New Hino-based emergency services vehicle

Australia's largest data innovation group has displayed a
world-first Hino-based emergency service communications vehicle at its
inaugural showcase event in Sydney.

Data61 is the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's
(CSIRO) new research unit and Australia's largest data innovation group.

The first Data61 D61+ LIVE event took place at the Australian Technology Park
and featured demonstrations of Australian innovation in data, research and
industry collaboration.

The Emergency Services Integrated Communications (ESIC)
vehicle which was on display is based on a Hino 700 Series SS 2848 and features
equipment that allows emergency services to supply consistent, up-to-date
information and connectivity to communities and the front line of service
during an emergency.

The National Safety Agency (NSA) in partnership with Australian government
departments developed the ESIC vehicle.

It houses technology that gathers a wide array of data to
monitor and provide predictive modelling of floods, fires and other emergency
crisis situations.

NSA President Des Bahr (pictured on left) is the director of the ESIC project
and said the reliability of the Hino 700 Series prime mover was a key factor in
the vehicle's effectiveness.

"Choosing the Hino truck was an important decision that
enables us to get our technology to an emergency in a safe and timely
manner," Mr Bahr said.

"Reliability is paramount as the truck is an
all-agency, all-hazard approach. Agencies rely on us to provide vital assistance,
intelligence and capability in crisis situations.

"We also chose
Hino due to their global presence. As they are such a well-supported vehicle
brand internationally, our prototype reflects a model that can be replicated
without the need for modification."

Data61 CEO Adrian
Turner (pictured on right) said the ESIC vehicle promotes Australian innovation and collaboration
at its best.

"Innovation is the product of two things – an idea and
its outcome – and I think they're multiplied by each other," Mr Turner
said.

"Hard science has gone into the underlying technology
that drives the systems on board the ESIC, and the application of this vehicle
is a perfect example of what innovation is about."