Swinburne University and Geotab have launched a new transport research centre aimed at advancing artificial intelligence-powered transport innovation and addressing challenges facing Australia’s transport infrastructure.
The Geotab-Swinburne Transport Innovation Hub, based at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus, is described by the university as the first research centre in Australia dedicated to intelligent telematics systems and connected transport.
The initiative is intended to support collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders and policymakers on issues including congestion, transport reliability and connectivity.
According to Swinburne, the hub will focus on AI-enabled transport innovation and research, drawing on transport data, telematics and intelligent mobility systems to help develop practical solutions for the sector.
Professor Hadi Ghaderi, Director of the Geotab-Swinburne Transport Innovation Hub, said the transport sector is facing significant challenges as it adapts to rapid technological change.
“The transport sector is under pressure to improve productivity, safety and sustainability while adapting to rapid change caused by AI and data,” Professor Ghaderi said.
He said the partnership would provide a platform for collaboration between industry and researchers.
“Together with Geotab, we are providing industry with a platform to work with researchers, test new ideas and use data to address challenges in productivity, safety and sustainability,” he said.
Swinburne said the hub will also contribute to workforce development by incorporating industry technology and research into education and training programs.
Professor Ghaderi said students and researchers would gain access to Geotab’s telematics platform, allowing them to work with real-world transport data.
“Swinburne students and researchers will have access to Geotab’s global telematics platform, allowing them to work with real-world data to address critical challenges in urban mobility, safety and sustainability,” he said.
“This will build a direct pipeline of skilled graduates who are familiar with advanced telematics technology.”
Geotab Founder and Chief Executive Officer Neil Cawse said the transport industry is undergoing significant change driven by emerging technologies and sustainability objectives.
“AI, connected vehicles and sustainability objectives are reshaping how fleets operate, and the industry can’t solve these challenges alone,” Mr Cawse said.
He said the partnership would combine industry data and academic expertise to support transport innovation in Australia.
“By combining Geotab’s real-world data with Swinburne’s research expertise, this partnership will help accelerate smarter, safer and more sustainable transport outcomes grounded in Australian conditions – the distances, infrastructure and operational realities unique to this market – while helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders,” he sa
