paul for his great insights into the current state of the Australian economy as well as the impact global events will have on its future. He also thanked HSBC and the German-Australian Chamber for their great support and good cooperation before formally concluding the event and inviting guests to continue networking.

HSBC as one of the German-Australian Chamber’s Executive Members hosted the Sydney event at their fantastic Barangaroo offices, where Paul’s vivid and insightful presentation on the Australian economy fully captured the audience’s attention, despite the stunning view over Darling Harbour on which he had to compete with. Over 60 guests attended the event, which was opened with a generous buffet luncheon and an opportunity to network. The American Chamber’s General Manag-er, Doug Grant, then took to the floor welcoming members and friends on behalf of the two Chambers. Doug emphasised the good relationship between the German-Australian and the American Chamber, before handing over to Nadia Ladak, Head of International Subsidiaries at HSBC, who introduced Paul Bloxham.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX In Melbourne, the event was hosted at the RACV City Club, with over 80 attendees from both chambers coming along to hear Paul Bloxham’s update on the current economic situation in Australia. After a brief networking opportunity and canapes, the guests were treated to a two-course meal, whilst Tina Thoms, Director of Memberships and Manager of the German-Australian Chamber’s Melbourne Office welcomed all attendees, before handing over to Taylor Toth, Head of HSBC’s US Desk, who welcomed everyone on behalf of HSBC and introduced Paul Bloxham.

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German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Executive Member HSBC for hosting this insightful event, and of course to Paul Bloxham for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide us with current insights into the ever-changing economic landscape. Written by Celine Beer, Eva Kosinski & Mathias Suter, German-Australian Chamber xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Industry Update with Jeff Lang Tuesday, 25 February 2020 International Chamber House, Melbourne Our first topical event of the year started bright and early, with ten executives and managers of our member companies arriving at International Chamber House Melbourne at 8 am for our exclusive Industry Update Breakfast with Titomic’s Managing Director Jeff Lang. Jeff gave an interesting overview of the manufacturing industry in Australia, with its challenges and incredible potential. The industry update started with a welcome by Tina Thoms, Director Membership of the German-Australian Chamber, followed by a quick round of introductions. Jeff then shared Titomic’s fascinating journey. Titomic, a member of the German-Australian Chamber since 2018, specialises in metal additive manufacturing. The company’s goal is to bring more manufacturing business into Australia by increasing process productivity and affordability. Instead of a ‘one size fits all’ approach, Jeff described how after years of research, Titomic has been able to focus on what the industry needs and offering customised solutions.

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Extensive research has been done, trying to make metal printing faster and less wasteful. To achieve this, Titomic has developed a patented cold spray technology in cooperation with CSIRO. During his presentation, Jeff introduced various next-gen materials which will shape the future of the manufacturing industry as well as the global value chain. Jeff then outlined the challenges facing his industry, such as reducing the carbon footprint for the metal producing industry. He also described his company’s plans to create a value chain around titanium using industry 4.0 principles. One factor that is critical not only for Titomic but for any highly complex and technical company, is investor patience. An incredible amount of research is happening in the background of those companies which requires time, with the long-term goal of perfecting a process or technology while operating a profitable business at the same time. After the presentations and a short Q & A, our members had the opportunity to connect with other members of the Chamber. Breakfast was provided by STREAT Catering, a local social

enterprise assisting disadvantaged youth to build a hospitality career. We would like to thank Jeff Lang for sharing his time and insights with our members. And of course, thank you to our guests, who made the time to learn about the manufacturing industry. We look forward to seeing you at one of our next events. Written by Ulrike Andresen-Nikolai, German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

German-Australian Chamber

Roundtable with the German Bundestag Delegation comed everyone present and handed the word to Jeremy Thorpe, Partner and Chief Economist at PwC for a briefing on the state of the Australian economy.

On Wednesday, 26 February, the GermanPacific Parliamentary Friendship Group of the German Bundestag visited Melbourne and was hosted by our Premium Member PwC for a discussion with representatives from the German-Australian Chamber, Chamber Board members and industry representatives. The main topics of the discussion were concerning key bilateral issues and opportunities including the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the AustraliaGermany Joint Economic Committee and the upcoming, 17th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Tokyo, Japan. After a brief introduction by Dr Michael Zettinig, Christian Holle, Partner at PwC wel-

The German guests, lead by Volkmar Klein, MdB and his colleagues Cornelia Moehring MdB, Alois Gerig MdB and Prof Dr Martin Neumann MdB learned about Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique position as a lucky country, and how a large part of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s export value is created in rural and remote areas, thanks to the mining and agriculture sectors, as well as what impact the bushfires and ongoing drought conditions are likely to have on the overall health of the Australian economy. After the briefing, an open discussion was facilitated with ideas being exchanged freely. Everyone present agreed that Germany and Australia are like-minded partners that should be continuing to grow their economic collaboration. The discussion touched on the ongoing Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which have just been going through the sixth

round of formal negotiations and are on a promising trajectory. All representatives agreed that whilst more traditional topics, such as tariffs and non-financial barriers to entry were important, it was just as important to use these negations as a way to prepare for the future of industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing by looking at topics like international standards for cybersecurity and other issues relevant for digital trade. During the discussion, it was evident that Germany and Australia have numerous opportunities for increased collaboration, with one of the most discussed ones being the move into a more sustainable future and the enormous potential of green (sustainably produced) hydrogen. Rolf Drohn, the recently elected ViceChairman of the German-Australian Chamber, closed the discussions with a summary and thanked all parties present for their valuable contributions. Written by Mathias Suter, German-Australian Chamber

