• Charles Sturt University in Bathurst hosted the NSW Smart Sensing Network industry connect event on Monday 13 May

Charles Sturt University in Bathurst has hosted the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) in a bid to showcase research opportunities around sensing technology’s ability to improve agricultural, health and environmental practices.

The NSSN Sensing Industry Connect event was held this week, bringing together NSSN delegates, Charles Sturt representatives, NSSN member university representatives, local government and industry leaders.

NSSN is a NSW Government network funded through the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and brings together universities, industry and government to translate research into innovative smart sensing solutions that create value for NSW's economy, environment and society.

Since taking up membership in 2022, Charles Sturt has been closely engaged with the NSSN.

Charles Sturt Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Michael Friend said the University was thrilled to be able to showcase their extensive range of research projects centred around smart sensing technology.

“Our researchers demonstrated how sensing technology can tackle challenges in the areas of water security, soil health, chronic health conditions in the aged care sector, weed control and more,” Professor Friend said.

“These types of networking events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs across the sensing sector to take these research concepts to the next level through real-world application.”

The event also included a campus tour, showcasing the University’s engineering facilities and labs, exercise science and human movement labs and Paramedicine Simulation Centre.

Professor Friend said Charles Sturt had previously hosted the NSSN at its Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie campuses, providing a broad overview of the regional settings in which many of the industry challenges are born.

“Regional NSW faces a number of challenges across all critical industries, and from this, our world-class research develops to solve these issues,” he said.

“Holding these events also provides the opportunity for local businesses, academics, NSSN staff, innovators and entrepreneurs across the sensing sector to connect, discuss opportunities and shape the direction of the NSSN in order to better address the challenges facing regional NSW.”

The research showcase held as part of the event saw five researchers present their projects on sensing, including:

• Professor Manoranjan Paul in the School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering: Using sensors such as RGB-D & 360-degree video cameras, hyperspectral camera, eye tracker, soil property sensor, Munsell colour sensor, point cloud sensor for different application areas such as multimedia, communication, digital health, agriculture, and mobile app development.     

• Dr Miao Li in the School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering: Sensing as a tool for safe and secure water resources.

• Dr Tegan Hartmann in the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences: From movement to molecules, sensing advancements in sport, exercise and health sciences.

• Dr Mohammad Ali Moni in the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute: AI-enabled portable and wearable devices for real-time monitoring of chronic conditions in aged care

• Dr Jane Kelly in the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences: Understanding the opportunities and limitations of multi-resolution and multi-modal technologies for remote detection of weeds in heterogeneous landscapes.

Joining Professor Friend as official event representatives was NSSN Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Haskin and Manager of Economic Development at Bathurst Regional Council Mr David Flude.

ENDS