Project Simpson aims to reduce risk to soldiers with help of robots

Private Simpson was a stretcher-bearer in the 3rd Australian field ambulance during World War I.

During his active duty, he used donkeys to transport men who had been wounded in battle to the medical care they needed.

Now, the US Department of Defence is turning to Australian company Chironix to develop technology to program robots to rescue casualties from combat zones - in a high-tech version of the courageous and inspiring work carried out in WWI.

Project Simpson - named in honour of Private Simpson, aims to reduce the danger of stretcher-bearing which puts people in harm's way to this very day.

The project will not only save lives, but it will also empower soldiers and other personnel to unlock their full potential.

Instead of the time, energy and risk expended on this crucial task to which humans are not ideally designed, they can put their skills and ingenuity to use in ways that provide more value.

And it's not just battlefield scenarios in which in can be used - Project Simpson has all the same applications in disaster relief and other humanitarian situations.

That's the ultimate goal of autonomous robotics - not to replace human capabilities, but to support and work alongside us in the endeavour to achieve greater things.

At present, Australia isn't necessarily recognised for its capacity in the world of technology and robotics to the degree that we should be. In September this year, Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price announced a comprehensive review of Defence innovation, science and technology to make sure Australia had access to the cutting-edge technology it needs.

My experience is all the resources the ADF needs exist right here in Australia.

The US government trust us and our technological prowess to enhance medical and logistics services for their most important assets - their people. As an Australian-owned and operated Defence Industry SME, we want to start bringing this world-leading technology home to Australia after proving our potential with our allies.

Help us retain cutting edge technology in Australia by joining us on our journey as we develop robotic behaviours that aid the human teams we support.

It's my hope more governments and industry bodies become aware of just how capable we are.