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German-Australian Chamber

EVENTS/ PROJECTS

High-Level German-Australian Policy Discussions The level of interest in the German-Australian bilateral relationship is very strong from both sides, as demonstrated by two further bilateral policy discussions. Shortly before the coronavirus situation made physical roundtable discussions impossible for the time being, the German-Australian Chamber had the pleasure of organising two very insightful roundtable discussions with the Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki MdB at the German Consulate General and with Dr Klaus Schüler at the New South Wales Parliament. Both discussion partners provided valuable insights into the current political and economic developments in Germany and Europe and we had the opportunity to discuss why the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, currently under negotiation, will be particularly important for the bilateral German-Australian relationship and what we in Australia and what our discussion partners when back in Germany can do to promote a comprehensive FTA agreement and other initiatives to deepen the bilateral economic relationship. Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki MdB had a packed program of meetings in New Zealand and then around Australia. Our Sydney roundtable discussion with him, kindly hosted by German Consul General Peter Silberberg, came at the end of the trip and this allowed to reflect also on some of the previous discussions down under. Chaired by our German-Australian Chamber Chairman Dr Jens Goennemann, the discussion soon drilled into what “like-mindedness” actually means in terms of specific projects and we discussed how the German-Australian Chamber, its member companies and partners in Germany like the German Bundestag can contribute to increasing trade and investment between both countries. Thank you to the team at the German Consulate General for providing the venue and delicious lunch and to the Consul General and the Deputy Consul General as well as all participating Board members and company representatives for their active contribution to the discussion. Just a few days after the roundtable with Wolfgang Kubicki, the German-Australian Chamber had the opportunity to partner with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the European Australian Business Council (EABC) to host another high-level visitor for a luncheon discussion. This roundtable exchange with Dr Klaus Schüler took place at the historic “Reid Dining Room” at the New South Wales Parliament and could not have been at a better venue. Dr Schüler

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is a distinguished German politician and, for many years, has been the CDU Federal Manager, working very closely with German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel. He is now heading the governmental affairs section for major German chemical company LANXESS. His analytical skills in terms of the political situation in Germany, Europe and what it means for the bilateral relationship with Australia are second to none. Therefore, this discussion continued very important themes raised during his visit to Australia in early 2019 when we had last the opportunity to discuss with him during a roundtable exchange. The situation for major parties in Germany is challenging due to several pressure points. Therefore, there is also pressure on major projects such as the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement to go beyond trade and investment barriers and to deal with sustainability issues such as environmental protection, labour rights and global development goals. As Chairperson

of the discussion, I had the great pleasure to welcome the Hon Nick Greiner, former Premier of New South Wales, former GermanAustralian Chamber President Lucy Turnbull AO, Dr Peter Hefele from the KAS in Berlin, Dr Beatrice Gorawantschy as Head of the KAS in Australia, Board member Simone Whetton and the German Deputy Consul General Klaus Steitz as well as other distinguished guests to the very insightful discussion. I think we all agreed that we could have discussed much longer if not for a Ministerial meeting for Dr Schüler and his small delegation. Thank you very much to Beatrice and her team from the KAS and to Jason and his team at the EABC for the very good collaboration and all participants for an excellent roundtable discussion. Written by Dr Michael Zettinig, German-Australian Chamber Email: michael.zettinig@germany.org.au Phone: (02) 8296 0448

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

CMX Global Logistics

Coastal Shipping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Greener Mobility Solution

With Australia being an island nation, we are very reliant on shipping services for our international trade and Australia is very well supported by international shipping lines linking Australia to the world. These international shipping services cater for the movement of shipping containers, machinery, cars and over-dimensional construction equipment. International shipping services are fundamental to our import and export trade, however, shipping around the coast of Australia to support our domestic economy is less utilised compared to the traditional transport means of road and rail. History shows that Australian coastal shipping operators have found it difficult to provide cost-effective coastal services due to the imbalance of cargo from various ports around Australia, a limited number of cities and towns with ports, longer transit times and strong competition from landbased transport services. Australia does have regional coastal shipping operators, but they do not provide a national service to link Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major cities where the majority of people and businesses are located. Less known by many companies is that many of the international shipping lines have permits to ship coastal cargo between the major cities around Australia which have become a very cost-effective option for shipping containers and machinery, particularly larger earth moving equipment used for civil infrastructure projects and

the mining industry. Some shipping services provide roll-on, roll-off services for machinery which have large enough doors for the very big dump trucks which makes it much more affordable to relocate equipment from one mine site to another around Australia. As these international shipping lines have no less than 3 Australian scheduled port calls, majority of the port and steaming cost is covered by the international freight charge which then in turns lowers the coastal freight costs as the vessels are already plying between Australian ports. With distances between ports of over 1000 km, coastal shipping becomes cost-effective against land transport for long distances between the east coast and west coast of Australia and vice versa. In addition to reducing the freight charge which can be a large cost of any item purchased in Australia, using existing coastal shipping services also promotes environmental benefits as sea transport produces lower quantities of greenhouse gases than land-based transport. From January this year, the international regulation for ships to reduce sulphur oxide emissions has been further tightened and shipping lines are being forced to use low sulphur compliant oil or gas. Shipping lines can also meet their emission reduction target by installing exhaust cleaning systems or scrubbers on the vessel which cleans the emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. From a social perspective, shipping large equipment around the coast of Australia also reduces the number of long-distance over-

dimensional transport movements on interstate roads which in some cases are transported at slower speeds than signposted and on singlelane roads. Written by CMX

ABOUT CMX GLOBAL LOGISTICS CMX Global Logistics is an international transportation and logistics company providing clients with a level of service that supersedes the traditional supplier/ client relationship. With our global infrastructure, high standards and expertise in moving all cargoes including specialized and project cargo the CMX team has the knowledge and hands-on experience required to provide the best possible service for moving your cargo from and to wherever it needs to go. We aim to not only be your freight forwarder of choice but to become your logistics partner, providing expert support for you and your cargo, worldwide.

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MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

ZF Research to Counteract Motion Sickness The comfort of occupants is a decisive factor for ZF as it relates to next generation mobility. For many people, long car journeys can be synonymous with dizziness, headaches, and nausea – in other words with motion sickness.

Human-centred development: ZF and neurotechnologists from Germany’s Saarland region use artificial intelligence to develop driving styles that can help to prevent motion sickness.

