Edge Technologies Program
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
As the name suggests, this program focuses on technologies at the leading edge. We look at technologies that individual water corporations are less likely to investigate or implement on their own. As a collaborative organisation, we are well positioned to fill this role.
This program involves researching and trialling edge technologies, with a sector wide approach. We consider how they can be used across the industry to provide the most value. We also aim to foster technology collaborations between water corporations, ensuring access to technologies and skills that are already available and working together to maximise the use of new tools and platforms. Take a look at some of our projects below.
Program Manager: Brock Tunnicliffe from Greater Western Water.
Deputy Program Manager: Frank Courtney from Melbourne Water.
Watch the program update at our recent members conference.
Current projects
Virtual reality training
With relatively large operations and teams, our industry has a lot to gain from the shift towards a more virtual environment.
Following our Hydrovation Challenge - to unearth innovative ideas from people in our industry - we trialled virtual reality (VR) technology for workplace training. The trial assessed whether VR can add value to training and achieve efficiencies.
Edge Tech working group
The possibilities for technology can seem endless. Our focus is on assessing technology that solves common problems for water corporations so it’s essential to work together when identifying what trials to consider.
If you would like to join our working group to discuss potential trials, please get in touch via email.
Telepresence robot
Telepresence robots are transforming the remote workplace experience, from enabling hybrid workers to have a physical presence, through to giving service and support staff oversight on remote assets.
The robots take everything about video conferencing and place it onto an on-demand, mobile, self-navigating base. We are currently trialling this technology for asset inspection.
Completed projects
This program has trialled the following technologies. Please email us if you’d like more information.
RealWear AR headsets - trialled augmented reality (AR) headsets for field work, such as sampling, commissioning and auditing. Many of our member water corporations found this technology especially useful when site visits were restricted during COVID and it has been adopted as part of normal business at Greater Western Water.
Tank cleaning robot - trialled the technology to clean water tanks, comparing the cost, efficiency, effectiveness and safety with manual or diver cleaning.