Connectivity the focus of newly funded Linkage Projects

Two Macquarie University research projects have been awarded more than $815,000 as part of the Australian Research Council's Linkage Projects scheme, announced by the Federal Government this week.

The scheme supports research and industry partners to tackle problems, generate new knowledge, and unlock commercial and other benefits from research.

Both of Macquarie University's funded projects aim to enhance connectivity in an increasingly digital world - one by supporting the digital literacy of senior citizens with sensory issues and the other by developing next-generation warehousing and supply chain solutions through Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius, said both projects share a commitment to advancing the way we use technology.

"Whether we are looking at smarter, technology-powered ways to boost productivity or supporting seniors to stay connected with the world around them, Macquarie University researchers are focused on developing solutions that make a real difference," he said.

Professor Tao Gu in the Faculty of Science and Engineering has been awarded a grant of $509,991 to advance Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, in partnership with Australian inventory management specialists ECOT.

The partnership will combine ECOT's expertise in real-time automated inventory systems with Macquarie's research into next-generation IoT gateway technology to support smart warehousing and supply chain operations.

"With this project, we expect to create a more robust and effective IoT system that will help Australian industries stay competitive and ready for future advancement," said Professor Gu.

Professor Bamini Gopinath, from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, will lead a project awarded $305,135 to help Australian seniors with vision and/or hearing loss gain the confidence to use digital technology.

The project will bring together experts and organisations to develop a specialised program that trains community staff and volunteers to become digital mentors.

Professor Gopinath said the goal is to make technology more accessible and empower seniors to stay socially connected and engaged in daily life.

"In a world where so many essential services are moving online, digital literacy can open doors to social connection and independence for seniors with sensory loss," she said.

"With this project, we're hoping to give them the support they need to navigate the digital landscape confidently."

Macquarie University's successful projects are:

Reliable and efficient massive long-range connectivity

Macquarie University chief investigators: Professor Tao Gu (lead), Dr Ningning Hou, Dr Yu Zhang and industry partner Mr Bruce Tian

Partner organisation: ECOT

Funding awarded: $509,991

A digital literacy program empowering seniors with sensory loss

Macquarie University chief investigators: Professor Bamini Gopinath (lead), Professor Niloufer Selvadurai, Associate Professor Kompal Sinha and Dr Diana Tang

Partner organisations: YourLink, Soundfair Australia, Hearing Matters Australia, Meals on Wheels NSW, Blind Citizens Australia, Collective Leisure, and Communiteer

Funding awarded: $305,135

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