Future Rides
The team at Swinburne University in Melbourne is “Tradiebot will also deliver new future skills to the industry
partnering with the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative as more processes become automated.”
Research Centre (IMCRC) and a leading repair solutions Swinburne University will play a major role in the
company, Tradiebot Industries, in an effort to transform development of the Repair Bot project as highlighted by
the automotive repair industry. Mr Dimovski.
The collaborative project titled, ‘Repair Bot’, will make “We will rely heavily on the Swinburne team to research,
use of 3D printing technologies and robotics along with develop, document and problem-solve. This will be
complex materials to enable an automated rapid repair vital as we invent various aspects of this world-first
service for plastic car parts. automated system that will revolutionise repairs of plastic
The project was driven by a need for technology-driven components.”
solutions to issues facing the automotive repair industry. As well as improving procedures in the automotive repair
Issues are far reaching, ranging from material wastage, industry, the project could also have applications in the
complex and restrictive design elements and the limited future of manufacturing.
availability of skilled labour. Based on initial feedback, there has been a feeling
Tradiebot Industries Founder Mario Dimovski believes the of
project’s potential benefits go far beyond the automotive implications of the Tradiebot project for the automotive
collision industry. repair industry in Australia and New Zealand.
“The ability to repair previously non-repairable parts The Tradiebot project has accumulated over $1.2 million
using world-first technology will reduce overall repair in funding, and research will take place throughout 2018
times and repair costs. and 2019.
“It will also create real and significant export opportunities To learn more about the project, visit the Tradiebot
and has flow-on benefits for the environment by reducing website at tradiebot.com.
enthusiasm
surrounding
the
potential
positive
landfill,” explains Mr Dimovski.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2018 29