80. SURFING TO WELLNESS
CSIRO LAUNCHES NEW TECHNOLOGY INTO SPACE
CSIRO has developed new technology for 3D imaging, mapping and navigation of the International Space Station (ISS).
The Multi-Resolution Scanner (MRS) was designed in collaboration with NASA and the ISS National Laboratory, taking preexisting CSIRO technology and improving its resilience for safe use in space.
One major challenge was ensuring all communication technologies on the payload were properly shielded. Protocols such as the USB3, which has an electromagnetic interference, needed to be mitigated to prevent the disruption of other experiments on board the ISS.
In August last year, once cables were wrapped with shielding, the MRS module was attached to an Astrobee robot by ISS astronauts. It completed
an entire mission on the autonomous Astrobee, with more tests expected to be carried out this year before the technology is permanently installed.
Continued challenges include sourcing vital parts, as the payload needs three different sensing modules and onboard computers.
According to CSIRO Senior Mechanical Engineer Lauren Hanson, “There were some required parts that we needed, such as mating connectors, specific magnets and threaded inserts.
“They’re readily available in the US, but trying to get them in Australia is costly. It’s time-consuming. So, if you suddenly discover you don’t quite have enough, it adds a substantial delay.”
However, the team were able to overcome several roadblocks,
First kangaroo embryo produced using IVF
Scientists from the University of Queensland have produced eastern grey kangaroo embryos using IVF, in a study that could save native endangered animals.
The expert team, led by Dr Andres Gambini, produced more than 20 embryos using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a method commonly employed in human IVF procedures. Eastern grey kangaroos were selected as the trial species due to the high availability of genetic material from an overabundant population.
including the need for fire containment measures and weight limits, to produce a useful and valuable scanner.
“For me, this experience has reinforced the critical role of early and thorough testing, and the need for greater access to world-class facilities to support the growth of the Australian space industry,” says Hanson. “The ability to test makes a huge difference, and I’m looking forward to making it a key part of my next challenge.”
While Dr Gambini doesn’t plan on producing joeys from the IVF embryos, given the already high species density, he hopes that the process can be applied to other marsupial groups. Genetics from animals that have passed away due to predation, disease or car accidents could be stored as frozen embryos, allowing conservationists to increase genetic diversity in ecosystems.
“We need genetic variability in a population to guarantee that population will survive over time and be able to adapt to the environment,” Dr Gambini says.
While IVF isn’t going to save all endangered species, the team view it as “one more tool in our conservation toolkit”, which can be used alongside population monitoring and habitat protection.
Now that a successful trial has been completed, Dr Gambini is turning his attention to applying this technology in conservation efforts across the country.
“Our next step is to start getting better at the technology, understanding more of the reproductive physiology, so that we can move towards applying the same technology to other marsupials.”
According to The Nature Conservancy Australia, approximately 100 species of endemic animals have become extinct since European colonisation in 1788. New methods of protection and conservation could prevent the continued decline of Australia’s incredible native fauna.
A NEW APPROACH TO POWER SOLUTIONS
When Australian Power Equipment (APE) was founded in 2020, codirectors Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain set out with a clear vision: to revolutionise the power industry through sustainable, high-quality solutions. By combining their six decades of experience, they have crafted an approach that not only meets the needs of major projects but also prioritises environmental and community impact.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Collaboration is at the core of APE’s success. The company has built strong relationships with leading global brands, including cable manufacturer Üntel, MV Containerised substation expert WE Walters, switchgear provider Leistung Energie, and B&D
Transformers. These partnerships ensure that clients receive tailored solutions while promoting sustainability and efficiency.
During a recent visit to B&D’s facility in Surabaya, Indonesia, Crawford saw firsthand the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. From using biodegradable natural ester transformer insulating oil to implementing green infrastructure in their workspace, B&D exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking approach APE values in its partners.
“Working with suppliers that share our values allows us to create solutions that are not just functional, but also sustainable,” Crawford explains. “We’re proving that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
DELIVERING FAST, EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS
One of APE’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to source and deliver critical
TOP TO BOTTOM: THE MANUFACTURING SITE; TEDDY SUWIGNJO AND ANDREW COCKBAIN.
power solutions with remarkable speed. In an industry where delays can have serious consequences, the company has repeatedly provided expedited solutions that would have otherwise taken months.
