University of Sydney engineer Professor Salah Sukkarieh has been recognized for his outstanding work in robotics with the 2017 CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science.

Presented annually by the Australian Museum, the prestigious Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of scientific research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication. 

Professor Sukkarieh was presented with the Eureka Prize trophy at a gala dinner at the Sydney Town Hall earlier this week.

The University of Sydney fielded four finalists from Science and Engineering and one science communicator at the Eureka Prizes, known as the Oscars of Australian Science.

Professor Sukkarieh is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney. He is also the Director for the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation and the Horticulture Innovation Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, leads a project on smart farming systems for nutrition at the Charles Perkins Centre and leads a project on nanorobotics at the Australian Institute for Nanoscale and Science and Technology (AINST).

Key technological breakthroughs

He has significantly advanced the fundamentals of autonomous systems science and his research has provided impactful solutions to barriers in important large-scale engineering operations across various industries.

His key technological breakthroughs have included developing better navigation systems for aerial and ground robotics, better prediction of fuel consumption for flight systems, developing better environmental management tools and more.

Professor Sukkarieh and his team at the ACFR are currently working with Australian farmers to help grow their crops in smarter and more efficient ways. By using robotic devices to assess, maintain and ultimately harvest crops, they are improving food sustainability while battling the effects of climate change.

Recognition for outstanding research

“I am honoured, humbled and very pleased to have won the award,” Professor Sukkarieh said. “This award is as much a reflection of the dedication and support of the people around me – from my team, through to the Faculty of Engineering and Information and Technologies and the University of Sydney, and to my family.”

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence said these awards reveal the creative side of fundamental and applied research.

“In order to break new ground, we need to unlearn what we think we know and embrace what is new – that is what the Eureka prizes are all about. I am very proud of Professor Sukkarieh, who has gained due recognition for his outstanding research.”

Professor Sukkarieh with his ‘Ladybird’ intelligent farming robot