The Albanese Government is backing Australia’s world class capabilities in robotics and advanced manufacturing, with $42 million to build and operate ‘Roo-ver’ – the nation’s first lunar rover. 

After almost 18-months of design, ELO₂ has been chosen to deliver the fully realised rover for the Australian Space Agency.

One of the most advanced robotics projects in Australia right now, the semi-autonomous rover will collect lunar soil and deliver key capabilities that could lead to a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.

NASA and the Australian Space Agency are working together to finalise plans, with the lunar rover on track for a launch later this decade.

The ELO₂ consortium is made up of 21 organisations – from Australian space start-ups and small businesses to major resources companies, universities, and other research partners. 

Robotics and automation have the potential to generate enormous social, economic and environmental benefits for Australia, with automation predicted to add an extra $170 to $600 billion per year to the Australian economy by 2030.

Roo-ver and this program is further developing Australia’s robotics and automation capability, aligning with the Australian Government’s National Robotics Strategy.

For more information on Australia’s National Robotics Strategy go to industry.gov.au/publications/national-robotics-strategy, with further details on ELO₂ at elo2.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic

“This mission is about much more than an historic Aussie moonshot. It’s leveraging and building on our know-how in robotics, automation and advanced engineering to build Australia’s manufacturing future.

“The team behind Roo-ver are creating capability and technologies that land back down to Earth and advance many of the industries we rely on.

“It’s also helping keep our best talent here in Australia, with several STEM graduates already hired direct from universities for the project.”

Quotes attributable to Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo

“Roo-ver demonstrates the cutting-edge capability Australia can offer to major international space missions.

“This project is as much about the journey as the destination. Australia is gaining valuable knowledge and technical skill just from developing Roo-ver, creating opportunity to become an even bigger part of the global space sector.

“Establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon is a major focus of the international space community over the coming decades, and this mission centres Australia in that foundational work, while advancing our national robotics ecosystem to improve life here on Earth.”

Quotes attributable to ELO₂ Consortium’s Warwick Penrose

“It has been an immense privilege to have been involved in this history-making national mission up to this point and it’s an even bigger privilege to now be trusted with building and operating an Australian rover on the Moon.

“Every member of our Consortium is committed to achieving success on behalf of all Australians and showcasing the talent and capabilities of our world-leading research and industry partners on the international stage.”