ARC TRAINING CENTRE FOR COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS
WHAT BENEFITS CAN YOUR COMPANY EXPECT?
The ARC Training Centre for Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing was established under the ARC Linkage Program – Industrial Transformation Training Centres. Its aim is to unite manufacturing businesses and universities to develop collaborative robotics applications. The Centre has investments of $8.33 million (in cash) over five years, as well as $7.31 million in-kind contributions from the ARC, eight partner organisations, three Australian universities and one international university. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is acting as the Administering Organisation and Weld Australia is a Centre Partner. Just some of the other Industry Partners involved include InfraBuild, IR4 and LA Services. Together, QUT and Weld Australia are offering practical solutions to industry that flow from the research undertaken at the ARC Training Centre. By participating in the program, companies can expect benefits like: access to subsidised advanced manufacturing technology designed to solve specific manufacturing problems; enhanced productivity; increased safety; and minimised employee turnover. If you’re interested in using cobots to improve the productivity of your company, contact Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) on g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au.
WHAT IS A COBOT? Cobots are designed to work alongside human employees, assisting employees with work that may be too dangerous, strenuous, or tedious. This helps to create a safer, more efficient workplace without eliminating jobs. Cobots are easily programmable and are capable of ‘learning’ on the job. In welding, cobots can be used for several purposes, from joining metal parts and holding parts steady for workers, through to sorting hardware using a vision system.
WELD CONNECT | JULY 2021
PAGE 9
