Victorian start-up Axiflux motors on to win national iAward

A Victorian start-up is among the winners of the 2012 national iAwards, after creating the world’s first modular, real-time, software-reconfigurable electric motor and generator.

Now in its 18^th year, the iAwards is Australia’s leading technology awards program, recognising the most innovative companies and individuals across 25 categories.

National winners and merit recipients are offered the opportunity to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards, which will be held in Brunei later this year.

Last night, the award winners and merit recipients were announced at a ceremony in Melbourne.

According to Suzanne Campbell, chief executive of the Australian Information Industry Association, the range of innovations “shows just how strong the ICT industry is in Australia”.

Among the winners was Victorian start-up Axiflux, recognised for its Adaptive Magnetic Flux Array; the world’s first modular, real-time, software-reconfigurable electric motor and generator.

The Axiflux team is led by chief executive Chris Mosely along with David Jahshan, chief technology officer and inventor of the Axiflux technology.

Also involved are Stuart Richardson and Darcy Naunton of Adventure Capital, and technology entrepreneur Silvio Salom.

“The electrical machine is the cornerstone of modern life and the facilitator of nearly everything we do,” Axiflux says on its website.

“Axiflux has designed an innovative twist on the electrical machine, resulting in significant size, weight and price reduction, while increasing its power output, efficiency and maintainability.”

“Axiflux’s Adaptive Magnetic Flux Array… uses significantly less copper, has an integrated controller and can drive a system without the need for expensive and heavy gearboxes.”

Axiflux wasn’t the only innovation recognised at the awards. Other standouts were:

1. WA Police Air Wing Search and Rescue Application

Recognised in the tertiary student project category, this is the work of Laurence Da Luz, Arickho Garcia, Tyson Wolker, Huda Minhaj, all of whom study at Edith Cowan University in WA.

The application is intended to assist in the rescue of people who are lost or injured in the foothills or at seas.

It will assist the user in contacting rescue services, and will pass on vital information to the police. It can also help rescue helicopters locate victims in their search

The application has been designed for the Android, but allows for maintenance and modifications by programmers who may adapt the app to other smartphone operating systems.

2. iSee – Collaborate and Connect Naturally

The iSee project, led by Professor Farzad Safaei at the University of Wollongong, is funded by Smart Services CRC. It was recognised in the research and development category.

iSee has been used as a demonstrator of the types of broadband multimedia applications that will drive the NBN, and has been demonstrated to Senator Conroy.

The work has also been a seed for other projects led by Professor Safaei within UOW’s ICT Research Institute.

3. Liesl Capper, CEO of MyCyberTwin

Capper was named ICT Woman of the Year for heading up MyCyberTwin, which uses artificial intelligence technology to create interactive virtual agents to chat with customers.

MyCyberTwin customers include major banks, and retail, technology and media companies.

The technology has AI algorithms and natural language capability that allow a deeply humanised interaction experience, and can live in any environment (website chat, social media, MSN, etc.)

4. QikPASS

QikPASS, developed by Tasmanian company QikID, was recognised in the tourism and hospitality category.

It is a new cloud, iPhone, iPad and web-based service that venues use to keep track of their patrons for marketing, promotion and security purposes.