Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is teaming up with five universities to use the latest tech to keep Aussies safe at work.
The $18 million Tech4HSE program brings together experts in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cybersecurity. It aims to develop digital tools to help people working in risky environments, like with heavy machinery or on roads.
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The program, led by CSIRO’s Data61 and the University of Queensland, includes partners like Swinburne, UNSW, Curtin, and ANU.
“Whether they’re working with electrical equipment, heavy machinery or on our roads, millions of Australians put themselves in harm’s way every day to help and serve others,” Data61 Science Director Professor Aaron Quigley said.
“We’re bringing the best researchers in the nation together to help get everyone home safely, by creating advanced digital tools for training, identifying and monitoring hazards, and planning responses and actions.”
Future vision
The goal is to create advanced digital tools for training, identifying hazards, and planning responses to ensure the safety of those working in various industries.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 497,300 Australians faced work-related injuries or illnesses in 2021-22.
Over the next five years, prototypes will be built and tested in real-world job scenarios, aiming to create commercially viable products designed for responsibility.
In the first project, researchers are developing technologies for crisis preparedness and response in the energy industry, using advanced computer vision and generative AI.
“Our aim is to take smart glasses to a new level by enabling the placement of helpful digital holograms within the physical work environment to support emergency response safety training and assisted decision-making under heightened stress levels,” Data61 Tech4HSE Science Lead Dr Matt Adcock said.
The $18 million Tech4HSE program strategically seeks to bring Australia’s university expertise and CSIRO’s capabilities together to maximise the impact of science, research, and development for Australians.