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Incredible inventions you never knew came from Australia

Australia punches above its weight in several arenas including innovation – meet one of our young big thinkers and discover 40 world-beating inventions you didn’t know were Australian

Ally Foster and Maddison Brennan-Mills
4 min read
November 5, 2025 - 6:30PM
Kids News
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Incredible inventions emerging in Australia as young people lead the way
Incredible inventions emerging in Australia as young people lead the way
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READING LEVEL: GREEN

Some of the world’s best inventions were created Down Under and young Aussies have taken up the nation’s proud legacy* of innovation*. Wi-Fi, Google Maps, black box flight recorders, the electric drill and cochlear* implants all have origins in Australia and now the next generation is creating new products and technology that might also save lives and change the world one day.

History was made with the Australian-made winged-keel that helped Australia II cross the finish line to win the America's Cup on 22 September, 1983. It is hard to convey what a huge deal this victory was at the time but trust us: it was absolutely massive here and made headlines around the world. Picture: file image
History was made with the Australian-made winged-keel that helped Australia II cross the finish line to win the America's Cup on 22 September, 1983. It is hard to convey what a huge deal this victory was at the time but trust us: it was absolutely massive here and made headlines around the world. Picture: file image

At just 16, Jayashruthi Palanisamy has designed a device that could have a big impact on the lives of deaf and hearing-impaired people.

Currently a Year 11 student at Chevalier College in NSW, at just 16 Jayashruthi has designed the Echo-Glove, a wearable sign language glove that translates hand gestures to speech and converts spoken responses back into text, which is displayed on a screen attached to the glove.

The goal of the device is to bridge the gap between deaf or hard of hearing individuals and those who can hear.

“This idea came from texting someone who is deaf, and hearing them express how difficult it is to naturally communicate and relying on interpreters and written notes shouldn’t be the only solution in the current day and age,” Jayashruthi told news.com.au.

Chevalier College student, Jayashruthi Palanisamy, is looking to make a difference in the accessibility space. Picture: supplied
Chevalier College student, Jayashruthi Palanisamy, is looking to make a difference in the accessibility space. Picture: supplied
The Echo-Glove is a wearable sign language glove that translates hand gestures to speech and converts spoken responses back into text. Picture: supplied
The Echo-Glove is a wearable sign language glove that translates hand gestures to speech and converts spoken responses back into text. Picture: supplied

What started as an idea for her Design and Tech major project quickly became something the student wanted to see make a difference in the real world.

She developed a proof of concept* for the Echo-Glove that has earned her a spot as a finalist in the Next Gen Awards in the Young Innovator of the Year category.

The invention works by flex and motion sensors stitched into the fingers and back of the glove, which record the position and movement of the hand and fingers.

This information is matched to corresponding sign language gestures through a trained data model that Jayashruthi built and refined manually.

The glove then converts the signs into speech using a processing system she programmed and any spoken responses are converted back into text that is displayed on the screen.

The glove also has a small camera and AI* model that detects the wearer’s facial expressions, which adjusts the tone of the spoken output.

It originally started as an idea for her Design and Tech major project. Picture: supplied
It originally started as an idea for her Design and Tech major project. Picture: supplied
The goal of the device is to bridge the gap between deaf or hard of hearing individuals and those who can hear. Picture: supplied
The goal of the device is to bridge the gap between deaf or hard of hearing individuals and those who can hear. Picture: supplied

“This helps make the translation sound more natural and less robotic, as I’ve found emotion to be such an important part of sign language communication,” Jayashruthi said.

She is now working to improve the accuracy, responsiveness and comfort of the glove overall.

Jayashruthi’s ultimate goal is to develop the Echo-Glove into a market-ready product that people can use in their daily lives.

Jayashruthi hopes the Echo-Glove will become something people can use in their daily lives. Picture: supplied/Auslan
Jayashruthi hopes the Echo-Glove will become something people can use in their daily lives. Picture: supplied/Auslan

“Creating this project has been one of the best experiences of my life and has taught me more than I could have ever imagined,” she said.

“I really hope my project inspires other young people to use their ideas and skills to tackle real-world problems that matter to them.”

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Australia is currently ranked 22nd among the 139 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index. While we have a rich history in innovation, the country has reached a “critical juncture*”, according to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering’s Boosting Australia’s Innovation 2025 report.

The report found that reform, investment and more collaboration were needed to keep the nation moving forward.

