Defence Industry Melissa Price announced that the Department of Defence will next year host RobotX, an international autonomous maritime robotic vehicles competition designed to broaden students’ exposure to autonomy and robotic technologies in the maritime environment.
The biennial competition, which will take place at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith in November 2022, will be delivered in partnership with US not-for-profit organisation RoboNation.
It will be supported by the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and will consist of a range of obstacle course challenges, funded by Defence’s Next Generation Technologies Fund, in partnership with RoboNation and the United States Office of Naval Research.
Making the announcement, Minister Price said the event consisted of teams made up of students from multiple engineering disciplines from universities across the world.
“This competition enables students, academic institutions and industry partners to focus on the challenges of maritime autonomy – one of the fastest growing industrial pursuits of our time,” Minister Price said.
“Robotic autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) will play an increasing role in future Australian Defence Force capability.
“The Royal Australian Navy ‘RAS-AI Strategy 2040’ encourages engagement in experimentation, cooperation and innovation at all levels to fulfill our potential.
“RobotX is a perfect environment for students to develop the skills necessary to support the future capability needs. I would encourage Australian businesses and universities to test themselves by being involved in this event.”
