When soldiers needed better night time illumination for their mortar sights, they came up with a design using components from a local electronics retailer, plus some 3D printing. That may soon become issued kit.
When Army medics needed a means to train personnel on how to conduct a field tracheotomy, they too turned to 3D printing.
These and much more are the products of Army MakerSpace, a group of nine workshops at major Army bases across Australia where personnel are given some basic instruction then allowed to get on with hobby or work-related projects.
The objective is to increase problem solving skills and promote innovation.
“I think this is world leading,” said Jasmine Kastaniotis, QinetiQ national Program Manager for Army MakerSpace.
“It is such a complex technical battlespace. It is not the future. It is here now.
“A lot of the young soldiers joining the Army these days are already technology literate. We provide them a place to keep learning and innovating.”
MakerSpace is owned and funded by Army but managed by QinetiQ.
The program sits inside the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) within Army’s Future Land Warfare Branch.
Each MakerSpace features facilities for computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, electronics and circuit board manufacture, CNC machining plus sewing machines.
“It came from the Australian army research council three and a half years ago and they brought us on as the industry partner to support the establishment and operation of the program,” Kastaniotis explained.
“You can be a truck driver or a medic or an aviation two-star and we will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start learning and innovating while keeping yourself safe.”
Russell Maddalena, QinetiQ’s Director Advanced Capabilities, said soldiers could do their own personal projects or innovate to solve real time work-related issues.
However, it’s not specifically intended to create technology for operational use, though that may occur.
“That is not the outcome we are looking for. We are looking to train them with the cognitive ability problem solving skills to help them solve the complex problems and challenges they will encounter in the modern battlespace,” he said.
“We have found it to be a really positive program that enables all ranks an outlet to use a broad range and depth of skills which they may not always be able to use in their day job. It’s inspiring to see the concepts that are being developed on a weekly basis.”
Ms Kastaniotis said they were on track for 20,000 MakerSpace visits this year and a new initiative will soon allow veterans to access MakerSpace facilities.
As well as boosting skills and innovation, MakerSpace has also demonstrated anecdotal benefits in retention.
Ms Kastaniotis tells the story of a young combat engineer Lance Corporal feeling disconnected and disengaged from Army life.
“Now he’s leading in the making of replica training aids. He now has input to his corps and is having a positive personal impact on the training of soldiers not only in his unit, but also across the country,” she said.
Kastaniotis said a benefit of having QinetiQ as industry partner is that lessons roll out across the rest of the country and other units, rather than having the innovation sitting in small pockets.
Another benefit is that MakerSpace equipment and training is standardised. That means a soldier from Darwin or Townsville will find a familiar space when transferred to the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy.
MakerSpace also offers formal training courses to develop agile thinking and promote innovation.
Through the Army Applied Innovation Course, participants do a week of formal training and undergo a MakerSprint at the end where they are given a problem to solve. They then present their solution to senior leaders and industry representatives at their base.
Then there’s the Lean Innovation for Leaders, a two-day course for Sergeants up to Colonels, equipping them to lead innovative teams and foster collaboration.