Deakin shows off cutting-edge tech at airshow

Weekend schedule >>> 2023 Australian Internation Airshow

VIRTUAL jet pilots, next generation drones, and 3D printing technology for space are just some of the cutting-edge technology on display from Deakin University at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow this week.

Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin said visitors to the Deakin stand can meet with the experts behind several pioneering projects and explore how innovative ideas become reality.

“The Airshow is a special opportunity to showcase our world-leading research and collaborative work with partners from a range of industries.

“At Deakin, we’re focusing on where our ideas and innovation will make the biggest difference to communities.

“Future students will also have an opportunity to see how studying at Deakin can lead to an exciting career in research and gather information about what Deakin has to offer in science, engineering and other disciplines.”

Visitors to the Deakin exhibition space will be able to participate in a world-first ‘Virtual Production’ experience, recording a video of themselves flying in the cockpit of a jet plane.

The simulator is a sneak peek into Deakin’s new partnership with Dreamscreen Australia, a virtual production studio that combines video game technology with traditional film production via highly advanced LED screens, at scales of over 20 meters wide.

It can simulate any environment imaginable and display it at scale, allowing actors and filmmakers to tell stories without the boundaries of where you can fly or what you can build on a soundstage. The virtual jet-pilot experience will enable Avalon Airshow visitors a glimpse into these capabilities.

Also at the airshow, Deakin researchers will be showcasing their projects to develop:

• Extended reality (XR) experiences to help with mental health and wellbeing on space missions
• 3D printing capabilities to manufacture metal parts in space, potentially repurposing old satellites to build parts for orbiting space stations, a lunar habitat or even a waystation to Mars
• Next generation drones that can transport fragile cargo safely and securely in all weather, opening up greater opportunities for drone delivery systems
• Virtual reality (VR) training to help young drivers improve road safety around trucks
• Robots that can work alongside humans in manufacturing, and
• Eye tracking technology to improve night vision goggles and help increase safety for helicopter pilots.

Deakin’s stand is just inside the entrance to Exhibition Hall 1 at the airshow. Tickets have sold out for tomorrow (Saturday, March 4) but are still available for Sunday, Ma  rch 5 through Ticketmaster.