Research
We aim to continue developing our Autonomous System research ecosystem by strengthening links between research innovation and industry needs and delivering game-changing capabilities in workforces and business operations.
Land and sea management
The remoteness and vast distances of North Australia are significant challenges for landowners and land managers. UAS offer a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional crewed aviation and ground survey. NACAS’s capabilities include long-range and broad-acreage aerial surveys, as well as AI-based automated object and pattern detection.
Featured Project
NACAS has collaborated with the Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers to harness drones and AI to detect and survey marine plastics. Enabling the rangers to strategise coastal cleanup operations, improving their efficiency and efficacy while reducing costs.
Remote area supply chains
Rural and regional healthcare poses a significant challenge, particularly in the NT, where communities are highly dispersed and have poor road access. UAS has the potential to transform the provision of supply chain logistics for these communities. While several companies produce aircraft capable of undertaking these deliveries, considerable research remains to be conducted to address the regulatory, logistical, and societal challenges associated with integrating these technologies into Australian remote community supply chains.
Featured Project
In partnership with the Red Lily Health Board Aboriginal Corporation, NACAS has developed the East Alligator Medical Air Bridge. This experimental UAS flyway is Australia’s longest and remotest, serving as a testbed and showcase ecosystem for Australia’s fledgling Advanced Air Mobility industry.
In Defence of Australia
With its proximity to the Indo-Pacific, wide open spaces, and vast coastline, the NT is a priority for Defence investment. A robust UAS industry and operations ecosystem in the NT has significant potential to support the national security agenda. NACAS’s flagship capabilities in safe, reliable, long-range UAS operations (including Beyond Visual Line of Sight, or BVLOS) address a range of critical Defence needs, from logistics and freight delivery to surveying, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Featured Project
NACAS is currently leading a project with Griffith University and SAIDynamics to integrate cargo UAS into the Battle Space Operating System. This project is developing Australian Sovereign capability to enable the ship-to-shore transport of critical items by UAS.
For a complete and up-to-date list of all publications, please follow this link.
