Today, during the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, the two organisations officially announced Marintec brand and provided an update on key milestones achieved during the past twelve months.
Since its establishment in May 2022, Marintec has made significant progress in developing digital technologies for the maritime industry. The Institute has collaborated with industry partners to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation. Marintec has also engaged with key stakeholders in the maritime industry to identify and address challenges facing the sector.
The launch of Marintec is a significant milestone for Navantia Australia and UTS, as it demonstrates their commitment to advancing the maritime industry through digital innovation. The Institute will continue to collaborate with industry partners and stakeholders to develop cutting-edge digital technologies that will transform the maritime industry.
The collaborative R&D activities of Marintec are focused on delivering advanced technologies that are beneficial to the Royal Australian Navy and the wider industry. Navantia Australia’s investment commitment is being allocated towards several areas of collaborative research and development, focusing on advanced software engineering, UX digital expertise, game design, and AI.
Marintec and UTS Rapido, an industry focused R&D team, are working together on commercial R&D activities to deliver higher technology readiness level (TRL) solutions that have been presented to the Royal Australian Navy and are being demonstrated during Indo Pacific 2023. Projects include automatic ship routing using digital twin technology to optimise fuel usage, gamification and distributed architecture for naval personnel recruitment, attraction, training, and development, anomaly detection using deep learning models, situational awareness tools, and telecommunications and AI for the operation of autonomous uncrewed surface vehicles.
Marintec is also in the process of developing a joint doctoral degree and mobility agreement with universities to begin PhDs in Spain and Australia. The output of academic research is expected to feed into the R&D activities. Additionally, the Institute is exploring micro-credentials around ship control systems with UTS Enterprise and the Faculty of Engineering and IT teaching and learning teams.
Presently work is underway to complete the fit-out of a purpose-built facility to house Marintec, located in the heart of the Sydney’s Tech Central on UTS’s campus. Marintec’s location in Tech Central will foster collaboration between industry and academia as it is situated in close proximity to the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, the Robotics Institute, and the Rapido R&D team and prototyping facility. This strategic location will enable Marintec to leverage the expertise and resources available within the precinct to drive innovation in the marine technology sector. The facility will commence operating in January 2024 and house 20 researchers.
The first round of internships and graduate employment opportunities have been offered to UTS students with Navantia Australia, a tangible outcome of Marintec and thus nurturing talent within the Australian Defence Industry labour market.
Marintec’s research focus is on the development of cutting-edge marine technologies. The research conducted at this facility will help to strengthen the Australian Defence Industry’s capabilities and contribute to the nation’s sovereign defence capabilities.
About University of Technology Sydney
UTS is a leading university of technology located in the heart of Sydney’s innovation precinct. With more than 40,000 students, UTS has a distinct model of learning, strong research performance and a leading reputation for industry and professional engagement. Underpinned by social impact and a continuing commitment to sustainability, UTS is rated the No.1 ‘young’ university in Australia in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
About Navantia Australia
Navantia Australia designs, integrates, and supports naval maritime platforms and systems for the Royal Australian Navy. We are recognised as a Design Authority by the Commonwealth of Australia for the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) and Landing Craft, Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) and Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) Ships. At Navantia Australia, we are committed to growing our local workforce and links to the Australian Supply Chain to best support the growth of a truly Australian naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.