ZF is working together with neurotechnologists from Germany’s Saarland region to investigate how to detect motion sickness at an early stage, and how to avoid a negative impact on the driving experience. On long car journeys, very few people are immune from motion sickness when seated in the back, or on the front passenger seat. A sense of dizziness and motion sickness can preclude any attempt to enjoy the ride or to work while still on the road. “We are among the very first companies in this sector to place the occupants and their individual driving experience centre stage”, Florian Dauth, responsible in ZF Advanced Technology Development for activities in the field of Human Centred Vehicle Motion Control stated. “Our goal is to identify individual instances of motion sickness and to devise measures that relate to the prevailing condition of the passenger.” The scientific basis for this concept is derived by test candidate studies that were conducted jointly by the Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNNU) at the Saarland University and htw saar (University of Applied Sciences). In these studies, the physiological reactions of test candidates were examined in a variety of driving situations. “Our pioneering research incorporates the fields of neuro-technology, psycho-physiology, artificial intelligence and driving dynamics”, Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Strauss, Director of the SNNU recounted. “The respective skill sets of the partners complement one another perfectly in the context of this collaborative project. The scientific results obtained to date have been very well received by the international specialist community.” Motion sickness is caused by a discrepancy in perception; the balance organ in the inner ear senses a movement that is not confirmed by other sense organs such as the eyes. This is most likely to happen when a passenger is concentrating on a screen or a book. In this situation, the human body responds with a reaction that is in many ways similar

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to the response to poisoning, with symptoms ranging from a slight sense of unease to acute motion sickness. In several studies, the researchers at ZF and SNNU analysed the physiological markers that show the highest correlation with the subjective perception of motion sickness by individuals. They also examined how this correlates to the driving dynamics of a vehicle. “Our Motion Sickness Research Vehicle enables us, with the help of a highperformance computing platform, to record the large number of physiological measuring data, camera data, and measurements relating to driving dynamics. At the same time, the vehicle serves as a platform for the development and validation of algorithms”, Dauth explained. Over more than 10,000 kilometres, the team of researchers gathered more than 50,000 gigabytes of physiological markers in the central and autonomous nervous system in the form of thermographic, imagery, and driving dynamic data. The research currently employs a set of sensors inside the vehicle and wearables for non-invasive measurement. “The challenge is to develop an automotivecompatible system that, over the number of evolutionary steps, enables motion sickness to be detected without physical contact. We view this as a crucial information to gain a firm grasp of the very individual phenomenon that is known as motion sickness”, Dauth stated. With this, the driver – or at some later point the control system running the automated vehicle – can identify at an early stage if, by way of example, a child on the back seat

is starting to feel ill, and can adapt driving characteristics accordingly. Everyone reacts differently to vehicle movements and possesses an individual sense of ride comfort. At ZF, this fact is depicted in an algorithm based on Artificial Intelligence methods that acquire knowledge of the physical reactions of each passenger, enabling a personalised profile to be created. As a consequence of this, individual data is obtained for every passenger in a vehicle, meaning that automated vehicles would actually be able to store the preferred driving style of each passenger. Written by ZF Services Australia Pty Ltd

ABOUT ZF ZF is a globally active technology group that supplies systems for the mobility of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology. With a comprehensive technology portfolio, ZF offers integrated solutions for established automotive manufacturers, mobility providers, and emerging companies in the transportation and mobility sector. All ZF system components have been developed for full compatibility with its systems expertise covering driveline and chassis technology, steering systems, axles, dampers and cooling systems. Through its premium brands, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW, ZF offers the aftermarket a comprehensive range of products, all representing the best quality and dependable service.

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

Monash University

From Room to Region – the Changing Face of Urban Mobility Mobility is an essential part of a functioning metropolis. It is both the lifeblood and the choking congestion that impacts our daily life. Humankind is experiencing profound socio-technical changes, especially around the way we are connected to one another and the way we engage with mobility. These advances are prompting a re-think of how we might re-conceptualise our mobility needs.

Design is an arbiter of change that embraces many interpretations, from the entirely visceral to the deeply theoretical. Everything created by the mind of a human being is designed in some way whether it be successful or reprehensible. While borne from artisanship the role of design in today’s society has increasingly gravitated towards methods of understanding. Interpreting human interactions with objects, artefacts and technology and then re-constructing these interactions in ways that seek to improve our experiences.

Monash University’s Mobility Design Lab, located within the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture, undertakes research addressing the relationship between human beings and the design of mobility. It is one of the few research organisations to focus entirely on how to design interventions to improve a wide variety of physical, environmental experimental and experiential aspects of mobility. Despite the wide variety of famous icons of transportation; the London double-decker bus, the Shinkansen bullet train and the ubiquitous Rover safety frame configuration of the bicycle, there is little scholarly research into improving the design of mobility infrastructure.

There are 7.7 billion people in the world and counting and our enthusiasm for burning fossil fuels to power our movements is having a profound effect on our climate. Transport is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gasses. The Mobility Lab’s research is focused upon the urgent and essential strategies to mitigate this problem and there are a number of ways to approach the issue.

geometry of the vehicle. This most readily seen in the way that low floor busses can be built and all the ensuing opportunities for level boarding and change to seating arrangements. Electromotive power also leads to considerations for the design of re-charging protocols such as batteries and charging points so the carbon problem is not just passed back along the supply chain. 2. Active transport. Much of the Lab’s recent work has been concerning how to make cycling more attractive and feasible to a broader community. This embraces a re-think of not only the cycles themselves such as the development of pedal-assist but also safer and more accessible ways in which cyclists can navigate about the city.

