The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is testing five remote-controlled robots to see if they can identify biosecurity risks on imported cargo.
The trial is aimed at discovering whether robots can perform this task more effectively and safely than humans.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said the Hades-5Z robot units were part of a pilot program funded by the Biosecurity Innovation Program.
“The robots will be put through their paces by biosecurity officers during controlled, onsite inspections using imported freight such as sea containers, vehicles and heavy agricultural machinery,” Mr Littleproud said. “The trial will take place at post-entry sites in Adelaide, Fremantle, Darwin and Brisbane and is being run in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries,” he said.
Mr Littleproud said the robots were fitted with high-definition and thermal imaging cameras.
“They’re slim-line, so can be sent in underneath consignments,” he said.
“Live footage of the cargo’s underside can be viewed by officers on monitors.
“These robots have the potential to significantly reduce work health and safety risks for officers.”
The Minister said at present sea containers required hoisting to carry out inspections and officers needed to inspect underneath heavy agricultural machinery and used vehicles, so he hoped using robots would reduce this safety risk.
“The robots will be tested on wharves and ports during hot and cold temperatures and high humidity,” he said.
“Their manoeuvrability across a range of surfaces will also be surveyed.
“They will not replace valued staff; they are an additional tool to help us keep Australia safe,” Mr Littleproud said.
