AI cash boost for local labs

Two Geelong research institutes will combine science and artificial intelligence expertise to develop lighter, stronger alloys following a $250,000 Federal Government grant yesterday.

Deakin University commercial research director Ben Spincer said the funding would help the university’s Waurn Ponds campus develop materials for the aerospace, automotive, mining and medical industries.

“We are delighted the Federal Government understands the potential these projects have to dramatically improve the way alloys are produced across so many vital industries,” he said

The funding would support a Deakin platform combining complex algorithms, artificial intelligence and material science to optimum alloy compositions for various uses, Mr Spincer explained

He expected the government funding to also support a new spin-out company that would fully commercialise the process.

“The platform means we can develop and optimise purpose-specific alloys in time frames not achievable using traditional design methods,” Mr Spincer said.

“Commercialising the process will enable the alloys to make a real difference within industries and beyond.”