Blueprint Lab has been awarded $1.04 million to develop remote operation systems for underwater expeditions as part of the federal government's $19 million investment in protecting ADF members.
"We are very excited to receive this investment from the Australian Government," Anders Ridley-Smith, Director - Business Development, Blueprint Lab said. "Blueprint Lab has been working with various military stakeholders in Australia, the US, and the UK for many years and it is an honour to have this official backing from Defence.
"This contract will enable us to fast-track our technology developments and more quickly contribute to our vision to enable remote intervention in harsh environments in the realm of the Clearance Diver remit."
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price announced the Defence Innovation Hub grants which invest in advanced Australian research and development to protect and sustain ADF personnel.
“I am delighted to see this investment in businesses and a research organisation to help Defence harness cutting-edge capabilities that could help protect and sustain ADF personnel in the field,” Minister Price said.
New South Wales based Blueprint Lab develop advanced robotic arm solutions for harsh environments. Their products enable complex inspection and intervention in maritime infrastructure management (UWILD, NDT, CVI, Sampling), military/police operations (Special Recovery), marine science, autonomous robotics research applications, and more.
Other companies which are a part of the DIH grants are South Australian based RFTEQ, Arkwright Technologies and Daronmont Technologies, and ACT based Boresight. Also included are the Victoria based QinetiQ, RUAG Australia, Defendtex Research Labs and Sentient Vision Systems.