Accenture has opened an innovation hub in Perth for designers and tech providers to help energy companies boost their return on investments in digital technology.
The facility brings together advanced digital technologies, service design, data science and industry knowledge under one roof.
Companies can address the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation, such as improving sustainability, cybersecurity, health, safety, worker productivity and machine performance.
They will also have the opportunity to explore technology such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, quantum computing, blockchain and drones.
The innovation hub joins its other Australian locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra and adds to the company’s global network of more than 100 Industry X.0 centres, which are dedicated to digital reinvention.
Accenture natural resources industry lead, Australia and New Zealand Ann Burns said the hub would help the Western Australian energy sector’s “triple zero focus.”
“We believe the Western Australian energy and mining sectors can become world leaders in digitalisation,” Burns said.
“Crucial to this is a focus on what we refer to as ‘triple zero’; ideas, design and technologies that help achieve zero harm to workers and machines, zero loss across the value chain and zero waste for sustainability.”
The space also includes a liquid studio for clients to develop prototypes, a Fjord design studio and a MakerLab for three-dimensional printing.
Looking ahead, Accenture is due to launch its mobile innovation studio in 2020, which can be shipped to remote energy sites across the country.
This will enable clients in isolated locations such as regional energy sites to develop and test new products, services and strategies on their own operations.
The Perth Accenture studio is located at Exchange Tower 2, the Esplanade and was built to represent Western Australia’s materials, colours and values.
It features artwork that celebrate the local land, flora and fauna by Indigenous artists the Molony Brothers.