1. Change of power train to electricity. The replacement of carbon-based fuel systems with those predominately using electricity is the most immediate action. Electromotive power trains rather than oilbased systems change the layout and overall

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3. Migrating from personal transport to shared and public modalities. Single occupancy personal cars are the bane of city congestion. A large private fleet may have been for decades the marker of an affluent and upwardly mobile society but the shear geometry of fitting such large objects with such inefficient occupancy into finite spaces is unsustainable. Making public transport options more palatable is a keyway that design can contribute to solving this problem. 4. Accessing mobility options. One of the principle antagonisms of the private sector toward the public is the sense of freedom that owning and operating one’s own car is perceived to bring compared to engaging with a timetable and an indifferent service frequency. Digital connectivity, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are making sophisticated algorithms possible to enable a variety of mobility choices from hourly rated vehicle hire to innovative taxi options to real-time public transport service data. Computing placed in the passengers’ hand through smartphone apps take the mystery and anxiety from making informed mobility choices. The personally owned car is likely to see itself move to the position owning a horse does today from a one-time necessity to indulgent pleasure reserved special places and at weekends.

Monash University

delivery systems remains to be explored. The concept of the twenty-minute precinct, where all our essential services and amenity are within twenty minutes of the home is gaining a great deal of academic interest. The Mobility Design Lab, along with colleagues in urban planning are building a better understanding of how car-free suburbs could evolve a whole new active precinct which will be healthier and probably a good deal safer. Neighbourhood streets that support all active modes for commuting, recreation, and social interaction are critical for the health, social, and economic wellbeing. In a largely dispersed city population in which distances go beyond our reasonable physical ability, there will remain the need to make longer trips. These needs may be emotional and psychological as well as for practical reasons such as employment or accessing resources. For this ‘zone’ the anticipation is that there may be a place for the much-vaunted autonomous cars. For example, long periods on a freeway where there can be little to support for the idea of the pleasure of driving where one might be better engaged elsewhere and let the vehicle simply get us to our destination safely. Even larger distances, the regions, in this spectrum will enable recovery for the enthusiasm for rail travel and the opportunity for design to create sophisticated experiences that inject pleasure as well as high speed into the necessary trips that go further afield. However, there are also rivals in this category in the form of boats and a return to airship speculation that could enable a much greener and sustainable form of long-distance travel. Some of these ideas our speculations others are already unfolding. The magnitude of change that is needed for our mobility network to deliver on today’s societal and

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

environmental challenges, including climate change, public health, road safety, and liveability is enormous. In whatever way they are interpreted they raise the discourse in how design can address our current approaches to challenging problems. Written by Associate Professor Selby Coxon, Monash University

ABOUT MONASH UNIVERSITY'S MOBILITY DESIGN LAB Monash University’s Mobility Design Lab is positioned at the forefront of research addressing the issues of design in mobility. They have engaged in design research as varied as ameliorating anti-social behaviour, reconfiguring train carriage interiors to promote better passenger dispersal, improving disabled accessibility, re-conceptualising mass customisation processes bicycle road safety interventions, sustainable active transport, exploring the implications of driverless vehicles, safer tram stops and the design opportunities afforded by new forms of power. The Lab’s interdisciplinary team and network of global collaborators apply a rigorous and scholarly approach to the various challenges of contemporary and future mobility.

These four threads are coming together to form a blueprint of how the urban landscape will operate in the decades ahead. In the concept Room to Region, the Mobility Design Lab examined a spectrum of mobility needs beginning with our lives at home and then opening out across the neighbourhood and then beyond the city limits. This spectrum can be divided into zones of mobility activity. The ‘home-zone’ is a response to not travelling at all. It recognises that for many types of jobs and new emerging careers many hours of work could be spent at home conducting their business through the portal of a computer screen. New forms of mobility are emerging here. Home deliveries of goods and services are increasing. Energised by the online ‘App’ culture, food can be brought to us on newly adapted bicycles and bespoke means of keeping meals warm. These vehicles are still not yet at a mature stage and the carefully considered design of these

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MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

Linde Material Handling Pty Ltd

The Art of Automating a Warehouse: Seamlessly Connecting Technology, Robots & Humans The challenges of intralogistics are ongoing, and it’s these challenges that Linde keeps at the core of what they do when pushing innovation in material handling applications. Skilled staff shortages, competition, fluctuating capacity utilisation and increasingly fragmented goods flows increase the business need for efficiency and scalability. This is whereby automating certain steps using robots can alleviate some operational pressures. We spoke to Linde’s Robotics & Automation Specialist to understand how businesses can automate their warehouses. The three steps to automating machinery 1. Install equipment onto the forklift that allows it to sense an obstacle or pedestrian: By linking this equipment to the machines drive system, you can ensure it doesn’t crash into anything. This is most often achieved using PL-D rated safety scanners. 2. Find a way for the forklift to navigate around the premises by: a. Using retrofitted reference infrastructure: The most common solution involves reflectors mounted throughout the warehouse, the scanner uses them to reference where it’s situated. b. Using natural navigation (sometimes called geo-guidance) with LIDAR: LIDAR works much like radar, but is laser based – similar to the technology that police use to detect our driving speed. It doesn’t require reflectors or other pre-installed items, it just ‘bounces’ off any permanent structures already in the work environment. The LIDAR is able to determine where it is in space by scanning it’s environment an incredible 54,000 times a second! When you initially install a machine on the premises, it is driven around the facility manually to conduct its first mapping of the warehouse. The mapping is then analysed and anything that’s transient, like a person or another machine is deleted leaving only the permanent items and the internal structure. Although the LIDAR is continually scanning during operation, this initial mapping gives it the ability to navigate the forklift around the area with ease. ‘Pathways’ are then created and overlaid on this map in the machine’s memory – this ensures the machine is always using the navigation to follow its predesignated pathways to avoid it driving in places and directions you wouldn’t expect. Predictability of movement is key to safe

The Art of Automating a Warehouse Seamlessly Connecting Technology, Robots & Humans

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Linde Material Handling Pty Ltd

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

automation of forklifts in a mixed traffic environment. c. Using other technologies: Like magnets, lines painted on floors or an electric wire in the floor.

jobs coming in, and also manage all pathways to ensure two robots aren’t trying to use the same ‘patch’ of pathway at the same time. Otherwise you end up with two robots facing each other not doing anything!

