QinetiQ Australia has opened its ninth Army MakerSpace facility at the Australian Army’s Simpson Barracks in Melbourne, Victoria, supporting both organizations’ goal of fostering innovation and problem-solving skills among soldiers.
The new site allows every personnel to develop their creativity and problem-solving capabilities. The new Melbourne site will be equipped with the latest technologies, including CNC laser cutters, 3D printers and electronics workstations, providing anyone within the service a chance to learn a wide range of knowledge, including design thinking and agile project management.
The MakerSpace collaborative workshop initiative was launched in July 2021 and is available to all personnel, regardless of rank and trade.
Jasmine Kastaniotis, Army MakerSpace program manager at QinetiQ Australia, highlighted the program’s value to the Australian Army.
“[The] new site at Simpson Barracks is another step forward in this ongoing partnership, ensuring that Army personnel are equipped with the technical and creative skills needed to anticipate and overcome future challenges,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Alex Palmer, emerging technology manager at the Robotic Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office of the Australian Army, said the new facility shows QinetiQ and Army MakerSpace’s “commitment to supporting [the] Army’s vision for a future-ready land force equipped to anticipate and solve the operational challenges of tomorrow.”