Australia's strength in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research will be on full display on the world stage next year when Defence hosts RobotX, an international autonomous maritime robotic vehicles competition.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Maritime RobotX will take place at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith in November 2022.
Minister Price said the biennial event consisted of teams made up of students from multiple engineering disciplines from universities across the world.
"Through our international alliances, Australia and our partners are developing the next generation of robotics specialists," Minister Price said.
"This competition enables students, academic institutions and industry partners to focus on the challenges of maritime autonomy - one of the fastest growing industrial pursuits of our time.
"Robotic autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) will play an increasing role in future Australian Defence Force capability.
"The Royal Australian Navy 'RAS-AI Strategy 2040' encourages engagement in experimentation, cooperation and innovation at all levels to fulfil our potential.
"RobotX is a perfect environment for students to develop the skills necessary to support the future capability needs.
"I would encourage Australian businesses and universities to test themselves by being involved in this event."
Defence will work with United States not-for-profit organisation RoboNation to deliver the competition, which will include an industry day for industry to connect with STEM talent in academia.
The Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre will be supporting the event, which will consist of a range of obstacle course challenges.
The challenge is funded by Defence's Next Generation Technologies Fund, in partnership RoboNation and the United States Office of Naval Research.
Past participating countries have included Australia, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China and Singapore.