Australia is now at a ‘critical juncture’ in its innovation journey. Picture: NewsWire/Nikki Short
Australia is now at a ‘critical juncture’ in its innovation journey. Picture: NewsWire/Nikki Short

This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M. Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP

GALLERY OF HOMEGROWN GREATNESS

We’re known for beaches, barbecues, and things that can kill you. But it turns out Australia is also a hotbed of world-changing genius. And no, we’re not just talking about the Tim Tam Slam. From the tech in your pocket to the medicine that saves lives, Aussie ingenuity is hiding in plain sight. Here’s some of the best.
We’re known for beaches, barbecues, and things that can kill you. But it turns out Australia is also a hotbed of world-changing genius. And no, we’re not just talking about the Tim Tam Slam. From the tech in your pocket to the medicine that saves lives, Aussie ingenuity is hiding in plain sight. Here’s some of the best.
Wi-Fi: We can thank a bunch of Sydney scientists for today’s astounding connectivity. In the 1990s, a CSIRO team was trying to solve the annoying problem of radio waves bouncing off indoor walls. Their solution became the core technology for modern Wi-Fi. Yep, the thing connecting billions of devices was born right here. Photo: Shutterstock
Wi-Fi: We can thank a bunch of Sydney scientists for today’s astounding connectivity. In the 1990s, a CSIRO team was trying to solve the annoying problem of radio waves bouncing off indoor walls. Their solution became the core technology for modern Wi-Fi. Yep, the thing connecting billions of devices was born right here. Photo: Shutterstock
Black Box Flight Recorder: After his father died in a plane crash, Melbourne scientist David Warren became obsessed with discovering why planes go down. In the 1950s, he built a machine to record cockpit audio and flight data. The
Black Box Flight Recorder: After his father died in a plane crash, Melbourne scientist David Warren became obsessed with discovering why planes go down. In the 1950s, he built a machine to record cockpit audio and flight data. The "black box" (bright orange so it can be found) has saved lives and made air travel safer. Picture: Shutterstock
Cochlear Implant: Professor Graeme Clark developed the
Cochlear Implant: Professor Graeme Clark developed the "bionic ear" after watching his own father struggle with hearing loss. In 1978, he was the first to enable a deaf man to hear complex sounds. The cochlear implant has since changed the lives of more than half a million people globally. Photo: Shutterstock
Polymer Banknotes: In 1988, we became the first country to ditch flimsy paper money for durable polymer notes. They’re waterproof, tough to tear, and way harder to counterfeit. Now over 30 countries, including the UK and Canada, use our clever cash. Picture: Shutterstock
Polymer Banknotes: In 1988, we became the first country to ditch flimsy paper money for durable polymer notes. They’re waterproof, tough to tear, and way harder to counterfeit. Now over 30 countries, including the UK and Canada, use our clever cash. Picture: Shutterstock
Gardasil (HPV Vaccine): In the 90s, Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland developed the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Gardasil is now a routine shot in more than 100 countries and is on track to virtually eliminate cervical cancer within decades. Photo: Shutterstock
Gardasil (HPV Vaccine): In the 90s, Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland developed the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Gardasil is now a routine shot in more than 100 countries and is on track to virtually eliminate cervical cancer within decades. Photo: Shutterstock
Spray-On Skin: After the 2002 Bali bombings, Perth surgeon Fiona Wood had a revolutionary tool ready. Her
Spray-On Skin: After the 2002 Bali bombings, Perth surgeon Fiona Wood had a revolutionary tool ready. Her "spray-on skin" technique used a patient's own healthy cells to grow new skin in a lab, which was then sprayed onto wounds. It dramatically cut recovery times and reduced scarring. She was named Australian of the Year in 2005. Picture: YouTube
Dual-Flush Toilet: In 1980, a Caroma engineer gave us the dual-flush toilet, giving us the choice between a half flush (number one) and a full flush (number two). It’s estimated to save the average home 32,000 litres of water a year – not bad for a country regularly beset by drought. Photo: Shutterstock
Dual-Flush Toilet: In 1980, a Caroma engineer gave us the dual-flush toilet, giving us the choice between a half flush (number one) and a full flush (number two). It’s estimated to save the average home 32,000 litres of water a year – not bad for a country regularly beset by drought. Photo: Shutterstock
