Industry-focused research and training in autonomous systems

Our mission is to enhance the prosperity of all our stakeholders through the safe adoption of emerging aviation technologies.

The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) conducts integrated industry-focused research and training into the application of emerging aviation technologies across industries, businesses, and other sectors in northern Australia and the Asia Pacific. 

What we do

  • Provide an ecosystem to develop the drone industry in North Australia.

  • Help the industry adopt and harness emerging aviation technologies.

  • Drive innovative drone-based research tailored to the needs of northern Australian industries and sectors.

  • Provide training and skill development pathways.

  • Create opportunities for Higher Degree Research students and Early Career Researchers.

Why work with us?

We have a large fleet of fixed-wing and rotor-copter drones, as well as a wide range of sensors (thermal, multi-spectral, hyper-spectral) to suit most applications.

The Centre has a core staff of experts who possess a comprehensive understanding of the Australian aviation regulatory landscape and the engineering and piloting of remotely piloted aircraft. This is complimented by our expertise in conducting impactful research and providing effective training.

Our team and partners are embarking on a mission to facilitate and support workforce transformation in applying Autonomous Systems to industries and businesses significant to northern Australia.

Foreword from the Director

Welcome to the North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems.

Our team and partners are embarking on a mission to facilitate and support workforce transformation in applying Autonomous Systems to industries, businesses and sectors significant to northern Australia.

Within its first year of conceptualisation, NACAS has already grown into a leading autonomous systems innovation hub, embarking on the application of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to healthcare, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and resource extraction. Our cross-disciplinary research and training team have helped transform the operational and business models of our industry and Government partners to meet the challenges of adopting and deploying Industry 4.0.

We aim to continue developing our Autonomous System research ecosystem by strengthening links between research innovation and industry needs and delivering game-changing capabilities in workforces and business operations.

Prof. Hamish Campbell
CENTRE DIRECTOR

Precision-landings are a critical part of managing ground risk and creating safe BVLOS operations. So, how clever is this QR-code solution we are working with for our medical delivery program?⁠ ⁠ Solutions like this could also help with launching and
NACAS researcher and PhD Candidate Aliesha Hvala has just got back from a very successful field trip on Groote Eylandt with the @Anindilyakwarangers.⁠ ⁠ This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of long-range drones in detecting ghost nets and
What can a successful research collaboration with land managers look like?⁠ ⁠ Here at NACAS we think it looks like working in tandem to conduct research while also building capacity through training to develop sustainable programs to care for Country
The sky is the limit! ✈️⁠ ⁠ Congratulations to our most recent students for successfully completing their Cert III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), pictured here with the course instructor and NACAS' Chief Remote Pilot, Rebecca Ludgate.⁠ ⁠ Applications fo
I spy with my little drone eye something beginning with G!⁠ ⁠ NACAS PhD student Aliesha Hvala has been flying drones out on Groote Eylandt with the @anindilyakwarangers and detected plenty of marine debris just like this. ⁠ ⁠ Can you work out what i
It's week two of our final Certificate III in Aviation (remote pilot) course for the year. It's great to get out there and train another group of Australia's future drone pilots. ⁠ ⁠ We look forward to offering more courses next year for this continu
Collaboration is definitely the key to success in community-based drone projects. NACAS has been working closely with the Red Lily Health Board to try and improve the delivery of healthcare to remote communities in Northern Australia. The team were
New drone guidelines for indigenous rangers are out now! Link in our the bio. NACAS is proud to have a part in the development of such amazing resources for indigenous rangers. Our trainers have been out delivering drone training to ranger groups fo

Our Partners