Flying robots inspired by nature
27 May, 2014Researchers are looking to nature when designing the next generation of flying robots. Research teams have developed solutions to common problems faced by drones by studying the mechanisms adopted by bats, birds, insects and snakes.
New use for liquid crystal
26 May, 2014Researchers have developed an entirely new class of substance that can be used as a lubricant: liquid crystalline fluid. Although it is a liquid, its molecules display directional properties like crystals do.
3D-printing aerial robot prototype developed
14 May, 2014British scientists have developed a prototype 3D-printing micro aerial vehicle (MAV) inspired by swiftlets, tiny birds that build their nests using their own saliva.
Is 'underground coal gasification' the new fracking?
07 May, 2014 by Mohammad RasulRecent news that a gas project in Queensland has been charged with environmental harm has put the spotlight on underground coal gasification, or UCG.
Reducing brown coal emissions with direct injection carbon engine
29 April, 2014A direct injection carbon engine (DICE) developed by CSIRO could reduce emissions from brown-coal-generated electricity by as much as 50% compared to current technology. CSIRO will trial DICE in the Latrobe Valley.
Microalgae could be used to clean up nuclear effluent
22 April, 2014The microalga, Coccomyxa actinabiotis, was discovered in a used fuel cell storage pool at a nuclear facility and is capable of withstanding extreme radiation doses of up to 20 kilograys (kGy).
Harnessing the power of a tornado in a tank
21 April, 2014 by Adam Courtenay, CSIROA simple mixing technology developed using world-class science proves the best option for the mineral processing industry. Adam Courtenay investigates how the technology is saving the industry time and money.
Vibration harvesters get a boost with piezoelectric material
15 April, 2014Self-powered sensors and devices could soon be a reality, after researchers discovered a way to boost the energy output of lightweight polymer vibration harvesters.
Researchers develop an autonomous gas leak detection robot
31 March, 2014Detection of gas leaks in industrial facilities can not only be dangerous and time-consuming, but it is also susceptible to human error and interpretation. RoboGasInspector was conceived in order to provide a safer, more efficient and more reliable detection solution.
System delivers predictive maintenance without interrupting operations
31 March, 2014A new system developed in Germany has the ability to monitor the condition of lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and other fluids in industrial installations without interrupting ongoing operations.
RoboClam: coming soon to a seafloor near you
27 March, 2014The humble Atlantic razor clam (Ensis directus) has inspired the development of a robotic clam that can burrow through undersea soil quickly while using very little energy.
RMIT launches AICAUSE with industry partner ABB
24 March, 2014RMIT has launched the Australia-India Research Centre for Automation Software Engineering (AICAUSE) with industry partner ABB.
A flexible approach is needed for Australia's electronics industry
18 March, 2014 by Scott Watkins, CSIROAustralia's manufacturing industry could be given a welcome boost if it takes advantage of some of the latest research here and overseas to create ultra thin and flexible electronic devices, says Scott Watkins from the CSIRO.
Super-absorbent aerogel developed for oil spills
03 March, 2014Researchers have developed an aerogel made of cellulose nanofibrils and an environmentally friendly polymer. The material can absorb up to almost 100 times its own weight in organic solvents and has a strong absorbing ability for metal ions.
Production-line security for Industry 4.0
24 February, 2014In the future, production facilities will be able to communicate and interact with one another, and machinery will often be remote serviced. But no company boss wants to run the risk of opening the door to industrial espionage and sabotage with unsecured networks.