2. Via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) on the machine: This also allows humans to create jobs directly on the machine, as well as run diagnostics and review performance statistics

3. Establish a way to communicate with the robot

Level 3: Talking to fixed infrastructure on the premises Automated machines can communicate with any piece of fixed infrastructure as long as there’s a signal. For example, a conveyor belt has a pallet ready for collection, it sends a signal via the communication box which goes to the server that creates a job within the robot management software, this then tells the robot to go pick the pallet up off the conveyor belt. The same system can communicate with a roller door telling it to open and close or with a fire alarm system so that if there’s a fire in the warehouse, all robots will stop operating allowing people to evacuate safely without having to worry about accidentally being hit by a machine. The software can also communicate with a docking station and battery charger to manage the robots battery charging.

Less direct forms of communications In fixed human workstations there’s also an option to go ‘old school’ and place a button on the wall that, when pressed, sends a signal to the robot to come and complete a job.

The four levels of robot communication Level 1: Talking to other robots In order for multiple automated machines to communicate with each other, they must all be linked to robot manager software which drives the entire system. This software can talk to trucks via standard WiFi. We consider WiFi the best to use as it’s often already on premises, can be used for other systems concurrently, is easily and cheaply procured and can be amplified if there are signal issues. Level 2: Talking to the end user’s system Robot manager software must talk to the robots as well as the end user’s system. For example, in a warehouse environment, if there’s a reach truck putting pallets in and out of racking, the software needs to be able to talk to the warehouse management system to tell the truck where it can put the pallet, or where the pallet it wants is currently located. The software should manage the priority of

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Level 4: Talking to humans There are two ways robots can talk to humans: 1. Via the software through its interface: With emulators on a computer or tablet, humans can manually create missions for the robots

Identifying the processes that your business will benefit most from automation is where you need to start. It may take some initial investment but once in place, automation will improve capacity utilisation, productivity, transport quality and reliability, as well as reduce staff injuries and damage to infrastructure and goods. Provided by Linde Material Handling Pty Ltd

Interested in automating your warehouse? Contact Linde’s Robotics & Automation Specialist 1300 135 463

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

Liebherr Group

‘E’ Makes all the Difference For two years, the engineers and developers at Liebherr-Mischtechnik GmbH have been tinkering around to help create the emission-free construction site of the future. At the 2019 Bauma tradeshow in Munich, they not only showcased the first electrically-powered truck mixer that is comparable in performance to a diesel one, but also presented solutions that had previously been regarded as impossible. E-pioneers all charged up The central console in the driver’s cabin is in a jumble. There are cables all over the place, tiny lights flashing and jacks waiting to be connected to laptops and other mobile computing devices. The whole thing is more reminiscent of a server room than the workspace in a truck mixer. At the Liebherr-Mischtechnik GmbH test hall in Bad Schussenried in south-west Germany, there is a high demand for complex electronic measurement technology – all the more so when it comes to designing innovative construction machinery for use in highemission city centres and giving it emissionfree status. For more than two years, a team of developers lead by Gerhard Zenne, the Head of Engineering and Development at LiebherrMischtechnik GmbH, has been refining the new ETM production series.

Liebherr-ETM-Human-Interface ‘It certainly wasn’t easy’, recalls Gerhard Zenne. ‘Unlike the car industry, applying electronic technology in construction site vehicles is completely uncharted waters – our work is pioneering.’ At this point, it’s worth thinking back to how we got here. Gerhard Zenne’s team was given the task of combining the advantages of two driving technologies – and to work out how to fit them into the same amount of space, with the same axle load distribution. ‘These types of products aren’t already out there, waiting to be used’, says Alexander Pifko, the e-mobility project leader in Gerhard Zenne’s team. ‘And

what’s more, many devices that function in an indoor industrial setting cannot cope with tough outdoor working conditions, where the power electronics are constantly exposed to adverse temperatures and weather.’ Given the challenging outdoor requirements, some e-pioneers were hesitant when it came to collaborate on a project like this. Eventually, the engine technology and chassis construction experts from ZF Friedrichshafen came on board for this demanding project, despite all its unknowns. ‘It was actually a stroke of luck for both parties’, says Gerhard Zenne. Their joint objective was to build a plug-in hybrid with an electric drum motor, generator and battery – with the right power conversion technology and hot and cold temperature management for the battery. Furthermore, it was only possible to add approximately 750 kilograms of extra weight, so that the whole vehicle including its lightweight drum would have a total weight of 4.1 tonnes. ‘During the development process we learned a lot from each other in a relatively short amount of time, both individually and as a team. And as a result, we were able to present our ETM as a product ready for series production at Bauma’, says Gerhard Zenne, proudly. One particular challenge was to make the battery the right size. ‘We needed special temperature management. To deliver power immediately, at any time, for example in the depths of winter, the battery has to be at its operating temperature, which can only be done if it is kept at a constant temperature. We even found a solution for that’, explains Andreas Scherzinger, a mobile electronics developer at Liebherr.

Liebherr-ETM-Ladevorgang

To keep the truck mixer agile and manoeuvrable on the roads with suitably short wheelbases, the constructors managed

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Liebherr Group

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

Liebherr-ETM-PR-01

“Noise pollution and harmful emissions are significantly reduced. And unlike hydraulic systems, an electric motor can achieve a minimal rate of rotations which reduces wear on the components.” Andreas Scherzinger (mobile electronics developer) to integrate the battery behind the rear drum support unit. This also provided the 32-tonne vehicle with an optimal axle load. There are lots of benefits to having an electric motor when using the truck mixer. ‘Noise pollution and harmful emissions are significantly reduced. And unlike hydraulic systems, an electric motor can achieve a minimal rate of rotations which reduces wear on the components.’ Apparently, it can even transport and mix stiff category F1 and F2 concretes without any trouble. As a plug-in hybrid, the battery can be charged either by the diesel-powered generator or by plugging it in to an electrical outlet. ‘During

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a typical 30-minute drive to a construction site, the diesel-powered generator charges the battery. When the drum is being filled at the concrete factory, power is supplied by plugging it into an electrical outlet, either at 22 kW or a supercharged 50 kW’, explains the project leader Alexander Pifko. Thus, with an average of six journeys from the mixing factory to the construction site and back, there are a total of 12 charging cycles. ‘That’s an optimal charging system, which supplies permanent power’. And since Liebherr has already agreed a system voltage of 650V/DC with the vehicle manufacturers, it is already future proof. For fleet managers, operating costs are just as important a consideration. ‘Despite a slight increase in diesel consumption by the generator, the e-truck mixer boasts overall fuel savings of about 30%’, calculates Gerhard Zenne. After all, there is no longer a need for a diesel motor to rotate the mixing drum at the mixing unit or the construction site, as the energy is supplied entirely by the battery. ‘It’s a fantastic base to build on for the future.’ Note: the product is only being marketed provisionally in Europe at present.