“We’ve sourced and delivered vital parts in record time,” Cockbain says.
“One client needed a critical component, and within two days, it had been shipped from Singapore and installed. That’s the kind of service we strive to deliver.”
APE’s “standard” delivery times are also exceptional. It is currently landing B&D distribution and power transformers in five and seven months respectively. Mining and tunnelling cable from Üntel is sitting at five months, and WE Walters custom made substations in seven months.
EXPANDING IMPACT ACROSS INDUSTRIES
While APE has become a trusted partner in the mining sector, its expertise extends far beyond. The company provides power solutions across a range of industries, from renewable energy projects and agriculture to defence and
infrastructure. Whether it’s a solar farm, a poultry facility, or a large-scale industrial site, APE tailors its approach to fit the unique needs of each client.
MORE THAN BUSINESS: A COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION
Beyond its commercial success, APE is deeply invested in wildlife conservation. As a Primary Sponsor of Taronga Conservation Society
Australia and a Corporate Partner with Aussie Ark, the company plays a crucial role in protecting threatened species. APE’s funding has directly contributed to Taronga’s platypus conservation program, ensuring the survival of one of Australia’s most iconic species.
“Supporting conservation efforts is not just a passion project for us – it’s a responsibility,” Crawford says. “We want to leave a legacy that extends beyond business success and contributes to a better future.”
A SOLID VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As APE continues its rapid growth, its commitment to sustainability and innovation remains unwavering. Recognised in the AFR’s Fast Starters list, the company is setting new benchmarks for what it means to be a leader in power solutions. With a strong foundation of expertise, strategic partnerships, and a dedication to impact-driven initiatives, APE is shaping the future of the power industry – one sustainable solution at a time.
TOP TO BOTTOM: ABBY CRAWFORD, TEDDY SUDWIGNJO AND THE B&D TEAM AT THE MANUFACTURING SITE IN SURABAYA; A B&D TRANSFORMER.
THIS PAGE: A BLACK
SPOTTED WRASSE SQUID IN AN OYSTER REEF, CREDIT: BRAD MARTIN
PROTECTING SHELLFISH REEFS FOR MARINE BIODIVERSITY
Words: Matilda Meikle
A study of shellfish reefs has revealed the missing step for conserving Australia’s endangered fish species.
Led by Flinders University, the study is hoping for new insight into how shellfish reefs, made up of oysters, mussels and razor clams, contribute to marine biodiversity.
“This knowledge will aid in their conservation and restoration in Australia and globally,” says Bradley Martin, Flinders University PhD candidate, who led a review of global research into shellfish reefs.
“This synthesis of research clearly shows a lack of data on shellfish reef fishes.”
WHAT EXACTLY ARE SHELLFISH REEFS?
Marine NSW describes shellfish reefs as complex living structures created when oysters or other shellfish cluster on sedimented or rocky areas. These reefs buffer the impact of waves, and create stable conditions for other marine organisms.
Interestingly, shellfish are known as ecosystem engineers, due to their role in providing other flora and fauna with estuaries and coastlines in which they can develop and thrive.
Shellfish reefs are important locations for foraging, and serve as nurseries for a diverse range of fish
communities. This includes species with significant socioeconomic value, such as whiting, snapper and bream in southern Australia. They also help to enhance water quality by providing critical filtration services.
Globally, human degradation has led to the loss of 85 per cent of all shellfish reefs, impacting local fish colonies and decreasing biodiversity.
Sadly, according to OceanWatch Australia, this country has lost 97 per cent of its shellfish reefs since European settlement. This is due to factors such as industrialisation of coastal areas, harvesting of shells for resources, and water pollution.
Shellfish reef restoration projects help to rebuild degraded coastlines, providing fish with new habitats. In another recent Flinders University study, it was found that Aussie shellfish reefs generate an average fish production of 6186 kilograms per hectare per year.
SO, WHAT DOES THE STUDY REVEAL?
