Western Sydney University has recently entered into a collaborative partnership with an automation company and an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to robotics. This agreement aims to foster innovation, facilitate joint research endeavours, and promote collaboration in line with their shared regional vision for western Sydney.
By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Western Sydney University and the automation company have formalised and strengthened their enduring relationship. This agreement serves to solidify their ongoing collaboration and cooperation.
In a recent signing ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of Research, Enterprise, and International at Western Sydney University highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing. She emphasised that this milestone signifies the establishment of ‘Shared Vision Partnerships’ between the university and industry, ushering in a new era of collaboration.
In addition, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration between the university and industry, emphasising the transformative potential it holds for staff, researchers, and students. She highlighted the unique opportunity for creating translational impact, benefiting not only the university and industry but also the broader community by contributing to the economic prosperity of the entire region.
The automation company, represented by the Managing Director of its Oceania arm, expressed their satisfaction with the close working relationship established with Western Sydney University in recent years. The Managing Director highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will further strengthen this partnership.
The automation company is dedicated to supporting the education sector, aiming to enhance lives and contribute to a better society. Their goal is to make robotics and automation more accessible and affordable for students and industry, while also inspiring young individuals to pursue careers in this dynamic field and enrol in STEM courses.
They eagerly anticipate collaborating with Western Sydney University on initiatives such as developing an innovative Factory of the Future, upskilling, and reskilling the engineering workforce, as well as engaging in joint research and complementary projects.
Both parties have identified numerous interconnected and collaborative prospects, aligning with their shared dedication to operating within western Sydney and fostering regional innovation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies their commitment to exploring a new phase of collaborative opportunities for the upcoming two years.
This agreement also demonstrates their intention to enhance their relationship in various areas, encompassing student education, professional development, activation of innovation precincts, graduate opportunities, cutting-edge research, and development, as well as key strategic projects on both regional and international scales.
The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Group Managing Director of the company’s Asia Pacific arm as well. He expressed the company’s vision to enhance the future for individuals, industries, and global communities through Innovative Automation.
The significance of this pay-it-forward initiative in enriching the experiences of students at the university was highlighted. He emphasised that by leveraging Automation & Robotics technology, students can address pressing societal challenges such as the scarcity of skilled workers in Australian manufacturing. Simultaneously, they can pave the way for advancements in advanced manufacturing, aligning with Australia’s vision for innovation in this field.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also seeks to explore advanced manufacturing technology. This collaboration will involve Western Sydney University’s upcoming Factory of the Future, scheduled to open in 2024, and the automation company’s Automation Technology Centres located both in Australia and overseas. The aim is to showcase cutting-edge capabilities developed within the western Sydney advanced manufacturing industry, highlighting the region’s leadership in this field.