Ben Caldwell

This is an interesting development, but it’s pretty underwhelming and very narrow in scope. $20M AUD is a rounding error compared to international investments in this space. And $20M AUD is a tiny percentage of what ASX 50 companies are spending in this space. Yes, Australia is a small economy, but the investment here doesn’t align with the impact and risk profile at all. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI

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Although my job title may not contain Designer, Developer, or Data scientist, I believe all three areas are important when effectively managing a frontline team in a technical environment. I had a great chance today to take a break from looking after a newborn and attend the 10th DDD Perth (Thanks Wes Toleman for the last minute invite and Jason Gilbert for getting me there), with 1400 other local technical minds to learn about current industry trends, reflect on lessons learnt and propose ideas about how we can do better in the future. A few key things I came away with: 1. What are the 'billion dollar' mistakes that we are currently making and can they be avoided. Are the technical workarounds/hacks (implemented with the best of intentions) that are going into production now, going to cause us an order of magnitude more technical debt in the future. 2. AI is coming, how can we use it safely and securely to improve the way we operate. Rail is an industry that is notoriously slow to jump on new trends, how can we speed up this process (starting in non-safety critical contexts) to leverage the benefits faster.

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📢 Brisbane Event Alert! Join Anthony Borton as he delves deep into GitHub Copilot, the premier AI tool for developers. This session goes beyond demonstrations, offering a unique chance to explore the advantages it brings to development while unraveling its technical intricacies. Enhance your understanding of this groundbreaking technology in a captivating exploration! #GitHubCopilot #DeveloperExperience #BrisbaneEvent

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The power of systems innovation lies in its ability to unlock transformational change by examining the interconnected nature of complex problems and enabling innovations in different parts of the system to influence each other. By reimagining systems, we can catalyze profound shifts that address underlying root causes rather than just surface-level symptoms. Understanding the intricate connections within systems and leveraging innovative approaches can unlock new possibilities for creating a more sustainable and equitable world. If you're interested in learning more about re-patterning and its transformative potential, check out the linked post. The article emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic perspective and acknowledging the interconnectedness of various systems. From environmental sustainability to social justice, re-patterning endeavors strive for comprehensive solutions that address underlying systemic imbalances. On this transformative journey, we must embrace the power of re-patterning and recognize that every shift, no matter how small, carries the potential to reshape our collective future. #SystemsChange #Innovation #Sustainability

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I love doing challenge courses, as I think it's the fastest way to build skills. (Right now I'm doing the SolveIT challenge on the Advent of Code). But although you can learn to code, learn how to write or use AI, there aren't challenges around learning the fundamentals of robotics. That's why this week I'm running my Become A Roboticist challenge - to help anyone rapidly understand the basics of robotics. It's an extended version of the my free Start Creating Robots course, but with a twist. Instead of just passively learning, you'll create your own unique robot simulation and share your work everyday on LinkedIn or X. It's designed to take you from dabbling with Robots to building your own simulation using the best open source tools available. You'll also join a community of others doing the challenge, and get instant access to a discord channel to get direct help from me if you get stuck. When you sign up you'll get instant access to all the materials and a Discord channel, so if you want to get started straight away, you can too. Unlike in previous cohorts, we will be having a small break over the Christmas period, so this cohort gets little more time to do the challenge then others.

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Seg Fault, or Segmentation Fault is a pretty scary error message. But you know whats worse? Your program silently writing over some other part of its memory accidentally! Every robot will have a micro-controller somewhere in its stack. And this micro controller is probably written in the C language and will require you to manually setup memory. Memory management is hard because you need to handle variables that reference parts of your micro controllers memory, but you also need to make sure that they are valid. Just like a sign that points to the edge of a cliff, you can create a memory reference (or a pointer) that just points to somewhere random. The danger is when your program goes and writes to that random place. If its critical enough it might cause your micro to crash and reboot, but if your are just unlucky enough, it will instead corrupt some memory somewhere. Causing you weird bugs and much frustration. So if you're writing micro controller code in C, make sure to initialize everything! Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog: https://lnkd.in/ev4ujYvJ

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The ‘Evolution of Technical Expertise and Leadership’. The role of technical specialist, technical manager, and leader, while distinct, often evolve sequentially within our career. Check out my first book extract to learn more (5 min read) https://lnkd.in/gcwkwrQt Thanks to my colleagues for their amazing insights. Remember ask questions, give feedback, and share your thoughts. Your insights could influence my research! Stay tuned for the next extract exploring the ‘Project leadership continuum’

