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The Resources Technology Showcase at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will uncover some of Western Australia’s new technological advances for the resources, defence and space industries.
Supported by the Western Australian government, North Metropolitan TAFE and South Metropolitan TAFE have partnered to provide an interactive experience of some of the high-tech equipment in their training arsenals. This includes one of 16 new augmented reality welding simulators.
The new simulators support the delivery of fabrication apprenticeships at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Naval Base campus, by enabling students to learn welding skills in a controlled and safe environment.
“It is quite remarkable seeing first-hand our state’s technological capabilities and the innovation keeping the WA training system at the forefront of industry innovation,” Western Australian Education and Training minister Sue Ellery said.
“With automation in the defence and resources industries increasing, the McGowan government’s support for TAFE provides students with the best training you can get.”
The state government’s $18 million package of initiatives will support upcoming defence projects and enhance Western Australia’s capacity to secure defence work. The investment in the welding simulators will help to equip the future welding workforce for the rapid scale-up of defence and shipbuilding projects in Western Australia.
The Mobile CUT Mine is also on display, which is a miniature replica of the unique simulated underground CUT Mine at the North Metropolitan TAFE’s Perth campus. It is used to expose students to a real underground mine environment, prior to gaining employment.
Other technology featured at the Resources Technology Showcase includes programmable mobile robot trucks called mBots, drones used for site inspections, surveillance and thermal imaging for asset maintenance and stockpile analysis and a Robot Arm and Smart Factory simulating the robotic technology used in factories.
