Automated Solutions Australia (ASA), a robotics company based in Adelaide and Melbourne, has announced a partnership with US robotics company Aerobotix for the development, testing and manufacturing of hypersonic missiles.
The partnership follows the 2021 signing of the AUKUS security pact between the US, UK and Australian Governments, which includes provisions for the allies to work together on hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities.
The Aerobotix-ASA collaboration is expected to enable the Australian defence sector and Australian defence contractors to more easily access both companies’ expertise in automation.
The companies say they became acquainted through their mutual capabilities in the robotic coating automation industry and are now working together to pursue projects for which a sovereign presence is required.
“We’ll work with the US State Department for approval of any technology transfer for ASA,” Josh Tuttle, Aerobotix Business Development Manager, said. “We’ll also help ASA in other ways. For example, we can save them years of costly development work by sharing how to robotically spray FIREX RX-2390 Thermal Protection System coatings for missile manufacturing.”
Aerobotix and ASA are both robotic integration companies with capabilities in the precise application of paints and performance coatings.
Aerobotix has accumulated experience in the use of robotics to scan, sand, measure and paint hypersonic missiles on multiple successful missile programs.
ASA’s relationship with FANUC has resulted in the installation of more than 100 FANUC painting robots in Australia. Now, with the backing of Aerobotix, ASA expects it has the expertise and technical capability 'to overcome the most difficult automation challenges in precision coating applications'.
“Aerobotix has already deployed several production robotic systems for hypersonics,” Nathan Jones, ASA General Manager, said. “They’re even making critical test parts for programs that haven’t had time to build production facilities. Their willingness to support our company, and Australia, is going to significantly reduce costs, schedule delays and program risk.”