Monash University opens new robotics lab

The Monash University Faculty of Engineering has opened a new world-class robotics research facility designed to train the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The $6.5 million Monash Robotics Lab will support Monash University’s existing robotics precinct, which includes the university’s Makerspace, Monash Smart Manufacturing Hub, Data Futures Institute and Monash Generator.

It will seek to support and enhance cutting-edge robotics research by bringing together top researchers to work on developing robots that can improve our economy and wellbeing.

The lab will be focused on four key areas of innovation: design and manipulation, modelling and control, perception and learning, and human-robot interaction.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner said the lab will play an important role in advancing AI knowledge and innovation.

“Robots are changing and improving the lives of people across the globe every day,” she said.

“This investment shows our ongoing commitment to world-leading research and education in this important and dynamic field, and aligns with our goals and ambitions within Monash’s Strategic Plan, Impact 2030, to address the great challenges of our time through innovative and excellent education and research.”

Monash Faculty of Engineering Professor Elizabeth Croft said the new lab will also provide an experimental space and equipment to enable realistic experimental validation.

“This is a very exciting step for Monash University. Robotics and AI will deliver the next generation of breakthrough technologies and will rapidly change the way we live and work, and help shape our future,” she said.

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