Manufacturing research at Flinders University is supporting projects focused on giving electric vehicle (EV) batteries a second life, automating production and developing new technologies for Australian industry.
Researchers at Flinders University are working with Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, ResourceCo and other industry partners on a project to develop a commercially viable pathway for repurposing end-of-life EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries.
Supported by a Green Industries SA grant, the project is investigating potential uses for repurposed batteries including energy storage, lighting and water pumping for homes, farms and remote communities, as well as reducing reliance on diesel generators.
The project is among 21 industry collaborations being showcased at the $19 million Flinders Factory of the Future at the Tonsley Innovation District.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the facility demonstrated the role of partnerships in supporting Australian manufacturing.
“Australia’s manufacturing resurgence depends on strong partnerships between universities, industry and government and that is what we have created within the Factory of the Future,” Stirling said.
“Ideas are being transformed into commercially viable products, unlocking opportunities to grow businesses, create jobs and strengthen exports.”
The showcase also includes FORGE Medical Devices, a $12 million initiative supported by the Australian and South Australian governments. The program builds on the university’s Medical Device Partnering Program and aims to support 30 new ideas and 17 technologies towards clinical trials and commercialisation.
Adelaide-based Sentek is also working with the Factory of the Future to partially automate the assembly of its smart-farming soil-moisture sensors.
Other projects include rehabilitation devices for people recovering from knee surgery, mouthguards for children with braces, smart-farming sensors and machine-learning quality-control systems for space products.
Flinders Factory of the Future and Medical Device Partnering Program Director Professor Karen Reynolds said the facility works with manufacturers to develop practical approaches to technology adoption.
“Australian manufacturers come to us with a challenge or opportunity, and our experts work alongside them to develop a practical pathway forward,” Reynolds said.
“Our focus is on helping companies adopt new technologies, improve productivity and bring new products to market.”
Built on the former Mitsubishi Motors Australia assembly site, the Factory of the Future brings together researchers, businesses, government and students to address manufacturing challenges and support technology development.
The facility is supported by $10 million from the Australian Government and $9 million from the South Australian Government, with capabilities spanning automation, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, digital twins, prototyping, testing and workforce development.
The Manufacturing Growth Accelerator, supported by the South Australian Department of State Development, provides additional support for small and medium-sized manufacturers adopting advanced technologies.
Flinders University said the broader initiative has engaged with 250 South Australian SMEs, with 50 assessed for further support or tailored roadmaps and 37 accelerator projects started with SMEs. Projects span sectors including waste management, medical technology and irrigation.