The study, published in scientific journal Restoration Ecology, began by scouring over 110 international studies into shellfish reef fishes to understand common monitoring methods and find research gaps applicable to southern Australia.
Globally, human degradation has led to the loss of 85 per cent of all shellfish reefs, impacting local fish colonies and decreasing biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENT
THIS PAGE: TOP TO BOTTOM: ARTIFICIAL RAZOR CLAM MIMICS, CREDIT: GEORGIA TILLER; THE TEAM COMPLETING A RESEARCH DIVE NEAR GLENELG
CREDIT: BRAD MARTIN
Of the 116 peer-reviewed studies from 16 countries, only 23 covered reef-forming shellfish and 26 studied fish monitoring approaches. Around 60 per cent assessed how fish species adapted to shellfish reef restoration.
However, around 67 per cent of all studies were carried out in the United States, and almost 80 per cent focused solely on oyster reefs, leaving a large gap in global knowledge.
Currently, the Flinders University team is working to understand the best conservation and restoration practices for coastal ecosystems in southern Australia. They have found that dense patches of artificial razor clams encourage rapid biodiversity, drawing in gobies, shrimp and blue swimmer crabs.
“Our research efforts include under-studied shellfish ecosystems and reef designs, including those with native and introduced oysters, and razor clams (pinnids),” says Dr Ryan Baring, senior author of the new article.
“Past studies have used diverse fish monitoring methods, ranging from underwater video to various nets and traps, but they are underreporting valuable monitoring information, such as the reef types or water parameters.
“By understanding these trends, we made recommendations to guide future monitoring approaches and identify key research gaps.”
It’s through this study of shellfish reefs and the trends in previous research that the team were able to determine the methods of restoration most effective for the Australian ecosystem. They made several recommendations for future research and conservation efforts in the hopes of protecting these precious marine structures.
“Our research efforts include under-studied shellfish ecosystems and reef designs, including those characterised by native and introduced oysters, and razor clams.”
words: Matilda Meikle
Researchers are using spinning fibres to support development in the Northern Territory.
Using a high-end nanofibre fabrication facility on the Casuarina Campus, researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) are developing fibres 10 to 100 times finer than spider’s silk to fix pressing issues in the NT.
WHY NANOFIBRES?
Nanofibres are a lightweight material with a diameter of around 1/1000th of a human hair. The high surface area to volume ratio means they have a large amount of active surface on a tiny space. Whether capturing light, absorbing impact or bonding with other materials, this characteristic results in an outsized performance capability and allows nanofibres to interact effectively with a variety of environments.
Currently, fibres created using electrospinning are found in bulletproof vests, filters for water purification and medical equipment.
Nanofibres can be spun using many different materials including collagen, keratin and gelatin. The electrospinning technique involves stretching a liquid droplet to form fibres under a controlled electric field. According to NanoScience Instruments, this process can be undertaken at room temperature, making it versatile and energy-efficient.
An article in the Nature Reviews journal goes further to assert that nanofibres can be applied from laboratory to industrial scales, for conventional and emerging applications. The versatility of electrospun products makes them suitable for use in environmental, energy, textiles, agriculture and medical sectors.
THIS PAGE: THE BEAUTIFUL NORTHERN TERRITORY, CREDIT: TONY FEDER
HOW WILL THEY BE USED IN THE NT?
Leading the research is Dr Naveen Kumar Elumalai from CDU Faculty of Science and Technology, who wants to examine how nanofibres can be used in everyday life by improving their strength and ability. Dr Elumalai has been recognised as one of the top two per cent of scientists globally in 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Stanford University.
With this new project, his team are particularly concerned with application in the defence industry.
“Kevlar vests and other protective clothing which our police and defence force wear are currently quite heavy and lack breathability, which is not ideal here in the NT,” says Dr Elumalai.
“Utilising nanofires will help to make the vests stronger without increasing the weight. This means that they will offer greater protection for wearers against things such as bullets and
“This could really be transformative when it comes to the health and longevity of our communities and is cost effective as well.”
shrapnel without making them hotter, this is for sure a win-win.”
