Airshow Avalon 2019 - Dr Suelynn Choy

[00:00:21] Hi my name is Suelynn Choy, associate professor of satellite navigation in RMIT University.

[00:01:04] My research focuses on developing augmentation techniques for improving the positioning performance of the global navigation satellite system like the US GPS. The idea is to augment the technology to deliver a range of fit-for-purpose positioning and navigation services, to support various sectors, like defense, agriculture, mining, civil construction and transportation services.

[00:01:59] An example of RMIT industry partnerships, is precise positioning using the Japanese navigation satellite system known as QCSS. We've worked with the Australian and Japanese government and commercial industry to develop and test new augmentation system on the QCSS satellite, that will improve the positioning capability upon the G.P.S. system in Australia. In fact, our team was the first in Australia to demonstrate the first time use of a fully robotic tractor, controlled entirely by QCSS, achieving positioning accuracy of around five centimetres. Real-time positioning information from the navigation satellite enabled detractors to autonomously track, turn and operate machineries doing a variety of routine precision farming and mining operations. Our objective was to get to a point in the near future, where users are oblivious to the fact that they are using multiple satellite signals and multiple systems to receive accurate and reliable positions for whatever the application happens to be and ultimately, boosting the productivity of Australia rural industry and benefitting the working and personal life of many particularly those living in regional and outback areas.

[00:07:02] In the context of navigation satellite system, Australia research and development strengths, leaves us well-placed to secure benefit from the various global navigation satellite systems. Individually, or combined, this system provides reliable position, navigation and timing information in real-time, which can be used for a wide range of applications. In fact, Australia will be amongst the first countries in the world in which critical export industry will be able to take advantage of improved positioning and navigation performance.

[00:12:49] One of the strengths of RMIT is that we aim not only to promote excellence in knowledge but also grow its impact on society and economy. In fact, a key priority of the university is to undertake research in collaboration with industry. RMIT's capability in satellite navigation rests within key research centres in science and engineering, notably the satellite positioning for atmosphere climate and Environment Research Center and the Sir Laurence Wackett aerospace and Research Centre. The RMIT satelite positioning for atmosphere Climate and Environment Research Centre has been instrumental in leading industry applied research, associated with downstream satellite positioning and navigation technology, atmospheric climate and environmental science. Our research has made an impact in advancing Australia national positioning infrastructure, as well as improving the accuracy of weather forecasts in Australia.