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Combined Geothermal and Natural Hydrogen Resources Along the Darling Fault: Natural Hydrogen: The presence of natural hydrogen in the Darling Fault region is particularly interesting due to several factors: Geological Structures: The fault’s complex geological structures, including fractures and faults, can act as conduits for hydrogen migration and accumulation. Hydrogen Generation: The interaction between water and iron-rich minerals in mafic and ultramafic rocks can produce hydrogen through serpentinization and other geochemical processes. Detection: Soil gas surveys and geochemical analyses have identified elevated hydrogen levels in the region, suggesting active hydrogen generation. Geothermal Energy: The geothermal potential of the Darling Fault is supported by: Heat Flow: The region exhibits favorable heat flow characteristics, which are essential for geothermal energy extraction. Hydrothermal Systems: The presence of deep aquifers and permeable rock formations can facilitate the circulation of hot fluids, making it possible to harness geothermal energy. Conductivity Anomalies: Geophysical surveys have detected deep conductivity anomalies, indicating the presence of geothermal resources. Both energy sources offer sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Exploring these resources could significantly contribute to the region’s energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. Source: Copilot AI https://lnkd.in/g24V27-D

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💰 ⚒ 🏔 BHP’s bid for Anglo casts cloud over troubled $9b polyhalite mine Another great perspective from The Australian Financial Review. The article is behind a paywall, but I've provided key extracts below, to provide an insight into the troubles with polyhalite. BHP Group proposal for a $US39 billion ($60 billion) takeover of rival Anglo American is all about securing plenty of copper supplies — so now, the potential deal is throwing uncertainty over the future for Anglo’s massive fertiliser mine in England. That’s largely because BHP is already building its own giant fertiliser project in Canada, called Jansen, to which it’s already committed more than $US10 billion. With an accelerated expansion planned for Jansen, BHP is unlikely to be interested in also going big on Anglo’s Woodsmith site. Underscoring the doubt is the fact that the Woodsmith project involves polyhalite, a relatively obscure fertiliser product with unproven demand. The project has a checkered past — its previous owner Sirius Minerals rode a wave of retail investor enthusiasm to develop it, only to fail to raise the final piece of financing. But on the fertiliser front, big questions remain over how much demand there will be for polyhalite, currently a niche product. The Woodsmith mine makes the deal “very awkward indeed — it’s the reason why we didn’t think BHP would get involved with Anglo American,” said Ben Davis, a mining analyst at Liberum Capital. “BHP clearly doesn’t think much of it.” Last year, Anglo took a $US1.7 billion write-down on the project while also unveiling plans to spend almost $US5 billion to bring the mine into production by 2027 — taking its total spending on Woodsmith to $US9 billion. MY TAKE: 🤔 • The Anglo asset Woodsmith is not a tier-1 asset, in a tier-1 mining jurisdiction. This is my polite description. • The key "product" from Woodsmith is actually NOT potash, but polyhalite, which does include valuable potassium & sulphate. UNLIKE other potash fertilisers, polyhalite also contains calcium & magnesium, which are also plant nutrients, but severely limits the applications for the product, due to lower potassium content & compatibility issues. • The Woodsmith mine has been a money pit from the beginning and makes little sense, for the rational market participant. • Comparing Woodsmith to BHP's huge Jansen project is embarrassing, particularly given they both have a similar budget. There are some things the Brits are just better than us that call Down Under home. Unfortunately, destroying shareholder capital in ill-fated potash projects happens to be one of those things that we've done really well in Australia, it just so happens the Brits are just that much better than us at it. 🤣 ➡ If you hear another armchair analyst tell you that BHP is really interested in Woodsmith, once you've managed to contain your laughter, compose yourself, and make a mental note, to never listen to said "analyst" again. #mining #potash #fertiliser

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Yesterday I presented at CSIRO's Data61's 2nd Symposium on Diversity and Inclusion in AI. I'd like to thank the organisers, Rifat Ara Shams, Muneera Bano and Prof Didar Zowghi. Here's the basic overview of my presentation: 1) There is a significant gap between our ethical intentions and the way we behave (the ethical intent to action gap) 2) There are many reasons for this, ranging from the deep systemic to the everyday acute (the metacrisis pretty much sums this up) 3) Unfortunately, very few organisations are actually ‘doing ethics’ (engaging in systematic normative reflection). This is sometimes called ethicophobia, and again, results from a bunch of complex factors (what’s interesting, however, is that this creates a lot of moral dissonance for people within organisations. These people want to do good, they care about the future etc.) 4) When situated within a broader sociotechnical approach to ethical decision making, participatory ethics offers a range of benefits to organisations and society 5) Such approaches are crucial to enacting the values we express about diversity, equity and inclusion in AI development and use (and beyond) 6) But this is no easy fix. It requires us to do much more, and much better, at a particular kind of work (pluralistically engaging in systematic normative reflection that verifiably effects our decisions, actions and the spectrum of consequences that follow) 7) Doing this will require collective moral courage 8) Not doing this will result in us failing to uphold our moral responsibilities 9) Not upholding our moral responsibilities, as is all too common today, will enhance the likelihood of catastrophic and existential risk (no, not from AI ‘waking up’ and eating us, but because of our inability to thoughtfully apply restraint, cultivate virtue and become a wiser civilisation) 10) So… Let’s get out of our own way and step up! https://lnkd.in/gFeMxpE6 #aiethics #ethics #DEI #bias #responsibleai #metacrisis