Boxed bladder: In 1965, a South Australian winemaker invented the wine cask (a plastic bladder in a box) to keep his product fresh. He probably didn’t realise he was also inventing a budget-friendly staple for backyard BBQs and outdoor picnics that has endured for the past 60 years. Picture: Shutterstock
Boxed bladder: In 1965, a South Australian winemaker invented the wine cask (a plastic bladder in a box) to keep his product fresh. He probably didn’t realise he was also inventing a budget-friendly staple for backyard BBQs and outdoor picnics that has endured for the past 60 years. Picture: Shutterstock
Victa Lawnmower: That deafening sound that shatters your Sunday morning sleep-in? That sound is proudly Australian-made. In 1952, Sydney’s Mervyn Victor Richardson cobbled together a rotary mower from scrap metal in his garage. His neighbours all wanted one, and the Victa was born. The Aussie backyard was never the same. Picture: Shutterstock
Victa Lawnmower: That deafening sound that shatters your Sunday morning sleep-in? That sound is proudly Australian-made. In 1952, Sydney’s Mervyn Victor Richardson cobbled together a rotary mower from scrap metal in his garage. His neighbours all wanted one, and the Victa was born. The Aussie backyard was never the same. Picture: Shutterstock
Splayd: In the 1940s, Bill McArthur watched people struggle to eat at barbies and in front of the TV with a plate on their lap. His solution? A knife, fork, and spoon all in one. The Splayd became a must-have wedding gift in the 70s and is still genius for anyone eating pasta on the couch when their parents aren’t home. Picture: Shutterstock
Splayd: In the 1940s, Bill McArthur watched people struggle to eat at barbies and in front of the TV with a plate on their lap. His solution? A knife, fork, and spoon all in one. The Splayd became a must-have wedding gift in the 70s and is still genius for anyone eating pasta on the couch when their parents aren’t home. Picture: Shutterstock
Google Maps: A small team of four Aussies developed the platform, called Where 2 Technologies, which Google snapped up in 2004. It became Google Maps a year later. Picture: Shutterstock
Google Maps: A small team of four Aussies developed the platform, called Where 2 Technologies, which Google snapped up in 2004. It became Google Maps a year later. Picture: Shutterstock
Hills Hoist: It’s not just a clothesline, it’s a cultural landmark. The spinning, height-adjustable Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in Adelaide in 1945 and quickly became the centrepiece of every Aussie backyard.
Hills Hoist: It’s not just a clothesline, it’s a cultural landmark. The spinning, height-adjustable Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in Adelaide in 1945 and quickly became the centrepiece of every Aussie backyard.
Pacemaker (Early Prototype): In 1926, way before anyone else, a Melbourne anaesthetist and a physicist built an early external pacemaker. It wasn't just a theory — they successfully used it on a stillborn baby, restoring its heartbeat. While the modern pacemaker came later, the Aussie device proved it was possible. Picture: Shutterstock
Pacemaker (Early Prototype): In 1926, way before anyone else, a Melbourne anaesthetist and a physicist built an early external pacemaker. It wasn't just a theory — they successfully used it on a stillborn baby, restoring its heartbeat. While the modern pacemaker came later, the Aussie device proved it was possible. Picture: Shutterstock
Pedal Radio: How did people get help when they lived thousands of kilometres from the nearest town? In the 1920s, Alfred Traeger invented a radio transmitter powered by bicycle pedals. This simple, brilliant device gave remote outback stations a voice and was the invention that made the Royal Flying Doctor Service possible. Photo: Wikipedia
Pedal Radio: How did people get help when they lived thousands of kilometres from the nearest town? In the 1920s, Alfred Traeger invented a radio transmitter powered by bicycle pedals. This simple, brilliant device gave remote outback stations a voice and was the invention that made the Royal Flying Doctor Service possible. Photo: Wikipedia
The Notepad: The humble notepad on your desk? Yep, ours. In 1902, a Tasmanian stationer got sick of loose bits of paper. He had the bright idea to glue a stack of them together at the top with a bit of cardboard at the back. The tear-off notepad was born. Simple. Genius. Photo: Shutterstock
The Notepad: The humble notepad on your desk? Yep, ours. In 1902, a Tasmanian stationer got sick of loose bits of paper. He had the bright idea to glue a stack of them together at the top with a bit of cardboard at the back. The tear-off notepad was born. Simple. Genius. Photo: Shutterstock
