Army's newest drone and robotics talent went head-to-head at Victoria Barracks last month in the finals of Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines.

The culmination of months of training, designing and testing at Battle Lab’s MakerSpace sites across the country had finals competitors assembling, configuring, flying and repairing first-person-view (FPV) drones and robotic ground systems. 

The event represents a step forward in building Army's uncrewed systems capability, with 161 new FPV drone pilots and 98 uncrewed ground vehicle operators trained through the MakerSpace program.

Commander Battle Lab Colonel Pete Allan said the competitions played an important role in supporting Army's future capability needs.

“We're clearly seeing that robotics and automated systems are reshaping how militaries fight, so activities like Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines are part of how Army rapidly adapts at the forward edge,” Colonel Allan said.

The Battle Lab MakerSpace training model, originally conducted over six weeks, was condensed to four weeks to demonstrate the ability to accelerate capability when required. 

'There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical.'

Participants received instruction and mentorship as they progressed from assembly to simulation to live flights. Some completed the initial training in less than three days.

Competitor Captain Jesse Wood, of Headquarters 7th Brigade, said the training was highly relevant to contemporary warfare.

“There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical,” Captain Wood said.

“The course stepped us through UAV fundamentals, flight characteristics, basic controls and customising the software and settings. We also spent time in simulation before our first flight.”

Private Dan Leeks, a competitor from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said the program armed him with the skills and confidence to employ FPV drones.

“We learned how to solder the boards and motors, program the drones and test-fly them. I started with no experience, but now I’d be confident employing them in my job,” Private Leeks said.