Melbourne-based software company Agent Oriented has won a contract to supply the US Air Force with intelligent agent software that allows military personnel to evaluate different rules of engagement.

Founder of Agent Oriented Software, Dr Andrew Lucas said the US Airforce will use their software in a training environment on their bases to put troops through rehearsals before they’re deployed.

“The US Air Force can ensure everybody understands a number of scenarios that could occur in combat using our software which displays how the rules of engagement might play out in different circumstances,” Dr Lucas said.

“These days it’s not the goodies versus the bad guys in combat, troops are often sent out where civilians are, which means the rules of engagement are more complex than ever.”

Mr Lucas said another one of its applications allows unmanned air vehicles to execute life-saving missions with no risk to human lives.

“A typical unmanned aircraft that doesn’t use our software might require between five and 30 people on the ground to control it.  Our software offers the capability for one person to control 10 aircraft because it helps the vehicle think for itself,” he said.

“Using our software, an organisation can utilise a number of lower cost vehicles and keep them going longer.  The vehicles can locate things such as planes in difficult terrain or venture into dangerous seas looking for a yacht.”

Since starting in 1997, Agent Oriented Software has been strategic in developing export markets.  Dr Andrew Lucas said key factors contributing to their success include collaborating with the Australian Defence Department and the University of Melbourne to develop its artificial intelligence concepts and also a heavy focus on exporting to overseas markets.

Austrade Washington's business development manager Daniel Sullivan said the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) has streamlined access to the US market and makes it easier for Australian exporters to follow the example of Agent Oriented.

“The AUSFTA has enhanced access for Australian exporters to the US Government market,” Sullivan said.

“In addition, Australia has been added to the designated country list, which means Australia gets a waiver from the Buy America Act. This makes Australian companies more attractive to the US Government agencies and the systems integrators that buy goods and services on behalf of the US Government.

“The US Federal Government is the world’s largest purchaser of technology products and services.  Australian companies have a well renowned track record of developing innovative ICT and homeland security solutions which we believe have an excellent chance of interesting US government buyers,” he said.

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