Ministers Sabine Winton and John Carey (third from right), along with Premier Roger Cook (centre), at the opening of the robotics and automation headquarters in Perth’s north. Photo: Facebook.
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest robotics and automation precinct, only half an hour from Perth’s CBD, has been officially opened by the Western Australian Government.
The Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP), in the city’s northern locality of Neerabup, is expected to be a global destination for technological innovation. Developed with a $28 million investment from the State Government, the headquarters will enable companies to test and develop robotics and automation technology without interrupting their day-to-day operations.
Premier Roger Cook said the AARP HQ would play a major role in robotics’ integration to increase efficiency and safety within the state’s key industries, especially mining and resources.
“My government is laser-focused on creating quality local jobs and diversifying WA’s economy,” he said. “With new automated solutions emerging, we are driving WA to lead the nation in the development of robot and automation solutions.”
The WA Government said the 51-hectare site provided the ideal environment for testing, research and development across autonomous solutions, remote operations and robotics – with a commitment to advancing zero-emission technology.
Lands Minister John Carey said its six test beds were designed to simulate real-world conditions.
Mr Carey said the HQ would be able to host organisations’ development teams working on backend software while connecting with their colleagues around the world in real time.
Six test zones are available for lease, ranging from one to 22 hectares. Photo: AARP.
The AARP sits in Member for Wanneroo Sabine Winton’s electorate, where she expects the facility to “deliver real benefits for students, local businesses and communities”.
She also noted its strategic proximity to industrial hubs so that it would enhance its capacity for commercial growth and collaboration with global partners.
The government’s early forecasts indicate the AARP will contribute between $450 million and $600 million in economic benefits to WA by 2030.
According to the government, the AARP HQ features:
- A 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 precinct itself has been developed and managed by DevelopmentWA, the state’s land development agency.
However, the AARP will be operated by CORE Innovation Hub, an organisation that also manages a regional business hub in Newman for the mining and energy industry working throughout the Pilbara.
The precinct’s headquarters, completed this month, features a 1200 sq m building out of which organisations can work. Image: AARP.
