Tech it to the next level: IMDEX major partner in robotics testing centre
IMDEX (ASX: IMD) has become the first major industry partner of the new 51ha Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) in Neerabup, 40km north of the Perth CBD in WA.
Signing on for an initial two-years to build and maintain a common user drill pad as part of the 22ha mine test and development site called “Dirt Lab”, IMDEX aims to accelerate testing and demonstration of technology including its award-winning BLAST DOGTM at a site close to its Balcatta headquarters.
IMDEX BLAST DOGTM is a commodity agnostic blast hole sensing and physical measurement technology that provides near real-time blast hole physicals and orebody knowledge and a 3D view into the bench.
IMDEX chief executive Paul House says having a purpose-built, robotics research and development site so close to the company’s headquarters is ideal.
“While we operate globally and have an unrivalled presence on all major mining operations, WA is home to some of the world’s major mining companies so having the opportunity to develop and promote our technology locally is an additional benefit,” he said.
“BLAST DOGTM won’t be the only technology we will test at the site.
“We have plans for testing a range of IMDEX tools and technology developed by our research and development team.”
This partnership announcement comes as WA commercial construction builder Devlyn Australia is awarded a $7.3m contract to build the 1,200m2 Common User Facility (CUF) operations building at the Neerabup precinct.
WA Lands Minister John Carey says the AARP is preparing the State for the future by supporting local jobs and innovation in critical technologies across key sectors.
“Developed with a $28m investment from the [WA] Government, the AARP provides local, national, and international industry innovators and researchers the opportunity to accelerate technology development, testing and scaling without interrupting on-site production and activities,” he said.
“Together with the commencement of the CUF, this is a major milestone marking another exciting step in WA’s innovation journey.
“By providing infrastructure to enable technological development, knowledge sharing and collaboration, we are creating avenues for growth and innovation in local industries and positioning WA as a global technology hub.”
WA Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson says the State is responsible for the development and deployment of world-leading industrial robotics and automation technology, which has paved the way for acceleration in some of our most important industries.
“The Common User Facility operations building will provide a flagship facility in WA for local and global businesses to cluster and collaborate on robotics and automation technology solutions, build skills and showcase capability,” he said.
“The CUF provides an environment for our brightest minds to come together and build towards a more sustainable future for our jobs, industries and communities.”
IMDEX recently signed deals with two tier-one mining companies for further commercial testing of BLAST DOGTM.
It has been developed in collaboration with Universal Field Robots and IMDEX industry partners Teck Resources and Anglo American.
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