CSIRO at CeBIT 2008

CSIRO is developing automation technology to allow driver-less operation of hot metal carriers — large forklifts that carry crucibles of molten aluminium from pot lines to casting machines. Our navigation system is based on laser scanners, a steering encoder and vehicle odometry.

CSIRO is developing control devices and software for homes and businesses that integrates and manages the energy needs of each major appliance, demands on the grid, and the needs and preferences of building occupants.

CSIRO's surgical simulation research group has developed a colon simulator for training specialists to carry out colonoscopies. The simulator mimics the touch and feel of the real procedure, and generates faithful photo-realistic images.

Researchers hope that an installation of 70 soil moisture sensors on a research farm in Tasmania will be the forerunner of intelligent sensor networks that contribute to the real-time management of water allocation and trading, hydro power generation, or flood forecasting.

CSIRO is developing submersible photographic sensors and software for measuring the feed consumption of farmed prawns. Better estimates of feed consumption will improve  the profitability of prawn farming, while reducing its environmental impact.

CSIRO's wireless technologies using radio frequency tracking can locate people and objects in challenging radio environments for which no satisfactory solutions currently exist, including areas where global positioning systems do not work.

CSIRO researchers are developing control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles that will allow them to share airspace with other aircraft as they inspect infrastructure such as powerlines, bridges, buildings and cooling towers.