A small workshop in Yinnar is at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation that could safeguard the lives of the men and women serving to protect our country.
Military veteran Luke Townsend and his eight-person team at Outlook Industries have invented a new on-ground surveillance system, the ‘Ground Unmanned System’, aka GUS.
The magnitude of GUS’s operational and life-saving capability attracted the interest of the Australian Defence Force, resulting in a contract for the local defence robotics and innovation company to supply the military with the new vehicles.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said it was an incredible achievement for Luke and the Outlook Industries team, calling it an inspiring example of Gippsland’s growing STEM industry.
“Luke and his team have invented, developed and tested completely new surveillance technology from their workshop in Yinnar, which, when rolled out in the ADF, will help to protect the lives of Australian servicemen and women,” Mr Chester said.
“The remotely controlled all-terrain surveillance vehicle is designed to save lives.
“Unlike other surveillance systems, such as aerial drones, which have a maximum operational period of about 24 hours, GUS technology can operate in an area for two months.
“The new ground uncrewed system, equipped with camera, microphones and AI technology, reduces human risk assuming surveillance roles otherwise performed by soldiers.
“But surveillance isn’t GUS’s only capability. The vehicle can be fitted with different modules for logistic transport, fire support or medical evacuation.”