Another area of focus in the NT is air and water purification. Many First Nations Communities suffer from poor water quality, which can impact overall economic and health outcomes.
“We are trialling the use of nanofibre technology when it comes to air and water purification as the nanofibres can be formed to make a mesh-like substance which can help to stop bacteria from entering the water or air, and filter out contaminants,” Dr Elumalai says.
“This could be transformative when it comes to the health and longevity of our communities, and is cost effective as well.”
Along with cleaner water, the team has turned their attention to cleaner energy. They have developed special
nanofibres which can split water molecules to produce hydrogen, when released into the water and exposed to sunlight.
“This technology is particularly promising for Darwin and the NT,” Dr Elumalai says.
“It could help address our energy needs using just water and sunlight, without the need for complex systems. Imagine being able to produce hydrogen fuel directly from water – it’s a game-changer for sustainable energy production in our region.”
While there is more work to be done, the team are excited by their progress and the possible implications for the future.
“I look forward to furthering our research and working with industry groups to implement nanofibre technology,” concludes Dr Elumalai.
A BREAKTHROUGH IN PARKINSON’S RESEARCH
Scientists have solved a decadeslong mystery in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, opening the door for new treatments.
Researchers at the WEHI Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre have been studying PINK1, a protein directly linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. While no one has ever seen what PINK1 looks like, or how it attaches to damaged mitochondria, the team have identified the first ever structure of PINK1 in a human.
The study, “Structure of human PINK1 at a mitochondrial TOMVDAC array” was published in the journal Science.
THIS PAGE: PARKINSON'S IMPACTS 200,000 AUSSIES; TWO PINK1 PROTEINS PICTURED ATTACHED TO THE MEMBRANE OF A MITOCHONDRION FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Words: Matilda Meikle
WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There are around 40 recognisable symptoms, including cognitive impairment, tremors, speech issues, and vision problems, however it often takes years to diagnose.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the disease predominately impacts dopamineproducing neurons in an area of the brain known as substantia nigra. Across the world, it impacts more than 10 million people.
In Australia alone, more than 200,000 people are living with Parkinson’s, with around 10 to 20 per cent of these people diagnosed under the age of 50. Sadly, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, and it costs the Australian healthcare system more than $10 billion each year.
THE ROLE OF PINK1
In the human body, almost 50 million cells are dying and being replaced every minute. However, the rate at which brain cells can be replaced is significantly lower than other cells. This poses a unique challenge for those with Parkinson’s disease, as one major symptom is the death of brain cells.
When mitochondria – the organelles that produce energy from food to power cells' biochemical reactions –are damaged, they release toxins into the cell. For healthy people, the body can dispose of the damaged cells through a process called mitophagy. This involves PINK1 gathering on mitochondrial membranes to signal, through a small protein called ubiquitin, that the damaged cell needs to be removed.
However, for a person with Parkinon’s disease, a mutation in PINK1 means that mitophagy isn’t performed properly, and the toxins continue to build in a cell until it dies. Brain cells are particularly susceptible to this process.
AN IMPORTANT BREAKTHROUGH
While PINK1 mutations have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, and in particular young-onset Parkinson’s Disease, researchers have been unable to visualise it or understand how it attaches to mitochondria.
However, the breakthrough in PINK1 identification from the team at WEHI Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre has brought new hope to the possibility of identification and treatment.
Corresponding author on the study and head of WEHI’s Ubiquitin
Signalling Division Professor David Komander, says the team have finally begun to understand how PINK1 works, and what it looks like.
“This is a significant milestone for research into Parkinson’s. It is incredible to finally see PINK1 and understand how it binds to mitochondria,” he says.
“Our structure reveals many new ways to change PINK1, essentially switching it on, which will be life changing for people with Parkinson’s.”
NEW TREATMENTS ON THE HORIZON
According to WEHI senior researcher and lead author of the study Dr Sylvie Callegari, the team were able to break down how PINK1 works into four steps, two of which had not been identified previously.
Firstly, PINK1 is alerted to mitochondrial damage. It then attaches itself to the damaged mitochondria. Once it is secure, it releases ubiquitin, which links to a protein called parkin to help the body remove the damaged mitochondria.
