A new partnership will see $135 million invested in creating Australia’s first fully immersed Industry 4.0 facility.
Swinburne University of Technology has received a $135 million industrial software grant from engineering company Siemens to digitalise Swinburne’s Factory of the Future, creating Australia’s first fully immersed Industry 4.0 facility.
The new software will give students and researchers access to the same apparatus being used by leading companies on advanced projects, helping develop the workforce of the future across the entire work lifecycle from apprenticeships to PhDs.
Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Aleksandar Subic said Siemens high tech software tools are used in a broad range of contexts and applications, from America’s Cup racing yachts, to surfboard design, formula one racing and even the Mars Rover.
“I have experienced the Siemens automation technology and digitalisation software and hardware firsthand in Germany and the US and can see how this approach will help transform our manufacturing sector and develop future workforce to participate and compete globally,” he said.
Siemens Australia Chairman and CEO Jeff Connolly said the grant will support Victoria and Australia by preparing students to participate fully in the emerging global innovation economy.
“I’m proud to be standing here today, side by side with Swinburne University of Technology, announcing the largest ever industrial software grant in Australia,” he said.
“Our country’s future relies on companies working with key educational and research institutions to get our workforce ready for the fourth industrial revolution.”
