Australia’s largest robotics and automation centre has opened in Perth’s north and is set to play a key role in integrating robotics to increase efficiency and safety within key industries in Western Australia, including mining.
The Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) at Neerabup, developed with a $28 million investment from the Western Australian Government, is a global destination for technological innovation.
Located on 51ha, it provides the ideal environment for testing, research and development in autonomous solutions, remote operations and robotics, and is committed to advancing zero-emissions technology.
The state-of-the-art facilities at AARP HQ will enable local, national and global companies to test and develop robotics and automation technology without interrupting daily operations.
Organisations will now be able to use one of AARP’s seven test beds and have development teams working on backend software in the HQ, all while connecting with their head offices or other offices around the world from the AARP.
The AARP HQ features:
- Co-working space with sit/stand desks and monitors for plug-and-play connection
- Five four-person offices with sit/stand desks and monitors for plug-and-play connection
- Maker space
- Warehousing
- Labs for testing and development
- Fully equipped event spaces for networking and robotics, and technology demonstrations
- Meeting rooms and a training facility
The AARP provides industry innovators and researchers with key opportunities to accelerate technology development, testing, and scaling. It is part of the State Government’s strategy to grow and diversify Western Australia’s economy and create quality jobs for the future.
Early forecasts suggest that the AARP will bring Western Australia between $450 million and $600 million in economic benefits by 2030.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said the State Government is focused on creating quality local jobs and diversifying the state’s economy.
“With new automated solutions emerging, we are driving Western Australia to lead the nation in the development of robot and automation solutions.
“It’s exciting to be opening this world-class innovation hub right here in Perth, strengthening WA’s position as a global leader in innovation, and setting our state’s economy up for the future.”
Western Australian Lands Minister, John Carey, said, “Through strategic land development, innovative hubs like the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct create the infrastructure and opportunities needed to support innovation and drive economic growth.
“The facility supports industries such as mining, resources and autonomous vehicles, with test beds designed to simulate real-world conditions.
“We’re providing the infrastructure for businesses to succeed and for Western Australia to remain at the cutting edge of technology.”
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister, Stephen Dawson, said the robotics precinct places Western Australia at the forefront of global innovation.
“The AARP’s new headquarters are designed to support robotics technology development by giving companies access to innovation infrastructure that enables collaboration with decentralised, multidisciplinary teams.”
Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton said the facility will benefit students, local businesses and communities.
“The AARP is strategically located to local industrial hubs, enhancing its capacity for commercial growth and collaboration with global partners.”