“This is the first time we’ve seen human PINK1 docked to the surface of damaged mitochondria and it has uncovered a remarkable array of proteins that act as the docking site. We also saw, for the first time, how mutations present in people with Parkinson’s disease affect human PINK1,” Dr Callegari says.
The team believe that targeting PINK1 in drug therapy could slow or stop Parkinson’s disease for people with a PINK1 mutation. The potential for drug therapies has been identified before, however progress was halted by a lack of understanding of the PINK1 structure. With this new information, experts can begin to test treatments for people with Parkinson’s disease.
LEFT: THE PINK1 RESEARCH TEAM (L-R): PROFESSOR DAVID KOMANDER, DR NICHOLAS KIRK, DR SYLVIE CALLEGARI AND DR ALISA GLUKHOVA
THIS PAGE: DIGITAL ACTIVITY, INCLUDING THE USE OF PERSONAL DEVICES, HAS A SURPRISINGLY HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
HOW ONLINE ACTIVITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO POLLUTION LEVELS
Words: Fran Molloy
Shorter emails, Zoom meetings with the camera off, and deleting old photos could reduce our digital carbon footprint, says Dr Jessica McLean, a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Macquarie University’s School of Social Sciences.
However, she says this is too big an ask for individuals, and that governments and organisations need to take some responsibility.
Swapping in-person meetings, shopping in stores, and going to exercise classes with digital alternatives can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding transport-related pollution, but the environmental impact of our digital lives is also surprisingly high, Dr Jessica McLean says.
“We don't often think about the various infrastructures required to do simple things such as send an email, or store our photos – these digital things are stored in data centres that are often out of sight, out of mind,” says McLean.
“If we think about it at all, we usually expect these services to be continual and presume there isn't a limit on those digital practices,” she adds.
However, digital activity has a surprisingly high environmental impact, says McLean, who recently published a book on the topic.
Along with the greenhouse gas emissions from substantial energy use by our personal computers, data centres and communication equipment, this impact also includes the water use and land impact from
“If we think about it at all, we usually expect these services to be continual and presume there isn't a limit on those digital practices.”
mining, building and distributing the metals and other materials that make up our vast global digital infrastructure.
SOME HIGH-IMPACT DIGITAL ACTIVITIES
Many researchers have attempted to calculate the individual carbon footprints of various technologies, and these often focus on the energy used by servers, home wi-fi and computers, and even a tiny share of the carbon emitted to construct data centre buildings. Some of our greenhouse-gassiest digital activities include:
Video calls: One hour of video conferencing can emit up to 1kg of CO2 require up to 12 litres of water, and demand a land area adding up to approximately the size of an iPad Mini, according to recent research from MIT, Purdue and Yale University. Switch off the camera and you’ll save over 98 per cent of those emissions.
Emails: Professor Mike Berners-Lee calculated that a short email sent phone-to-phone over wi-fi equates to 0.3 grams of CO2. A short email sent laptop-to-laptop emits 17g of CO2 and a long email with an attachment sent from a laptop could produce 50g of CO2
Digital hoarding: Data transfer and storage of thousands of photos, audio and video files, messages, emails and documents in an average US data centre emits around 0.2 tons of CO2 each year, for every 100 gigabytes of storage.
Binge-watching in high definition (HD): Just one hour of HD streaming a day emits 160kg of CO2 each year, but swap to standard definition (SD) video quality and that drops to around 8kg of CO2 annually.
Using super-computers: Australian astronomers each produce 15 kilotonnes of CO2 a year from supercomputer work – more than their combined emissions from
THIS PAGE: ONE HOUR OF VIDEO CONFERENCING CAN EMIT UP TO 1KG OF CO2
operating observatories, taking international flights and powering office buildings. However Dutch astronomers produce about 4 per cent of these emissions, as the Netherlands national supercomputer uses 100 per cent renewable energy.
Artificial Intelligence: Training a large AI model emits 315 times more carbon than a round-the-world flight.
TAKING IT BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL
Deconstructing the many and varied impacts of our increasingly digital lives can be overwhelming.
