• ASX-listed IMDEX becomes first major industry
  partner and user at Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct
• Perth-based global mining technology company to
  use AARP to accelerate testing and demonstration of its world-leading
  autonomous logging and sensing technology system
• Announcement comes as WA commercial construction
  builder Devlyn Australia awarded $7.3m contract to build Common User Facility
  operations building at the Neerabup precinct

A
leading global mining technology company has become the first major industry
partner to sign up to the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP)
north of Perth.

ASX-listed
IMDEX will use the Neerabup innovation hub to accelerate testing and
demonstration of its BLAST DOG multi-sensor system, developed in Western
Australia and designed for use in global mining operations.

The
BLAST DOG multi-sensor system is used to optimise drill holes logging in mining
delivering real-time data to improve production and safety. The company is
headquartered in Perth and operates in all of the world’s key mining regions.

IMDEX
has signed on as an industry partner for an initial period of two years and
will build and maintain a common user Drill Pad at the precinct, which will
form a critical part of a 22ha ‘Dirt Lab’ – an Innovation Mine test and
development landscape offering commercial and collaborative opportunities for
users.

The
announcement comes as work is set to begin on a Common User Facility (CUF)
building at the AARP, with the building to play a pivotal role in developing a
collaborative ecosystem at the Precinct.

WA business Devlyn
Australia has been awarded the $7.3 million contract to deliver the 1,200
square metre facility.

To find out more, visit aarpwa.com.au

Comments attributed to Lands Minister John
Carey:

“As
Australia’s largest robotics and automation precinct, the AARP is preparing WA
for the future by supporting local jobs and innovation in critical technologies
across key sectors.

“Developed
with a $28 million investment from the Cook Labor 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.

“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.”

Comments attributed to Innovation and the
Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson:

“WA 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.

“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.”