ABOUT LIEBHERR GROUP Founded in 1949 by Dr. Hans Liebherr, the family owned Liebherr Group operates in over 50 countries, employing more than 46,200 people. The decentralised group is divided into 11 independently operated business units, offering a diverse product range from aircraft parts to refrigerators, mixing technologies to mining equipment. For 70 years, Liebherr's products and services have been broad and sophisticated; with design and technology oriented toward the practical. From first presence in Australia in 1970, to incorporation in 1981, Liebherr-Australia currently comprises seven divisions: Mining, Earthmoving, Mobile Cranes, Crawler Cranes, Maritime Cranes, Tower Cranes, and Components, sold and supported by twelve locations in Australia and four in New Zealand. For more information contact: email info.las@liebherr.com

Provided by the Liebherr Group

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

iris Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

Technology for Automatic Passenger Counting About IRMA passenger counters IRMA, the main product, is a passenger counting system. IRMA was developed for use in urban public transport and it is used in many cities throughout the world, from New York to Singapore. The data gained by IRMA is used for the business optimization, capacity adjustment and revenue sharing in Public Transport associations. The sensors are mounted above the vehicle doors and transmit the quantity of boarding and alighting persons.

IRMA MATRIX passenger counting sensor - surface mount version

The basis of IRMA counting sensors is a technology working with distance measurement according to the timeof-flight principle (TOF). This ensures reliable detection under all environmental conditions and reliable counting even in crowded situations. Modern interfaces to the on-board computer enable simple integration.

ABOUT IRIS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; INTELLIGENT SENSING

About Time of Flight Time-of-flight technology (ToF) supplies reliable image data. The sensors can be used in any environment, in bright sunshine in the deserts of Arizona and North Africa or beyond the Polar Circle in the freezing cold of Norilsk. The signals of this sensor type offer an unbeatable advantage. The information for each image frame combines the time of flight of the light emitted and its speed (speed of light). These two physical values are independent of environmental conditions. When the time of flight of the light signal from the sensor to the object and back is known, the distance between sensor and object in each pixel is calculated by multiplying this time by the speed of light. It is stunning that it is, in fact, possible to measure this flight time. Light flying over the distance of one centimetre takes just 33-ps (0.000000000033s). This incredibly short time span can be recorded with fast electronics in the silicon. The so-called robust 3D point cloud is formed. This is the data which algorithms love. Machines know no images, just values in space and time. If these are as uniform as possible for a sequence of situations in the vehicle door area, independently of whether beyond the Polar Circle or in the desert, the system yields reliable results. The sensor data are determined by measuring the time of flight of the light - they are not disrupted by shadows or complete darkness. About the industry As in all modern industries, the progressing digitalisation in public transport is based on data.

Principle of operation Passenger counting sensor above door The management of small and large fleets has been an important issue in the development of local transport networks. Satellitebased tracking and the implementation of powerful processors have resulted in the widespread use of telematics systems for fleet control and passenger information in real-time in the past 15 years. The Australian market is no exception. Modern technologies are currently finding their way into Australia's transport systems. The demand for technologies such as automatic passenger counting is growing rapidly. iris was aware of this development early on and decided to establish a local subsidiary. Only in this way is it possible to offer local customers the level of service that distinguishes iris. With the intensive support of the AHK, iris founded a company in 2019 and sent an employee to Melbourne. The experience of the AHK made it possible to make the incorporation and visa process extremely efficient. Thanks to the intensive, personal support, the Australian iris branch is now so well positioned that colleagues on-site can get down to work with the certainty that they are well prepared, knowing that AHK will continue their support advice and assistance.

The Berlin-based company irisGmbH has been supplying the global market with reliable technologies for automatic passenger counting for more than 27 years. In 2019 the subsidiary iris Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd has been founded in Melbourne to support its Australian customers, as well as customers from east and south-east Asia. This is irisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second subsidiary following the Atlanta office, which was founded in 2016. iris is one of the leading manufacturers of passenger counting systems for public transport and develops both hardware and software components for the sensors in its own research departments at its headquarters in Berlin.

The Consulting branch of GACIC assisted iris Asia Pacific Pty Ltd with its incorporation in late 2019. The company has since made use of GACIC's office-in-office business representation services, through which we allow our clients to use the Chamber address as their registered office whilst furthermore conducting business development initiatives where needed. These include ad hoc market and competitor analyses, providing customer support by processing incoming calls on behalf of our clients, providing support with organising corporate events or engaging in customer acquisition. Contact details: Enrica Mertens, Senior Consultant Market Entry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Consulting Services, Business Representation Lead T:+61 (0)2 8296 0454 E:enrica.mertens@germany.org.au

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German-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS 2020

