Fugro’s Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in Perth is to receive an additional $5 million in funding from the WA Government.

According to Fugro, the funding will be used to help strengthen existing partnerships while also developing a local pipeline of experts who will contribute to SpAARC’s capabilities.

The announcement was made by WA’s Premier Roger Cook, at the Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference.

“Leveraging WA’s high-tech robotics and remote operations sector, Fugro SpAARC will capitalise on our significant space infrastructure and capabilities to position WA as the Southern Hemisphere’s global hub for space operations and exploration,” said Premier Cook.

“Space has always been a hotbed of innovation in robotics, automation and harsh-environment operations,” added SpAARC’s Director, Fugro’s Sam Forbes.

“This additional support significantly improves our ability to lead in this dynamic field, while also furthering the unique remote and autonomous capabilities we’re working on at SpAARC and more widely within Fugro.”