NICTA aims to encourage and promote cluster development based on our research outcomes wherever possible. By acting as a catalyst for the development of networks and clusters we aim to develop the levels of partnership that will support insights from industry that can guide new research activities and support the growth of industry activity. NICTA supports network activity in spatial data and e-government that helps shape research directions in these areas.
Embedded Systems Australia is a new network whose members are collaborating to strengthen the embedded systems and related industries in Australia. The initial cluster consortium includes participation from: AEEMA, BCS Innovations, CISRA (Canon), Cochlear, Google, iTech, Invetech, Machinery Automation Robotics, Microsoft, NICTA, NSW Department of State & Regional Development, Resmed, VAST, and the Warren Centre. Consultants Sinclair Knight & Merz have also lent valuable support.
The group has established links to the European ARTEMIS project http://www.artemis-office.org/dotnetnuke/ which is aimed at a major international effort in embedded systems. Associated with this NICTA sponsored a robotic violin player, nicknamed RoboFiddler, which won second place in the inaugural ARTEMIS Orchestra contest held in Berlin earlier this year.
The network's first project is to undertake an Australia-wide capability mapping survey leading to technology road mapping for Australia and collaborative industry projects in the field.