Category: News

Akash Hettiarachchi is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and his project is part of the Human-Robot Workforce Program at the Australian Cobotics Centre.
His current research interests include diversified work groups, the attraction of different social groups to the advance manufacturing sector and overcoming work force gaps.

We interviewed Akash recently to find out more about why he does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre?

I have worked in the manufacturing industry for almost 20 years, specializing as an HR Professional for major global manufacturing companies. Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable experience working with diverse workforces across different regions and cultures. This experience has not only provided me with practical insights but also enhanced my theoretical knowledge in the field. I have had the privilege of collaborating with industry experts and witnessing firsthand the advancements in technology within the manufacturing industry. This exposure has fueled my passion for research and equipped me with a deeper understanding of how to contribute effectively to the industry.

Moving forward, I believe it is essential to forge strong partnerships with industry leaders and gain a thorough understanding of the practical implications of workforce development alongside technological advancements. By combining this practical knowledge with my diverse background, I can contribute to the manufacturing industry by formulating innovative business strategies that provide a competitive edge.

• Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

The Australian Cobotic Centre stands out from other research groups by actively engaging with the industry and directly investigating pressing issues in the manufacturing sector. It also serves as a platform for researchers with diverse backgrounds to collaborate and share their findings with a wider audience. Additionally, maintaining ongoing connections with technical and HR experts opens up new research opportunities and fosters improved collaboration.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

Promoting diversity in the workforce is a project that is extremely important to me. Throughout my professional career, I have unfortunately encountered discrimination in various areas, including recruitment, selection, promotions, and training and development. This discrimination has been especially prevalent among underrepresented groups. Additionally, I have observed firsthand how managers perpetuate unaccepted behaviour towards minority groups, highlighting the urgent need for support from business leaders.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I intend to work with manufacturing organizations as a consultant, offering guidance on effectively managing the new generations and other underrepresented groups in the context of Industry 4.0. I also aim to blend traditional HR strategies with technological support and leverage technology to develop more inclusive HR strategies. The HR community I am currently connected with is an excellent platform for sharing my research findings and exploring new opportunities to enhance global HR strategies.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

As an HR Practitioner, I am most comfortable presenting on manufacturing-related HR strategies, problems faced by women in the manufacturing sector, and the impact of technology on the workforce. These topics require minimal preparation on my part.

Massive congratulations to our PhD researcher, Akash Brinly Hettiarachchi who completed his confirmation seminar last week on Wednesday, 6 March!

His thesis is entitled: Cobots intervention for a diverse Australian manufacturing workforce. His supervisory team include A/Prof Penny Williams, QUT and Professor Greg Hearn, QUT and the review panel included A/Prof Erika French and A/Prof Jared Donovan.

His project addresses the existing labour shortage and facilitate sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector, it is imperative to explore potential solutions for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. This research seeks to synergise technological solutions (Cobots) with HR strategies (workforce diversity) to address the prevalent challenge of talent scarcity within the manufacturing sector.

It will investigate avenues for incorporating human and social factors into the design of Cobots and assess how this integration can help overcome potential barriers to entry and retention for a diverse manufacturing workforce. The study will adopt a qualitative research methodology, encompassing three key stages: descriptive analysis, focus group discussions, and case study analysis.

We are pleased to welcome Zongyuan Zhang, our newest team member. Zongyuan is a PhD researcher at QUT (Queensland University of Technology), supervised by Jonathan Roberts, and will be actively involved in the Biomimic Cobots program as the lead researcher on Project 1.1: Cobot contact tasks through multi-sensory deep learning.

Zongyuan’s research interests centre around the application of deep learning in the field of robotics and the study of motion theories of robots with different configurations. He has experience in control system design and mechanical structure design, and has participated in projects including underwater photography robot, driverless racing car, exoskeleton mechanical arm, dual-rotor aircraft, and remote-control robotics arm, some of which are currently undergoing commercialisation.

???? We look forward to hearing more as Zongyuan’s project progresses!

Welcome Zongyuan!

Collaboration and sharing of information are vital for the success of our Centre. To support this, we ask our PhD Researchers to give a brief introduction to their projects within the initial 6 months.

During our latest seminar, Eleonora Zodo and Justin Botha from QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and Danial Rizvi from University of Technology Sydney provided an outline of their projects’ objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.

As they continue their research, we’ll keep you posted on their progress. Meanwhile, you can learn more about their research updates HERE.

Jacqueline Greentree is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and her project is part of the Human-Robot Workforce Program at the Australian Cobotics Centre.
Her current research interests include education, government policy and the intersection in preparing people for the workplaces of the future.

We interviewed Jacqueline recently to find out more about why she does what she does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre?

I have worked in education in some form across my career starting in Government and Vocational Education and Training (VET), moving to school education and VET in Schools and most recently working in Higher Education in a range of professional positions. My research seeks to understand how well VET education prepares those seeking work in advanced manufacturing considering the technological disruptions created through the adoption of new technologies (Industry 4.0). It also seeks to discover potential improvements in policy settings to bridge the skills gap in technical and digital domains for manufacturing to ensure a responsive training system to meet future skills needs.

• Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

It was a great opportunity to be part of some research that spans different disciplines but working together to achieve some new and different things. It was also an opportunity to learn more about how we will be working in the future as technology is rapidly changing work and workplaces. It was also an opportunity to dedicate myself fully to something new and different.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

Completing my Masters of Philosophy, it was a long road to get there and had to balance a research project while doing a demanding full time job. I am enjoying being part of the centre and not having to work full-time in a different field while trying to complete the research.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I hope it continues the conversation about the way we educate people and whether the ways we have been doing that are still fit for our current world of learning and work. I would like for it open up new possibilities for considering how we move through education systems in Australia and possibly have different ways of gaining skills that are recognised by industry.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I find it difficult to talk for an hour on anything. If it was not my research then benefits of outdoor education/adventure challenges for kids to build resilience, perseverance and to be open to taking some appropriate risks.

PhD researchers from Swinburne, Jagannatha Pyaraka and Kartik Choudhary, and their supervisor, A/Prof Mats Isaksson have invented WeedoMate, a revolution in weed management.

The solution was developed through their participation in Swinburne’s Venture Cup Program where they won the People’s Choice award for their pitch. The program supports emerging startups through a three-week journey of personalised coaching, masterclasses and mentoring. The competition reaches its climax as the 10 finalists present compelling startup pitches to an expert judging panel.

WeedoMate tackles the challenge of unwanted vegetation in urban landscapes.  Using an autonomous system to identify and eliminate weeds with precision, minimizing the need for manual labour and reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. Their innovation lies in their adaptable robotic arm, equipped to deploy various tools including targeted herbicide sprays – tailored to each weed’s specific needs.

Read more:

*  https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2024/01/swinburnes-venture-cup-unveils-pioneering-startups-as-entrepreneurs-take-centre-stage

* https://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/platforms-initiatives/innovation-studio/venture-cup/