An engineering student has won JCU's annual Charles (CN) Barton Medal for his fourth-year thesis, an in-depth investigation into improving the efficiency of bulk materials handling. [ + ]

In a further step towards automation in the supermarket, Cornell University engineers have trained a robot to work as a 'checkout chick' in a simulated grocery checkout. [ + ]

A new online community that extends the Industrial IP Advantage website has been launched. Cisco, Panduit and Rockwell Automation are sponsoring the online community, in cooperation with ODVA. [ + ]

CSIRO is virtually bringing together the various pieces of Phar Lap that are spread across Australia and New Zealand using robotic technology. [ + ]

The Safety Maturity Index (SMI) tool is a self-guided assessment that gives manufacturers visibility into the effectiveness of their safety programs and the ability to optimise plant performance. [ + ]

Sandvik has announced it will cut 37 jobs at its Heatherbrae facility, five months after cutting 69 jobs across its Mayfield and Heatherbrae operations. The company attributed the decision to weaker demand for its mining products. [ + ]

Engineers Australia has expressed its dismay at Hydro Tasmania’s consulting arm cutting almost 40 jobs. The company says it was forced to make the cuts as a result of tightening in the Australian engineering consultancy sector. [ + ]

The humble pH sensor has been updated by researchers from Edith Cowan University. The traditional glass electrode devices that have been in use since the 1930s have been replaced with a new sensor, thinner than a human hair. [ + ]

Following an extensive design consultation process for its Peppertree Quarry, Australia's largest building and construction materials supplier, Boral, is now leading the way in world's best practice for in-pit crushing. [ + ]

Compressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) Australia is moving - the company is relocating its Kalgoorlie branch to larger premises in West Kalgoorlie. [ + ]

Today there is a general lack of highly skilled welding labour in many markets around the world, including Australia. One way in which this problem can be mitigated is through the use of robotic welding, which is now in greater demand. [ + ]

The future of SPC Ardmona's Shepparton cannery hangs in the balance as the Abbott government deliberates over a $25 million grant the processor was promised by the Labor government. [ + ]

The event offers learning and networking opportunities for attendees to hear about the latest in discrete and process control technologies that enable effective and energy-efficient global automation solutions. [ + ]

Nessco Pressure Systems (NPS) has developed what it says is one of the first portable testing systems built in Western Australia. The containerised pressure relief valve test bench is suitable for use in the oil and gas industry. [ + ]

Rio Tinto has awarded SEW-Eurodrive a multimillion-dollar order to supply conveyor drives for the Nammuldi iron ore mine in the Pilbara. The company has placed the order as part of plans to increase production to 23 million tonnes per year. [ + ]