FLINDERS FACTORY OF THE FUTURE

Advanced Manufacturing

Manager Technical Industrial Engineer working and control robotics with monitoring system software and icon industry network connection on tablet. AI, Artificial Intelligence, Automation robot arm

Advanced Manufacturing is evolving rapidly as businesses adopt new technologies, digital systems and automation to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

Flinders Factory of the Future partners with manufacturers of all sizes to explore, test and implement advanced manufacturing technologies that solve real operational challenges. From robotics and automation through to digital engineering, simulation, human-technology interaction and artificial intelligence, we help organisations adopt new approaches with confidence.

Working alongside industry partners, we combine research expertise, engineering capability and practical manufacturing knowledge to improve processes, strengthen workforce capability and support long-term growth. Our focus is on delivering solutions that work in real manufacturing environments and create measurable value.

Robotics and automation
Human-technology interaction
Digital twinning and simulation
Artificial intelligence and data analytics
Additive manufacturing
Design and prototyping
Testing and validation

Building The Manufacturing Workforce of the Future

Innovation depends on people. As manufacturers adopt new technologies, building workforce capability is as important as implementing new systems and equipment. Flinders Factory of the Future helps organisations develop the skills needed to operate in increasingly digital and technology-enabled manufacturing environments. Through degree apprenticeships, industry placements, work-integrated learning and tailored workforce development programs, we support the development of both current and future manufacturing workforces. Drawing on expertise in human factors, organisational adaptation and human-technology interaction, we help businesses ensure new technologies are successfully integrated into the workplace, delivering benefits for both organisations and their people.

Our impact

Allin Towbars - Exploring Cobot welding integration

In partnership with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, Allin Towbars explored cobot welding to supplement its workforce and boost throughput.

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MyModular - Inclusive innovation in advanced manufacturing

In collaboration with BAE Systems and Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, MyModular designed and trialled a cable processing work cell capable of loading, measuring, cutting, and packing cables.

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VAWTX - Reimagining wind energy

VAWT-X Energy brought their vision for a new turbine design to Flinders, where researchers helped develop and test a next-generation prototype.

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Liquid Integrity Systems - Advancing Environmental Monitoring

This Factory of the Future project will develop an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) design that can autonomously map the environment and provide precise GPS mapping of leak location, making it highly effective for environmental protection and operational efficiency.

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Fusetec - Next-Gen Surgical Models with Realistic Imaging Capabilities

Flinders University are collaborating with Fusetec to further improve the ultrasound imaging fidelity of Fusetec’s world-leading surgical training models, ensuring ultrasound scans more closely replicate those obtained from real patients in clinical practice.

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Neumann Space - Inspection and Quality Optimisation Using AI and Machine Learning

Neumann Space is an innovative precision design and manufacturing company in the unforgiving and demanding business of producing high performance satellite technology.

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Dust Forge - Next-Gen Orthotics: Faster, Cleaner, Smarter Production

In collaboration with DustForge 3D, Flinders University researchers are working to accelerate the clinical readiness of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D-printed ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs).

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Colbotic Automation - Laser Welding System for Light Metal Fabrication

Colbotic Automation is expanding its offering in precision welding by developing ColWeld Laser, a next-generation collaborative robot (cobot) laser welding system tailored for light metal fabrication.

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Sentek – Smart Manufacturing Meets Smart Farming

This body of work focuses on designing and demonstrating a cobot work cell concepts, making recommendations for cobot adoption strategy, to improve the efficiency and scalability of soil probe production.

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evoSonic - Bio-Inspired Sensor for Defect Detection in Pipes

We are teaming with evoSonic to prevent catastrophic failures in industrial pipes. The non-destructive assessment of this infrastructure is complex, costly and must often wait until defects are substantial until they can be correctly detected.

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AICRAFT & Flinders advancing the future of space-based intelligence

Adelaide-based technology company AICRAFT have partnered with Flinders University through the Factory of the Future to develop advanced electronics that enable radar data to be processed directly onboard satellites.

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