Boeing has partnered with the Government of Queensland in Australia to develop new autonomous systems capabilities, including drones.
This is hoped to help the state consolidate its place in the aerospace industry.
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The development is expected to bring 131 new jobs to Queensland and represents the ninth project attracted to the state through the government’s A$65m ($41m) Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund.
Under the partnership, Boeing will develop new autonomous systems capability in Queensland over the next three years to increase the independent operation of air and sea vehicles.
It is anticipated to directly benefit the local small to medium enterprises working in aerospace, manufacturing, defence, and technology and services sectors.
Queensland State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said: “By employing more people in specialist roles, including software and systems engineers, this project will expand Queenslanders’ specialist and technical expertise and intellectual labour capacity in autonomous systems.
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By GlobalData“These jobs are on top of Boeing’s 1,500-strong Queensland workforce currently based at Townsville, Brisbane, Amberley, and Oakey.
“The Queensland government has identified autonomous vehicles, including unmanned aerial systems, as a key enabling technology platform and growth opportunity and is supporting industry development through existing initiatives and by developing a Queensland Drones Strategy.”
Queensland launched its Drone Strategy last year.
Currently, 30% of Australia’s drone business is estimated to be based in Queensland.
As part of a previous collaboration with various businesses in Queensland, Boeing has developed a broad area unmanned aircraft system (UAS) situational awareness system. It was exported to the US late last year.
The system successfully completed its first flight test in Mississippi, US, in January.
