The largest automation and robotics testing site in Australia
The AARP is one of the biggest test facilities of its kind in the world. Driving multi-sector innovation and led by industry use, the AARP is a launchpad for developing robotics and automation capability in Australia and across the world.
The test beds are available for short or long-term lease, as well as multiple leasehold lots.
Purpose-built to drive innovation
The dedicated precinct has been specifically built for the testing and development of robotics and autonomous equipment in real-world conditions.
Test bed facilities include:
- A 3ha site bound by a ringlock fence, with sandy flat terrain.
- A 6ha site bound by sand bunding, providing the perfect space for testing.
- A 1ha area designed as an urban streetscape, with a 4-way intersection, roundabout and sealed roadway for testing self-navigating vehicles, among other uses.
- A test track of uneven terrain and non-road environments.
- A fully equipped operational control environment.
Flex Zone - Test Bed 1
A versatile environment for technology development and collaboration. Designed to support a wide range of innovation activities, the Flex Zone provides a secure, configurable testing environment for collaborative projects, technology validation and commercial demonstrations. The gated area enables users to adapt the space to suit evolving project requirements while maintaining site security and operational control.
Ideal for:
- Early-stage technology development
- Collaborative industry projects
- Robotics and automation trials
- Equipment integration and validation
- Secure commercial demonstrations
Site size: 3ha
Book the Flex Zone
Heavy Zone - Test Bed 2
Accelerating autonomous and heavy industry innovation. Purpose-built for testing large-scale autonomous and remotely controlled systems, heavy vehicles and industrial equipment, the Heavy Zone provides a spacious, controlled environment where organisations can safely validate technologies destined for mining, construction, logistics and heavy industry applications. The bunded perimeter supports the safe operation of large equipment while enabling users to trial autonomous, remote and advanced operational technologies at scale.
Ideal for:
- Autonomous haulage and heavy vehicle testing
- Large-scale robotics and machinery
- Mining and industrial automation systems
- Equipment performance validation
- Demonstrations of heavy industry technologies
Site size: 6ha
Book the Heavy Zone
Urban Zone - Test Bed 3
Advancing the future of mobility and autonomous transport. The Urban Zone provides a realistic environment for testing and demonstrating autonomous passenger vehicles, urban logistics solutions and advanced transport technologies. Featuring a closed 350m asphalt circuit, the zone enables safe validation of mobility systems before deployment into operational environments.
Ideal for:
- Autonomous passenger vehicles
- Connected and intelligent transport systems
- Urban logistics and delivery technologies
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Mobility safety and performance testing
Site size: 1ha
Book the Urban Zone
New Energy Zone - Test Bed 4
Enabling the transition to cleaner industrial operations. The New Energy Zone supports the development, demonstration and validation of emerging energy technologies that will power the future of industry. Focused on clean technology, electrification and sustainable energy solutions, the zone provides infrastructure to support innovation in heavy industry decarbonisation. Heavy vehicle EV charging infrastructure is available within the adjacent demonstration area.
Ideal for:
- Electrification technologies
- Clean energy and green technology solutions
- Energy storage and management systems
- Heavy vehicle charging technologies
- Decarbonisation initiatives for industry
Site size: 3ha
Book the New Energy Zone
Drill Zone - Test Bed 5
Supporting drilling innovation and autonomous resource technologies. The secure fenced area includes three separate drill pads – with two of these containing pre-drilled holes available for testing and demonstration activities, and one pad allocated for live drilling trials. The Zone includes power and communications infrastructure and is available as a shared access model for multiple users with approvals in place to drill up to 80m.
Ideal for:
- Drilling technology development
- Autonomous drilling systems
- Remote operations and monitoring solutions
- Mining technology demonstrations
- Training and capability development
Site size: 2ha
Book the Drill Zone
Demo Zone - Test Bed 6
Showcasing innovation and connecting industry. Located adjacent to the AARP Headquarters and viewing platform, the zone supports engagement activities, technology demonstrations, and industry events that accelerate commercial adoption. Regular showcase events and open days provide opportunities to connect with industry and highlight the latest advancements in industrial automation, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Ideal for:
- Technology demonstrations
- Customer engagement activities
- Industry showcase events
- Product launches and validation
- Stakeholder and investor engagement
Site size: 2ha
Book the Demo Zone
Remote Operations Centre (ROC)
Enabling safe, scalable remote operations. The AARP’s state-of-the-art Remote Operations Centre (ROC) provides a real-world environment for testing, demonstrating and training of remote operations technologies. It supports innovation across mining, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The ROC supports drones, robotic systems and autonomous equipment; it enables users to validate remote monitoring, supervision and control workflows in an operational setting.
The ROC is a fully equipped operational control environment featuring operator workstations, large-format visualisation displays, communications systems, live video feeds, telemetry monitoring, data visualisation tools and remote command-and-control capabilities. Designed to replicate a modern industrial remote operations centre, the facility enables users to safely monitor, supervise and coordinate autonomous and remotely operated systems in real time. The ROC is located within the Autonomous Operations Sandbox (AOS).
Capabilities include:
- Remote monitoring and control of drones and robotic systems
- Real-time operational oversight and supervision
- Communications and data visualisation systems
- Training and demonstration environment for remote operations
- Integration with AARP test beds and autonomous systems
- Support for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and drone operations (subject to approvals and project requirements)
Off-Road Test Track
Validating performance in challenging operating conditions
Located adjacent to the Urban Zone, the Off-Road Test Track enables testing of vehicles, robotics and autonomous systems in uneven terrain and non-road environments. The track supports the development of technologies intended for mining, agriculture, defence, infrastructure and remote operations applications.
Ideal for:
- Autonomous off-road vehicles
- Ground robotics
- Mobility and traction testing
- Remote operations technologies
- Harsh environment performance validation
Test Bed Map
