AWI Robotics program seeking collaboration partners
Are you a robotics entrepreneur or engineer who thrives on a challenge? If so, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!
With robotics a way of the future in the wool industry, AWI is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for the development of robotic wool harvesting solutions.
General Manger of Research at Australian Wool Innovation Dr Jane Littlejohn explained the goal of the program is to optimise wool harvesting for safety, welfare, clip quality and cost competitiveness.
“We are currently seeking worldwide expressions of interest (EOI) for the development of robotic wool harvesting solutions from universities, entrepreneurs, engineering companies, start-ups and other organisations keen to get involved in the development of robotic sheep wool harvesting solutions,” Dr Littlejohn outlined.
“Our work so far has involved adapting ‘off-the-shelf’ robotic technology to shearing by the publishing of a scoping study providing a comprehensive understanding of how modern robotics technology could work within the shearing profession.”
“The next phase is the selection and funding of proposals to develop automatic systems that can enhance, partially replace and/or optimise shearers’ work.
“AWI is excited about collaborating with new robotics partners to optimise wool harvesting for growers through innovative robotic solutions.
“We are committed to continuing our research work into alternative wool harvesting technology to support shearing as a modern profession.”
The EOI documentation and form can be downloaded here. EOIs should be submitted by 31 May 2019.