“There’s a lot to take in, and many of these figures will change depending on things such as the use of renewable energy that is being taken up by some digital corporations and many individuals,” says McLean.
“This highlights the complexity of the challenge, showing that understanding and addressing digital sustainability goes beyond individual responsibilities, and should be more fittingly held by governments and corporations.”
She says that the onus should be on governments to regulate a greater transparency on how digital corporations use energy, and to require regular reporting on sustainability targets.
“Most device manufacturers subscribe to a ‘planned obsolescence’ paradigm, rather than circular economy – for example, big tech continues to produce smartphones that are not designed to last.”
McLean’s recent research with Dr Sophia Maalsen (University of Sydney) and Dr Lisa Lake (UTS) found that while university students, staff and affiliates were concerned about the sustainability of digital technologies, there was a big gap between their
“There are many alternatives for how we live digitally, from making decisions about what’s ‘good enough’ to changing the whole digital life cycle and the way it is regulated.”
intentions and actual practices of sustainability in their everyday digital lives.
“People expressed concern for the sustainability of their digital technologies, but they had limited opportunities to do anything substantive about this issue,” she says.
DIGITAL ‘SOLUTIONISM’ THE WRONG APPROACH
Concepts such as the paperless office, remote work and virtual conferences often come with a promise of lower environmental impacts, but McLean says these can be examples of “digital solutionism”.
“It’s time to question whether being digital is always the most sustainable solution,” she says.
McLean adds that our society is becoming increasingly entangled in the digital via the exponential growth of intensely data driven activities and
devices, from the Internet of Things to Big Data and AI.
However, she points out that this digital immersion isn’t universal.
“There are uneven patterns and gaps in these digital affordances, both within Australia and across the Global South,” she says.
Her book, Changing Digital Geographies, explores alternatives to our current exponential digital growth, and its impact on our natural world.
“There are many alternatives for how we live digitally, from making decisions about what’s ‘good enough’ to changing the whole digital life cycle and the way it is regulated,” she says.
“Individuals cannot be expected to resolve these issues. Governments need to regulate, and corporations need to act, to improve our digital future and make it sustainable.”
This article was originally published on The Lighthouse.
THIS PAGE: ARIA RESEARCH HAS DESIGNED A PAIR OF GLASSES TO HELP VISUALLY IMPARIED PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE WORLD.
THE GLASSES HELPING VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE TO SEE THROUGH SOUND
Words: Matilda Meikle
An Australian tech startup is using augmented reality to empower people living with vision disability. ARIA Research, short for Augmented Reality in Audio, is employing spatial computing and AI to create a pair of glasses that can help visually impaired people to navigate the world without the need for canes or guide dogs. It’s still in the development and testing stage, but already exciting steps have been taken to make this technology into an accessible product.
A GLOBAL CONCERN
According to Vision Australia, there are around 39 million blind people in the world, and an additional 246 million people with low vision. While uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment, there are a range of factors contributing to rates of blindness and visual impairment including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Sighted assumptions about blindness often lead to the development of tools that don’t work as they should. This means people living with visual impairment could be receiving better support and treatment if the broader public was further educated on the issues they face.
“They also wanted to develop an ‘under the radar’ device, which could be almost imperceptible in the community, allowing those using the glasses to decide how to treat their disability.”
Drawing from a deeper understanding of the specific obstacles faced by the blind community, ARIA Research set out with several key aims. They wanted to solve the issue of spatial perception, which impacts vision impaired people as they move through a world built for people with vision. They also wanted to develop an ‘under the radar’ device, which could be almost imperceptible in the community, allowing those using the glasses to decide how to treat their disability. As most social interactions
are non-verbal – instead using hand signals, facial expressions and postures – ARIA wanted to find a way to translate these cues into a social connection interface.
TECH AT ITS BEST
ARIA created a pair of smart sunglasses which can interpret what is visible in an individual’s surroundings into a complex threedimensional auditory landscape. In other words, it enables the wearer to maintain a high level of spatial awareness without needing to see.
The startup was founded in 2019 by good friends Rob Yearsley and Mark Harrison, taking almost three years of research and experimentation before the concept even became a feasible reality. ARIA has already gone through 23 prototype iterations, and more than 300 human trials.
