SA tech innovator supplies world-first mobile x-ray technology to Saab Australia
Saab Australia (Saab) has awarded technology innovator and
South Australian SME, Micro-X, a $1.3m contract for the
supply of mobile x-ray technology into the nation’s Deployable
Health Capability.
As Prime for the $337m contract signed with Australia’s Department of Defence in September, Saab selected the Micro-X Rover system as the world’s first mobile x-ray unit combining full hospital-grade performance with a light-weight deployable solution.
Initially developed to commercialisation under a contract from the Department of Defence’s Innovation Hub, Micro-X’s Rover system is the first of its kind to demonstrate diagnostic quality imaging, with the extended power required for trauma imaging of combat soldiers.
Saab Australia’s Managing Director, Andy Keough said the broad range of technology and infrastructure components required to deliver the full deployable health capability meant the opportunities for Australian industry and supply chains were substantial.
“With the majority of the overall deployable health contract value to be spent leveraging expertise and products from more than 70 Australian companies, this contract with Micro-X is one of many we look forward to signing with Australian businesses in the coming months,” he said.
“The flow on to the industry and national supply chains will be extremely positive – business growth, jobs creation, future export opportunities, and the kind of innovation that led to the development of Micro-X’s ground-breaking Rover system.
“Born from an innovative SME identifying a gap in the market and a partnership with the Department of Defence’s Innovation Hub to commercialise the solution, Micro-X’s Rover system is an excellent example of the opportunities for SMEs as we continue to grow our sovereign industry capability.”
Managing Director of Micro-X Peter Rowland said the Rover system was specifically designed for use in Australian Army deployments, filling a gap and improving healthcare for our military personnel in extremely challenging environments.
“We’re very excited to see our Rover set to enter operational service with the Australian Defence Force and place the Australian Army at the forefront of deployable medical x-ray technology,” he said.
“No other product offers such high performance in a light-weight package – the weight of most hospital-grade mobile x-ray machines make them unsuitable, so prior to the Rover only small animal veterinary x-ray machines were light enough to be deployed by the military.
“The Rover system was born in Australia with support from the Australian Defence Force and as a result, Australia’s operational capability and the health outcomes for our deployed personnel will be significantly improved.
“We are very proud to know Australia’s military and humanitarian hospitals will benefit from this world-leading, unrivalled capability and look forward to our partnership with Saab and the potential for the technology’s future application.”