Swinburne University of Technology has formally opened the first state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab in Australia at its Hawthorn campus.
The lab enables learning about new digital technology applications in civil engineering and construction.
In 2021 Swinburne and US-based Trimble began collaborating around establishing a Trimble Technology Lab on campus. To outfit the lab, Trimble has generously provided high-end hardware and software.
The formal opening was attended by Trimble CEO Rob Painter and managing director of BuildingPoint, Trimble's official partner in Australia, Adam Bright.
Managing Director of BuildingPoint Adam Bright, Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester and Trimble CEO Rob Painter at the launch event.
Speaking at the opening, Swinburne Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pascale Quester said the collaboration with Trimble directly supported Swinburne's strategic vision.
"Construction managers and civil engineering professionals are among the top ten in demand occupations for the next five years," Professor Quester said.
"It is through industry partnerships like this that Swinburne is helping to grow the top tier of talent Australia needs.
"This lab is the result of a number of years of collaboration with the industry. It comes in direct response to industry needs in advancing digital construction practices.
"We consider this collaboration with Trimble to be an important step to empowering future leaders in the engineering and construction industry to help them adopt and advance sustainable practices and technologies that will drive innovation in the construction sector."
Trimble CEO) Rob Painter said the imperative to deliver construction projects more sustainably is more important than ever.
"Through the application of technology we see that we can deliver our projects 30 per cent more efficiently.
"Finding enough talent is a real challenge. I think technology will attract more people. People want to work on more modern tools and processes and we are able to help do that.
"We are so pleased to make this partnership with Swinburne. This is our first Trimble Technology Lab in Australia. This is the highest tier partnership we have in our education space, so that reflects our point of view of Swinburne as a leader in this space."
Industry-leading technologies
The Trimble Technology Lab gives students access to technology solutions that enable more sustainable and data-driven architecture, design, engineering and construction projects now and in the future.
The gift to Swinburne comprises a broad range of Trimble's industry-leading technologies such as the Trimble® XR10 Hololens with hardhat and the Trimble SiteVision augmented reality system. Advanced software solutions include RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center, Tekla Structures, Tekla Structural Design Suite, Trimble Connect™ collaboration platform and the company's popular 3D modelling software, SketchUp Pro.