Victorian Research Investment in Next Gen Cars

October 10, 2021

A $5 million Victorian Government investment will boost next generation vehicle research & development at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, it was announced last week.

Deakin University Vice Chancellor, Iain Martin, said the investment would help Deakin provide compelling virtual worlds where students and engineers can test and develop cost-effective products with real-world applications.

Partners in Deakin’s $13 million project include Ford Australia and Ansible Motion.

The facility will also house the European-built S3 Motion Simulator Platform for expert drivers to test products in a virtual environment – and the partnerships will make sure locally-made vehicle products are commercially viable and internationally competitive.

Minister for Higher Education, Gayle Tierney said: “The Next Generation Simulator will enhance our existing skills and knowledge in vehicle manufacturing to drive innovation and create world-first products.”

University and TAFE students will receive training in using motion technology platforms, and research on driver-based and driver-less vehicles, creating a pipeline of local workers for the advanced manufacturing industry.

The project will create 15 jobs by 2025, and four PhD positions and two internships each year.

Construction is expected to begin in November and be completed early next year, with a builder to be appointed soon.