Advanced sensors for the international market will be manufactured in Launceston with the launch of a new advanced manufacturing hub in the city.
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A joint partnership between manufacturing business Definium Technologies, the University of Tasmania’s Sense-T project and the state and federal governments, the advanced manufacturing hub was officially opened.
A ceremony at the facility in Canning Street was attended by Tasmanian Senator David Bushby, University of Tasmania deputy vice-chancellor Brigid Heywood, state IT Minister Michael Ferguson and representatives from the Sense-T project.
Professor Heywood said the new facility was a stellar example of the type of advanced manufacturing that would define the future capability of Tasmania.
“This is smart, future-facing manufacturing. This will position Launceston and Tasmania as an innovative provider of advanced circuit board components and electronic hardware design.”
Definium Technologies chief executive Mike Cruse said the hub would help to expand the capability of his existing business and build on the work they were already doing.
The business employees three full-time employees and other casual staff but it’s expected the hub will increase employment to about eight full-time workers.
The hub will allow Definium Technologies to design and build sensors for the Sense-T project and the Internet of Things.
“It’s extension of the Internet – it’s where we want to start monitoring and sensing the environment to help make decisions about the environment and create jobs,” he said.
Sense-T director associate Stephen Cahoon said the project had a close working relationship with Definium Technologies.
“The ASMF is an important component of our data value chain as it will enable 21st century sensor technology to be developed in Launceston for our suite of innovative products,” he said.
“These sensors will collect the necessary real-time data, that when combined with Sense-T’s data analytics capabilities, will provide new business insights and evidence based decision-making for managers in a range of sectors from agriculture to transport logistics.”
Tasmanian Senator David Bushby said the project highlighted the numerous high-tech, niche initiatives being developed in the state.
“The Sense-T facility moves important work out of the lab and allows people to better understand environmental patterns so they can increase production yields.”
He said the technology would deliver innovation and jobs to Tasmania.