Login
iscover
Share this article on:
Powered by
MOMENTUM
MEDIA
Powered by MOMENTUMMEDIA
A new ASTRID research agreement will provide for collaboration on a digital twin of the NBN network and AI and robotics research.
NBN Co and Melbourne’s RMIT University have signed a three-year agreement that will see the telco gain access to the university’s academics, students, and researchers as part of a plan to develop “enhanced broadband outcomes for the nation”.
The deal, known as ASTRID – Advancing STEM, Technology, Research, Innovation and Deployment – will see the pair stand up the R-NEX Lab, a collaborative exploratory laboratory, where work will be done creating a digital twin of the NBN network, as well as supporting NBN Co’s robotics and AI programs.
“NBN Co and RMIT are close collaborative partners, and we’ve achieved some great research outcomes so far. Through this exciting new ASTRID agreement, we expect to take things to a whole new level,” Guy Scott, chief technology officer at NBN Co, said.
“Our focus will be the development of innovative technological advancement, with a common aim of advancing broadband technologies for households, businesses and communities across Australia.
“The digital twin will be a powerful tool for modelling the nbn® network and our services over the next decade and beyond, using large, real-world datasets for all our access technologies in different locations.”
The digital twin will help NBN Co verify forward forecasts on the network and support cost and life cycle decisions.
“This is crucially important for NBN Co as we continue to optimise and maximise the performance and resilience of the nbn network to mitigate against network congestion, planned and unplanned outages and extreme weather events,” Scott said.
Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond, deputy vice-chancellor, research and innovation and vice president at RMIT, said the institution was proud to be the first Victorian university to partner with NBN Co.
“This landmark three-year collaboration builds on our existing strong relationship with NBN Co, enabling RMIT researchers, staff and students to drive advancements in network intelligence and telecommunications innovation.
“By combining RMIT’s strengths across research and skills development, this partnership enhances our ability to deliver world-class learning experiences, deepens our relationships with industry, and informs national priorities,” Drummond said.
“Together, we are working to make Australia’s digital infrastructure smarter, more accessible, and more resilient, while preparing our researchers and graduates to lead the next phase of transformation in the telecommunications sector.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
Be the first to hear the latest developments in the cyber industry.