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Are you facing challenges in managing your company's energy use effectively? 1) Unclear energy consumption could result in your company exceeding the Australian Safeguard baselines, leading to potential penalties impacting your bottom line and reputation. 2) If you're unaware of where and how energy is being used in your value chain, it's crucial to identify key energy consumption areas. Implementing improved processes, technologies, and digitalization can enhance business performance. 3) Is your data capture / monitoring / reporting architecture fragmented and siloed, hindering effective monitoring and reporting? Collaborating with companies like Relyability and Futurumin Digital can help establish an efficient energy productivity framework. Partnering with experts can assist in conducting energy audits to pinpoint risks and inefficiencies. Additionally, deploying platforms for data capture and integrating energy management systems can enable real-time monitoring and swift action on deviations. For more information, connect with Relyability (relyability.ai) and Futurumin Digital to streamline your energy management processes and drive sustainable business practices. #EnergyManagement #BusinessImprovement #Sustainability #DataCapture #Digitalization

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👩‍🔬 🏭 🔥Australian Manufacturing: Collapse of Industry Intensifies STRUCTURAL FAILURE: Unfortunately, the rate at which existing manufacturing in Australia continues to go bust, is an ominous sign for several important reasons: - it undermines our ability to establish new industries, such as downstream critical minerals processing, and - it points to the structural challenges (high costs, low productivity) impacting the Australian economy. As we lose more and more of our industrial capabilities, it will become even harder for us establish new industries. As for building submarines, hmmm 😬 🤔 My personal view, is that we should be looking to support domestic manufacturing from the ground-up (lowering cost of doing business), as opposed to the top-down approach of, picking a few politically connected, winners. It was refreshing to see Ed Husic MP recently make the point about providing a more supportive taxation setting, for innovative industrial companies. Whilst this approach would be great for our country, by nurturing emerging industries, the entrenched incumbents (in many ways, legacy industry) continue to lobby government, and even Ed acknowledged the career limiting potential of focusing on productivity. This is a tragedy. Unfortunately, policy makers are largely unaware or at least disinterested, and the general populous, happy to continue on their merry way, unawares that our standard of living is substantially subsidised by mining derived export earnings. As these industries decline, what is going to be supporting our national prosperity? Where is the industry that is going to be providing our sovereign capabilities? David Llewellyn-Smith has just written a hard-hitting piece in Macrobusiness, worth checking-out. I've copied a few key paragraphs, below. "Another major Sydney chemicals maker is set to close as the shockwaves from the collapse of Qenos reverberate through the manufacturing sector. Thai chemicals major Indorama told workers and customers it will shutter its Botany manufacturing plant at the end of June as a direct result of the Qenos failure, with the decision likely to cost about 110 jobs. The decision was forced by the announcement that Qenos’ new owners, property developer Logos, would permanently shutter the company’s nearby manufacturing plant, customers and staff were told. Indorama uses ethylene previously supplied by Qenos to make soil wetting agents used by farmers, flotation agents used by the mining industry for processing ore, and chemicals used in biodegradable detergents and personal care products. Without a chemical manufacturing industry, you have no manufacturing supply chain because all the inputs come from overseas, largely China. For instance, Australia will soon be unable to make plastics, so how will we make solar panels independently of global supply chains?" #australia #industry #production #manufacturing #energy #innovation #transition #advanced #chemicals #mining #minerals

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The next phase of our extended drilling programme!

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Thought for the day: Given the hundreds of billions of dollars spent in the Western Australian mining and energy industries over the last 15 years, it is disappointing to see how few world-class, home-grown software companies have come out of this. Indeed, the two most notable software companies with a genesis in WA (Canva and VGW) have nothing to do with the industries that drive our state. Mining and Agriculture provide a great backbone for our state’s economy, but given the increasing move towards technology and service industries those of us who live here should expect more from our resource companies and the government to foster a self-sustaining and growing innovation ecosystem for our future.

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⚡️ CopperString 2032 powers on! ⚡️ UGL, alongside fellow CIMIC Group Limited company CPB Contractors, is delivering CopperString 2032. The CopperString 2032 project is a key initiative focused on delivering a massive 840km of new high-voltage transmission line in North and North West Queensland. During this early phase, finding the best route that minimises environmental impact while considering stakeholder needs is crucial. By exploring alternative corridors, the project ensures it has the most suitable location for the busy groundwork ahead! 💪🏼https://okt.to/zpIGfQ This approach reflects UGL’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the community. #unitewiththeverybest #Utilities #CopperString #CopperString2032 #UGLCPBContractorsJointVenture Powerlink Queensland

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I have long advocated for empowering engineers to transition from manual software interactions to more automated processes and solutions. This shift enables engineers to focus on applying their expertise to analyse outputs rather than merely operating software. Significant progress has been made in automation, and I believe we are at a pivotal moment for drill & blast design with the introduction of Maptek's BlastMCF. This innovative tool represents a crucial step in orchestrating and automating blast design routines that incorporate measured outcomes such as vibration, dig rates, and crusher throughput. Let’s continue to change the way mining is done! #Automation #BlastDesign #Maptek #DigitalTransformation

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