ProfessorSalah Sukkarieh

Robotics is a field that has captured the public imagination, with numerous books, films and television programs featuring improbably intelligent machines with seemingly unlikely capabilities. Professor Salah Sukkarieh's research into robotics and intelligent systems is the real thing, and it's not too far from those products of our collective imagination.

"My work involves developing robotic devices and intelligent systems that can operate 24/7 in outdoor environments. These are devices that can perceive and understand their environment, make informed decisions about any actions required and then carry out those actions - all without direct human input.

"For example, my colleagues and I have already developed an automated berth in Brisbane where ships are loaded and unloaded by robotic devices without direct human involvement. We're also working with Rio Tinto on establishing an autonomous mine operation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia; we've developed pilotless robotic aircraft that can detect and spray invasive weeds in remote locations; and we're currently working on autonomous devices that will perform many of the manual tasks involved in large-scale agricultural production.

"I'm also developing intelligent software systems for autonomous decision making. We're already seeing applications for this technology in commercial aviation and environmental management, and its potential for use in other areas is significant.

"All of these projects represent vast improvements in human safety as well as in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

"I'm passionate about developing this kind of high-end technology and supporting its adoption, because it has a significant and immediate impact on industry and the wider community - it really is transformational.

"I've been working in this field for over 20 years. Having completed my own degrees at the University of Sydney, I then returned to join the staff. It's a great environment, it's local to the main industry players and we have excellent student cohorts."