We are designers.
We are roboticists.
We are researchers.
UAP is collaborating with the IMCRC, Queensland University of Technology and RMIT University to use innovative robotic vision systems and software user-interfaces to reduce the integration time between design and custom manufacturing. This will improve competitive advantage by enhancing the company’s ability to manufacture high-value products and reduce time and cost to manufacture.
This technology will not only provide commercial value to UAP, but will also benefit other Australian manufacturers across different industries such as medical devices, construction and aerospace where mass-customised products are in high demand. A key component of the research is the Design Robotics Open Innovation Network.
The purpose of the Design Robotics Open Innovation Network (OIN) is to share project outcomes and facilitate collaboration across industry for the benefit of the wider Australian manufacturing sector. The Design Robotics Open Innovation Network will serve as an interface to wider industry, both to disseminate project findings and to gain feedback on what industry needs. It will offer hands-on experience, build business opportunities and accelerate the adoption of innovative manufacturing across Australia. This will be achieved by designing a well-targeted peer-to-peer business knowledge transfer program where UAP, QUT, and RMIT will host demonstration events and disseminate findings through the publication of practical know-how around design robotics.
If you are a creative or researcher who would like to collaborate with us through the Design Robotics Open Innovation Network please let us know.
How to apply:
Contact us with a 250-word project proposal.
The proposal must describe how it will use or extend the robotics fabrication capabilities of UAP
Proposals need to be supported by a commercial project.
Proposals must include a timeline, and intended outcomes.
We provide:
We can provide advice and expertise on robotic fabrication
We will document the project and write a report to feature project learnings on the design robotics website
If suitable, support to develop a proposal into a commercial project in collaboration with UAP.
We do not provide:
We will not provide direct project funding for projects. Collaborators need to be supported commercially.
Our Team

Jared Donovan
Project Leader
Dr Jared Donovan has an educational background in Illustration and Information Technology. His main research interests....
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Glenda Amayo Caldwell
Chief Investigator
Dr Glenda Amayo Caldwell is a senior lecturer in Architecture at the Queensland University of Technology. Glenda is the....
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Jonathan Roberts
Chief Investigator
Jonathan is Professor in Robotics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). His main research interests are in the....
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Peter Corke
Chief Investigator
Peter is the distinguished professor of robotic vision at Queensland University of Technology, and director of the ARC....
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Cori Stewart
Chief Investigator
Associate Professor Cori Stewart is a strategic leader who co-innovates with industry, government and research....
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Mike Xie
Chief Investigator
After 10 years as the Head of Civil Engineering discipline at RMIT University, Prof. Xie is now serving as the Director....
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Roland Snooks
Chief Investigator
Roland Snooks is an Associate Professor at RMIT University where he directs the Architectural Robotics Lab. Roland is....
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Muge Belek Fialho Teixeira
Lecturer (Interior Architecture)
Dr. Muge Belek Fialho Teixeira trained in architecture and is a Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT)....
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Matthew Tobin
Founder and Managing Director (UAP company)
Matthew Tobin is co-Founder and Managing Director of UAP. Together with his brother Daniel, he established UAP in 1993....
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Amanda Harris
Principal Art + Design (UAP Company)
As Principal of Art + Design, Amanda Harris is responsible for the UAP STUDIO design team in Brisbane. Amanda and her....
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Bruce Blundell
Design Documentation Lead (UAP Company)
As Documentation Lead, Bruce facilitates the documentation of UAP projects, working with the project managers and the....
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Rune Rasmussen
Senior Software Engineer
Dr Rune Rasmussen joined QUT in 2017 as Senior Software Engineer for the Research Engineering Facility, in the....
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Amelia Luu
Mechatronics Engineer
Amelia joined the Design Robotics team in August 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics), from the....
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Alan Burden
PhD Student
Alan is a designer, project manager and researcher, currently undertaking his PhD in Design Robotics at QUT. He holds a....
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Baris Balci
PhD Student
Baris is a PhD student in Design Robotics at QUT. He received his BSc degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering....
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Claire Brophy
Research Fellow
Claire joined the Design Robotics team as a Research Fellow in mid-2019. Her research is human-centric – exploring....
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Jing Peng
Research Fellow
Dr. Jing Peng is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Design Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing in Electrical Engineering....
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Kavita Gonsalves
Research Assistant
Kavita joined the Design Robotics team in November 2019 and is a PhD candidate with the Urban Informatics Research....
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Alexander Walzer
Research Fellow
Alex joined the Design Robotics team as a Research Fellow in early 2020. He is interested in novel technologies for....
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Gavin Bufton
Research Assistant
Gavin Bufton is an Industrial Designer, joining the team in 2019 as a research assistant developing Wire Arc Additive....
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