Norwegians Ahead on the Road Electric vehicles, ferries and aircrafts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; over the past decade, Norway has managed to establish exemplary structures for electromobility and set the European development in motion. Especially in the automotive and maritime industry, the country is regarded as a pioneer and test market for new innovations and sustainable electrical technologies. Norway's capital Oslo is also known as the "Electric Vehicle Capital of the World". Last year, 43 percent of the newly sold cars were electric and almost 14 percent were rechargeable hybrid models. This makes Norway the country with the largest share of electric cars in terms of new car sales. In March 2019, for the first time, more electric cars were sold than cars run by fossil fuels. The Norwegian government's goal is to only sell zero-emission cars by 2025. In 2011, the market share of electric cars was only one percent. Through a series of political measures, the government has created favorable conditions for electric vehicles and significantly advanced sales of electric cars. But not only the automotive industry is becoming increasingly electrified. The first test flights for commercial electric aircrafts have been successfully completed, and the maritime sector is working on new environmentally friendly alternatives. Electric vehicle as part of the climate solution By 2030, the government wants to halve the country's CO2 emissions compared to 1990. More than 30 percent of total emissions come from the transport sector. Nearly 100 percent of the Norwegian electricity production comes from renewable sources, most of it from hydropower. That is why the electrification of the transport sector is seen as one of the most important measures to comply with the Paris climate agreement. Tax and consumer benefits have made electric vehicles competitive on the Norwegian market. The purchase of electric cars and plug-in hybrid models is exempt from VAT, vehicle tax and registration fees. Other incentives such as lower toll and parking fees are reasons why many Norwegians are switching to electric models. The welldeveloped charging infrastructure should not be underestimated either: There are currently over 13,000 public charging stations in Norway, so that electric vehicles can be charged in almost all municipalities. Many municipalities are working on expanding the charging infrastructure with charging

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Charging station, Redink, Ruter

Electric aircraft, Avinor

points available for electric cars as well as for electric ferries and ships. Electrification of the coast There are over 100 ferry connections in Norway that will be gradually electrified. In 2015, Norway put its first electric ferry "Ampere" into operation and by 2021 about 70 electric ferries will be traveling in Norwegian waters. Siemens opened a battery module factory for the marine and offshore market in Trondheim last year and set up a competence center for electrical and hybrid solutions. The investment in maritime battery systems is a measure to achieve the goal of extending global leadership in the field of electromobility within the maritime industry. Another major project is the upcoming launch of the world's first autonomous and emissionfree container ship, named "Yara Birkeland", that will replace 40,000 freight trips for the Norwegian fertilizer company Yara in the future. The shipping company Hurtigruten is also working on green engines for its cruise ships that are a tourist attraction with 800,000 passengers annually. The dream of zero-emission flights The introduction of electric aircrafts is another goal of the government's climate program. Domestic flights are to be electrified by 2040. The distances between the 44 airports in Norway are covered with relatively few passengers per flight. This makes Norway particularly suitable for testing the first commercial electrical aircrafts that have an expected limited range and capacity. Manufacturers assume that by 2040 up to 100 people can fly up to 1,000 km. Oslo awarded European Green Capital In 2019, Oslo won the "European Green Capital Award" and thus got a lot of attention for its measures to counteract the climate crisis and improve urban living. Norway's capital wants to be climate neutral within the

E-ferry Ampere, Norled

German-Norwegian Chamber, Felix Reimann next 30 years. The promotion of emission-free transport plays an important role. Oslo acts as a living lab for efficient, sustainable and digital mobility concepts. For example, 70 electric buses are running, several car-free zones have been set up in the city center and a new infrastructure for bicycles has been created. Last year, 113 delegations from all over the world visited Oslo to learn from the experiences and measures. Norway is an important cooperation partner, especially in electromobility. The country benefits from the long-standing experience from the field and the excellent digital infrastructure, while Germany, the cradle of the automotive industry, has the best know-how to contribute ideas and technologies to a green shift. Mobility is therefore an extremely interesting field in which the German-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce will continue to shape and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Written by Sarah Huesmann, German-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce

MEMBER4MEMBER OFFERS

Exclusive Member4Member Offers We are pleased to present you with a range of discounts and special deals from GAC members for GAC members. Please log in to our Online Membership portal to book these special deals and to check terms and conditions. If you have an exclusive rate or special product that you would like to offer your fellow members, please email: tina.thoms@germany.org.au to submit your offer.

Services

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Miscellaneous

Audi Australia are delighted to offer you as a member of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce benefits and superior servicing of the AudiCorporate program on the entire range of premium new Audi vehicles.

"Die Woche" is the only German-speaking newspaper in Australia. The weekly published newspaper offers AHK members a discount of 30% on the annual subscription of the pdf-file and 10% discount on the printed version.

Faber-Castell is offering a selection of their finest writing instruments at discounted prices up to 40%. This offer is exclusive for members and not available elsewhere.

KĂ¤rcher is pleased to share with the members of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, an exclusive members only 15% discount on selected KĂ¤rcher products.

Mercedes me Store Melbourne is proud to offer a preferred rate for hire of our stunning boardroom space.

Sennheiser Sydney Store is pleased to share with the members of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, a members-only 25% discount off RRP on selected* Sennheiser Sydney Store products. The AMBEO Soundbar is at 15% off RRP.

Wine Window is pleased to offer exclusively to Chamber members a 10% discount on all orders. Our wines are produced by young winemakers in family-run wineries in the Rheinhessen and Pfalz area.

Discounted rates for AHK Members - settle in with amazing deals on 14+ night stays starting from $55 per night in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

We thank all of our Premium Partners for their support.

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NEW MEMBERS

Austbrokers AEI is a commercial insurance specialist, servicing clients ranging from sole traders to large multinational listed companies. We work with newly formed enterprises, through to publicly listed companies across many industries across Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, Engineering, Professional Services, Importers/ Exporters, Construction and many more!xxxx Our industry standing and reputation has been built upon decades of experience, and is based on integrity and trust, commercial acumen, claims capability, and above all our clear commitment to looking after our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. At AEI our philosophy is simple, we work for you and are there for you when you need us most. With a national presence, yet a local touch. With a local presence throughout Australia, we are confident that here in Australia, AEI should be your insurance broker of choice.