A third of the company’s senior staff are blind, meaning they understand what needs to be built and why.
In fact, ARIA Research was named the Australian Technology Company of the Year in 2023, as part of the Australian Technologies Competition (ATC). The team are currently working with leading eye research centres, disability support providers and government agencies to test and improve the device before it is released to the public.
Today, ARIA is Australia’s only AR glasses maker. They work with over 20 researchers from leading universities including UTS and the University of Sydney to test new technologies
THIS PAGE: A DEPICTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY USED IN THE AI GLASSES, CREDIT: ARIA RESEARCH
including millimetre wave raiders and event cameras. In the lab, experts can make use of the Human Augmentation Lab, which employs 36 motion tracking cameras, a 64 channel spatial audio simulator, lighting controls, heart rate tracking and more to create repeatable experiments that deliver an accurate estimation of the performance of ARIA glasses.
NOT ALWAYS A SMOOTH ROAD
ARIA glasses rapidly process information at a rate of 20 to 40 times a second, resulting in a consistent illusion of objects even when the wearer is moving quickly. VI-SLAM is a camera-based technology that incorporates depth perception and human movement to localise and map an individual in their surroundings.
“ARIA glasses rapidly process information at a rate of 20 to 40 times a second, resulting in a consistent illusion of objects, even when the wearer is moving quickly.”
This allows the glasses to deliver a first-person audio perspective of the environment to the user. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. The glasses need to accurately complete approximately five trillion operations every second, while maintaining a power budget of around 2 watts and weighing less than 70 grams. It’s a tough job, but if successful they could change millions of lives around the globe.
Other challenges include making sure the sound design is intuitive, and ensuring the audible cues used to guide a wearer are easy to learn. However, ARIA Research and their collaborators are confident that the glasses are going to revolutionise vision support for blind and visually impaired individuals. As a new way to engage with surroundings, they hold massive potential.
USING VIRTUAL REALITY TO STUDY INSECT BEHAVIOUR
Words: Matilda Meikle
A team led by Flinders University has employed virtual reality and advanced entertainment technology to study the aerodynamic patterns of flying insects. The aim is to better understand behavioural trends in native insect species by changing aspects of the environment in a lab-controlled setting and monitoring results.
According to the Australian Museum, insects are the largest group of animals on Earth, making up 75 per cent of all catalogued species. Insects are categorised by an exoskeleton and three body parts: head, thorax and abdomen. They also have six limbs and a pair of antennae.
Insects are a vital part of every ecosystem. They play a major role in the process of pollination, and act as a food source for larger fauna.
Studying Australian insects can provide insight into how ecosystems grow and change, as well as the complex food webs that exist within these environments.
The paper, published in Methods of Ecology and Evolution, details new gaming software developed by the Flinders University team in the Hoverfly Motion Vision Lab. Developed by a team of biologists, neuroscientists and software experts, the program allows rigorous testing of
“The software then adapts the visual scenery to match the movements that the animal has made.”
aviation and precision devices intended to unpack the highly compressed and enhanced visual system of hoverflies and other insects.
According to Dr Yuri Ogawa, Research Fellow in Neuroscience at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, “we developed computer programs that create a virtual reality experience for the animals to move through.
“Using machine learning and computer vision algorithms, we were able to observe the animals and work out what they are doing, whether that
is a hoverfly attempting to turn to the left in its flight, or a fiddler crab avoiding a virtual bird flying overhead.
“The software then adapts the visual scenery to match the movements that the animal has made.”
Using this virtual world should allow for further study into animal behaviour, resulting in greater detail and understanding about the way insects interact with the world.
The recent study has also supported the development of tools identifying visual triggers of behaviour.
Other research groups are already taking interest in the software, that can be downloaded from a link in the journal article.
“This has truly been a team effort where every author on the paper has been instrumental in making the VR work. We look forward to using the VR to investigate the mechanisms underlying decision-making in insects,” says Professor Nordström.
DEPICTION OF A HOVERFLY USING THE VR PROGRAM IN FLIGHT CREDIT: FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
