University and defence industry collaboration boosts Industry 4.0 capabilities

Representatives from Swinburne, the Victorian Defence Alliances (VDA) and the Australian Defence Alliance have signed a letter of agreement at the Avalon Airshow to explore Industry 4.0 opportunities.
The agreement was signed in late-February by Swinburne pro vice-chancellor Professor Alan Kin-tak Lau, Victorian Defence Alliances manager Charlotte Morris, and Australian Defence Alliance CEO Claire Willette.
VDA Submarines will work with Swinburne to co-host an Industry 4.0 workshop for a group of 20 or more member companies to introduce the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre futuremap tool.
Futuremap is a business diagnostic tool that helps Australian manufacturing SMEs assess their current state of business and identify areas of focus and potential investment to transform and future-proof their business.
Following the workshop, two of the participating companies will take part in a digital capability assessment.
The partnership between Swinburne and VDA is part of the recently established Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Hub at Swinburne that is pioneering a new model of university-industry collaboration where businesses and universities co-create business strategy as well as technology.
Swinburne is embracing the Industry 4.0 era, using digital technologies to create social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation.
Swinburne deputy vice-chancellor Professor Aleksandar Subic said the adoption of new generation digital technologies and processes is crucial due to the highly competitive environment of manufacturing internationally.
About Victorian Defence Alliances
The Victorian Defence Alliances have been established through a partnership between the Australian Defence Alliance – Victoria and the State government of Victoria. Membership of the Alliances is open to all Victorian companies seeking to supply products and services to the national and international defence industry market.