AI Projects In Australia

AI is a A$315 billion-opportunity for the Australian economy, according to a study by the nation’s leading scientific body CSIRO. This report explores some of the key AI projects in Australia. These projects showcase the capabilities of the Australian ICT industry and AI as a solution to Australia-specific problems.

AI Projects Solving Australia – Specific Problems

Skin cancer detection – Earlier diagnosis enabled by AI could help save lives

• Over 16,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in 2020 and 1,375 people died from the disease, according to CancerAustralia
• An AI system for detecting skin cancer (which could become a smartphone app) performed “on par” with 21 certified dermatologists

AgTech

An on-farm agricultural robot Agbot II developed by the Queensland University of Technology could save Australia’s farm sector AU$1.3 billion per year. The robot could help achieve this by automating weed removal and improving agricultural productivity.

Unleashing the power of AI with IoT – Improved maintenance of Sydney Harbour Bridge with AI

• About 2400 sensors on the bridge monitor 800 steel and concrete supports
• Data generated by these sensors is analysed using machine learning and predictive analytics to identify priority locations for proactive maintenance

Automation in mining

Mining operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia are amongst the world’s most automated

• Fortescue operates 112 driverless trucks with a 30% productivity gain
• BHP has 50 autonomous trucks at its Jimblebar site and 20 autonomous drills state-wide
• Launched in 2008 Rio Tinto’s mine-of-the-future has 140 automated trucks, over 11 automated drills, and 60% of train kilometres are in autonomous mode

Drones with AI Capabilities to spot sharks and help in rescue operations

• Rescue drones can be equipped with AI systems to automatically detect and help people in need
• With machine learning and vision systems being developed, the system could be adapted to automatically identify rip currents so beachgoers can be warned in advance
• CSIRO report highlights the example of two teenage boys’ rescue by an airborne drone – In January of 2018, the boys in the surf 700m from land (in a 3m swell) near Lennox Head, NSW were rescued by an airborne drone that dropped an inflatable floatation device to them

Startups: AI is the biggest startup industry in Australia

• The 2018 Startup Muster report finds that artificial intelligence is the biggest startup industry in Australia, having grown from 14.5 per cent of startups in 2017 to 20.6 per cent of startups in 2018.
• In 2018 there were 1,465 start-ups in Australia, 21% of which consider AI relevant to their products or services. This increased by 6% from 2017

AI for Road Safety in Australia

• AI could help reduce the deaths and injuries/year on Australian roads.
• When combined with lane departure warning systems, the other semi-automated technologies could prevent or reduce the severity of car crashes

Focus Areas for AI Projects in Australia

• Helping people living with a disability, such as impaired vision
• Supporting senior citizens to live independently at home longer
• Keeping farms weed-free and support farmers
• Fighting bushfires, supporting firefighters
• Improve mental health
• Prevention and Treatment of Skin Cancer with early diagnosis
• Growth of small businesses by helping them develop a better understanding of customers

Australian Companies will adopt AI — not just because they can, but because they must

IDC Analyst

Successful Australian AI Projects Transitioning With AI and Digital Technologies

From Selling Steel to Selling Steel Knowhow

AI success stories are not just with large technology companies or Big Tech.

CSIRO study reveals successful technology transitions are underway in small and large companies across Australia in very traditional sectors.

One of the most striking examples comes from Brisbane based Watkins Steel.

The Highlight Of This Uniquely Australian Case Study: No Job Loss Despite AI Enablement

Based in Brisbane, 50-year old company Watkins Steel specialises in small to mid-size structural steel, metalwork and architectural structures.

Three years ago, recognizing the potential of digital technologies, the company started its transformation from traditional steel fabrication to technology services offering 3D laser scanning, design and data collection.

CEO Des Watkins characterises the transition between old and new, as going from the shop floor to the upstairs office, where traditional hard-hats are replaced with cutting-edge HoloLens (augmented reality) technology.

As the company adopted new technology, the business doubled in size adding more staff growing to enter global markets.

Australian Law Firm Deploys AI To Reduce Time For Claims Assessment

One of the AI projects comes from Legal Tech in Australia. Leading law firm Maurice Blackburn rolled out an AI-infused solution to shrink time for insurance claims assessment.

The AI solution enables a fast, inexpensive and accurate triage of claims, particularly valuable in view of the firm’s “no win, no fee” proposition. This also helps free up the lawyers’ time who would otherwise have their time taken up with combing through policy fine print.

Developed by Microsoft partner, Arinco, the Law Firm claims to saving time and improving customer experience with the solution. The solution leverages Microsoft Azure Cognitive Search and Services. The law firm has reduced the time taken to assess a superannuation disability insurance claim reduced from months down to minutes.

ITVibes Recommended Reading:

• AI in Australia – The Roadmap and Imperative
• What’s New in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies, 2020
• The top technology trends to watch in 2021 and beyond, according to Forrester
• RPA Software Market to reach nearly $2 Billion in 2021
• As the Voice AI market expands, Dubber switches on IBM Watson Speech To Text
• The Future of Data and Analytics according to Gartner