Deakin Uni signs virtual-firefighting contract

Defence has signed a $5.13 million contract with Deakin University to continue its development of a cutting-edge augmented and virtual naval firefighting system for the Australian Defence Force.

Digital image by CONTACT – from original image by Leading Seaman Jarrod Mulvihill, which captured action from a damage-control exercise onboard HMAS Arunta, October 2020.

Researchers at Deakin University in partnership with technology companies Kellogg, Brown & Root and FLAIM, will seek to develop an immersive training system for naval firefighting, combining virtual reality and augmented reality with artificial intelligence.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the investment could significantly improve the ADF’s naval firefighting training capability.

“Deakin University’s new system will provide the ADF with a more diverse and realistic range of naval firefighting and training options that could significantly improve learning outcomes and safety,” Minister Price said.

“This investment highlights the innovative research and development that Australia’s sovereign industry is capable of producing and exporting.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said this contract would build on Deakin’s international reputation for ground-breaking research and excellence.

“Deakin University has executed more than 165 contracts with the Australian Defence Department, highlighting the important role our region’s institutions can play in driving innovation and generating cutting-edge capability in support of the ADF,” Senator Henderson said.

Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at innovationhub.defence.gov.au

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