The Malinauskas Labor Government is supporting an Adelaide AI company to develop the next generation of space radar systems to help in emergency situations.
Adelaide-based artificial intelligence company AICRAFT is developing advanced electronics system that will push the company's capabilities.
Through support of the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator (MGA) program, AICRAFT is designing and developing the new technology that uses an innovative low power design to process extremely large amounts of data.
This data is then sent to AICRAFT's Pulsar Pro onboard computer, for fast processing in space, in small 100kg satellites.
By combining this new type of energy efficient signal converter with AICRAFT's onboard processing technology, the new system will take less time and less power to produce insightful information in minutes, compared to the hours or days currently.
The technology will be useful in agriculture, iceberg detection, mapping flood extents, tracking vessels, monitoring surface deformation and surveying infrastructure for damage.
The MGA is a State Government initiative which aims to speed up the adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies, increase competitiveness and help businesses pursue opportunities in new markets.
To date, the MGA program has supported more than 260 South Australian companies to adopt new technology to improve productivity and increase business opportunities.
The $4 million program connects small to medium businesses with researchers at Flinders University's Factory of the Future, helping them accelerate the adoption of manufacturing technologies to optimise the performance of their people and technology.
To date, 18 Accelerator Projects have been supported with more than $1.2 million for applied research funding.
In addition, in-depth technology demonstrations have been provided to more than 200 businesses, while another 45 businesses have received tailored technology adoption support.
The Manufacturing Growth Accelerator (MGA) is a South Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of State Development and delivered by Flinders University's Factory of the Future.
South Australian manufacturing SMEs can explore opportunities and support at: Manufacturing growth accelerator | Department of State Development
As put by Minister for State Development Chris Picton
It's exciting to see local companies like AICRAFT driving innovation in South Australia.
Supporting South Australian businesses to explore technologies, particularly in growth industries such as space and defence, is critical for the state's manufacturing future.
The Manufacturing Growth Accelerator is driving growth, which supports our state's economy and protects our sovereign capabilities.
As put by Nadia Clancy
The Malinauskas Labor Government is giving small South Australian businesses a boost, helping to adopt new technologies to grow their operations.
The Manufacturing Growth Accelerator provides access to researchers and advanced manufacturing technologies that may give them an edge in new markets or in global supply chains.
As put by Dr Tony Scoleri, CEO of AICRAFT
Our journey with Flinders University – from residency at the New Venture Institute to employing Flinders graduates and now launching this research program - reflects a partnership that continues to grow in strength.
Now we are developing a disruptive capability that meets the increasing demand for real-time information, with a solution compact enough to operate on 100 Kg-class satellites instead of multi-tonne platforms.
As put by Flinders University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ray Chan
Flinders Factory of the Future partners with industry to bring together the right expertise, technologies, and world-class researchers - across Australia and globally - to tackle problems and develop solutions.
The partnership with AICRAFT, combined with the support of the South Australian Government through the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator, is an outstanding example of what's being achieved.
Advances which not only position our state and nation for the future but deliver solutions for our community - and opportunity for our students.
ABOUT AICRAFT AICRAFT designs and manufactures low-power edge computing systems with machine learning capability for data-intensive applications. Their innovative products focus on enabling immediate decision making in situ, longer operational uptime and extended system lifespan. This allows high performance computing levels to be achieved on platforms, reducing latency and communication bandwidth to complement ground infrastructures. www.aicraft.com.au