BAUER is the leading manufacturer of medium and high-pressure systems for air and gases worldwide, offering a wide range of capacity and pressures. Together with a wide spectrum of optional accessories, it offers a customized solution for each application. All units require minimal installation. We have more than 70 years of experience in production. Needless to say, BAUER complies with Quality Assurance ISO 9001. We manufacture: - High-pressure piston compressors - Air and gas purification systems - Storage and distribution systems

Austmine is the leading industry body for the Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector, with over 600 corporate members around the country. We exist to develop, promote and support the METS sector and provide growth opportunities and value to our members so they can achieve greater success. We are a not-for-profit industry association focused on our members' needs and goals. ur members represent the full mining value chain, from greenfields exploration, through to production, processing and export. They range from major multinationals to innovative SMEs, and exciting technology start-ups. What they all have in common is belonging to a network that is shaping the future of our sector.

CoSec offers foreign companies fast, comprehensive support to set up and expand in Australia. We provide a range of corporate services to cover initial and ongoing operational, compliance and finance needs under a transparent, fixed fee pricing model. We tick all the boxes in managing clients' Australian corporate and financial compliance, so clients can focus on growing their business. Our services include a local CFO who is experienced working with international subsidiaries, Australian company officers including a Resident Director, Company Secretary and Public Officer, Registered and virtual office services, as well as legal and tax advice as required.

BARTEC is one of the global market leaders in the area of explosion protection and a leading provider of innovative products and solutions for use in hazardous areas. Wherever hazardous substances such as flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts may occur, the components and modular system solutions developed by BARTEC make an effective contribution to protecting man and the environment because their use significantly reduces and de facto excludes risks, for example, the risk of explosions. BARTEC was established in 1975 and today has around 1,700 employees worldwide. The company, whose headquarters are in Bad Mergentheim, manufactures at eleven international locations and has some 40 distribution companies and more than 50 specialist agencies. Its customers include the oil and gas industry as well as petrochemicals and pharmaceutical companies throughout the world.

CMX Global Logistics is an International transportation and logistics company that specialises in the movement of heavy machinery and project cargo. From point of origin to worldwide destinations, we arrange and manage the overland, ocean and air transport of self propelled, breakbulk and heavy lift cargo.

Since 2011, CoSec has successfully managed the Australian expansion of over 300 companies from more than 25 countries across a broad range of industries. With offices around Australia and a representative based in Europe, we can manage the international expansion in Australia and deal directly with the German parent company.

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NEW MEMBERS

HARTING Technology Group is a global leader supplying connectivity solutions for the three main lifelines of industrial technology – data, signals and power – with 13 production sites and 44 sales companies worldwide. Founded in 1945. HARTING is 100% owned by the Harting family, Company HQ in Espelkamp, Germany. About 5.000 employees, Euro 762 m in turnover in Business Year 2017/2018.

Established in 1929, Hunt & Hunt is a group of legal firms around the country working together to provide seamless legal services to clients throughout Australia. Our practise areas include property, environment and planning, corporate and business advisory, dispute resolution and litigation, insolvency, and government and administrative law for a diverse client base comprised of government departments, not-for-profit organisations, large and small businesses, and private clients. Special Counsel Markus Christmann is a key member of our wills and estates team. Fluent in both English and German, Markus’s work includes the preparation of estate planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney and supporting documents. He also advises and acts in estate administration and estate litigation matters.

German global market leader Ottobock stands for high-quality, technologically outstanding solutions in the field of medical technology, especially in Prosthetics, Orthotics, Human Mobility and medical care, and has been in business for 100 years. Subsidiaries in more than 57 countries offer “Made in Germany” quality worldwide and employ more than 7,000 people. Ottobock Industrials develops innovative devices for an ergonomic workplace. Since 2012, the company has been researching innovative solutions to make jobs in industry, logistics and trades more ergonomic. The goal is to provide relief for people who perform physically demanding tasks such as overhead work, thereby creating healthier working conditions. The Paexo Shoulder is the lightest exoskeleton of its kind and relieves strain on the shoulder joints and upper arms during overhead work. The Paexo product range also includes neck and wrist supports. The company will also be launching a much-anticipated back support exoskeleton in 2020.

IMPRINT Once upon a time, an old federation warehouse sat quietly on Mountain Street. It was a space where hard-working people built, made and created. Workers came and went and its strong framework was a space for many an industry, including an old leather tannery. As the years went on, the area around it began to evolve. The change was in the air. Fast forward to 2017 and that old warehouse has been lovingly converted into Veriu Broadway. With a nod to the past through the hotel’s exposed industrial features, the hotel reflects the future of travel and celebrates today's traveller with innovative and stylish design and loft-inspired living.

ZF is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, parts and equipment to the automotive, construction and agricultural sectors. An innovator in mechanical and electronic systems, ZF has a global reach as an original equipment supplier to vehicle and machinery manufacturers, and as a manufacturer of OEquality parts for replacement, repair and the aftermarket.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ZF offers the commercial vehicle and agricultural sectors a range of heavy-duty transmissions for most operational requirements, backed by full service and spare parts support.xxxxxxxx There are automated and manual transmissions, powershift transmissions, powertrain components such as clutches, electric drives, complete axle systems and chassis components, even a range of specialised lubricants.xxxxxxxx Through its premium brands, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW, ZF offers the aftermarket a comprehensive range of products, all representing the best quality and dependable service.

www.germany.org.au

German–Australian Business News is published quarterly by the GermanAustralian Chamber of Industry & Commerce and distributed free of charge to members and selected nonmembers in Australia and abroad. Circulation: 1,250

Cover image Adobe Stock/ By Atakan EDITORIAL OFFICE/ ADVERTISING Katja Mossner & Andrea Hirsch LAYOUT/ PROOFING/ PRODUCTION Emily Krämer, Freelance SYDNEY OFFICE Email: media@germany.org.au Level 6, 8 Spring Street, Sydney 2000 Ph: +61-2-8296 0446 MELBOURNE OFFICE International Chamber House Level 5, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000 MegaColour Pty Ltd

German-Australian Business-News | Q2 2020

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German-Australian Business-News | Q2 2020