Stump-Jump Plough: Back in the 1870s, Aussie farmers trying to grow crops kept having their ploughs destroyed by tough Mallee roots. A South Australian guy invented a plough with a hinged blade that would
Stump-Jump Plough: Back in the 1870s, Aussie farmers trying to grow crops kept having their ploughs destroyed by tough Mallee roots. A South Australian guy invented a plough with a hinged blade that would "jump" over stumps instead of breaking them. It sounds simple, but it opened up millions of acres of tough land to farming. Photo: Shutterstock
Electric Drill: That’s right, the tool that powers every DIY weekend and Bunnings snag-run was invented here. In 1889, Aussie engineers patented the world's first electric drill, turning hours of hard yakka into a one-button job. We’ve been drilling it ever since. Photo: Shutterstock
Electric Drill: That’s right, the tool that powers every DIY weekend and Bunnings snag-run was invented here. In 1889, Aussie engineers patented the world's first electric drill, turning hours of hard yakka into a one-button job. We’ve been drilling it ever since. Photo: Shutterstock
Frazier Lens: Ever wondered how The Lord of the Rings and David Attenborough documentaries get those insane shots where everything is in focus, from a tiny ant to the mountain behind it? That’s the Frazier Lens, invented by Aussie filmmaker Jim Frazier. He even won an Oscar for it. Photo: David Attenborough
Frazier Lens: Ever wondered how The Lord of the Rings and David Attenborough documentaries get those insane shots where everything is in focus, from a tiny ant to the mountain behind it? That’s the Frazier Lens, invented by Aussie filmmaker Jim Frazier. He even won an Oscar for it. Photo: David Attenborough
RaceCam: Aussie engineers at Channel 7 literally changed sports broadcasting forever. In 1979, they invented the Race-cam, a small camera mounted inside Peter Williamson’s V8 Supercar at Bathurst. For the first time, fans could see the driver's face and feel the speed. It was chaotic, thrilling, pure genius and here to stay. Photo: Sportsmatik
RaceCam: Aussie engineers at Channel 7 literally changed sports broadcasting forever. In 1979, they invented the Race-cam, a small camera mounted inside Peter Williamson’s V8 Supercar at Bathurst. For the first time, fans could see the driver's face and feel the speed. It was chaotic, thrilling, pure genius and here to stay. Photo: Sportsmatik
Permaculture: Before
Permaculture: Before "sustainable living" and "eco-friendly" were Instagram buzzwords, two Tasmanians invented the whole concept. In the 1970s, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren developed permaculture, a philosophy for designing self-sufficient, sustainable human settlements. The world is finally catching up. Photo: Facebook
Triton Workcentre: This is peak
Triton Workcentre: This is peak "Dad's shed" energy. In the 1970s, TV handyman George Lewin built a modular woodworking bench that could basically do it all — saw, sand, drill, you name it. The Triton Workcentre became an icon of Aussie DIY culture. Photo: Triton
Winged Keel: This is the invention that let us beat the Yanks at their own game and win the America's Cup in 1983. Ben Lexcen’s top-secret
Winged Keel: This is the invention that let us beat the Yanks at their own game and win the America's Cup in 1983. Ben Lexcen’s top-secret "winged keel" made the Australia II yacht faster and more stable. It was so revolutionary that the Americans tried to get it banned. They didn't, and we won. A legendary sporting moment. Photo: Wikipedia
Permanent-Crease Wool: In the 1950s, CSIRO scientists solved the annoying problem of wool pants getting wrinkly and losing their shape. Their Si-Ro-Set process created a permanent crease, making Aussie merino wool a global fashion staple and saving people from hours of ironing. Photo: Shutterstock
Permanent-Crease Wool: In the 1950s, CSIRO scientists solved the annoying problem of wool pants getting wrinkly and losing their shape. Their Si-Ro-Set process created a permanent crease, making Aussie merino wool a global fashion staple and saving people from hours of ironing. Photo: Shutterstock
Plastic Spectacle Lenses: If you wear glasses, you’ve probably got Aussie science right in front of your face. In 1960, chemists in Adelaide developed the first plastic lenses. They were lighter, cheaper, and way less likely to shatter than glass. A total game-changer for anyone who’s ever dropped their specs. Photo: Shutterstock
Plastic Spectacle Lenses: If you wear glasses, you’ve probably got Aussie science right in front of your face. In 1960, chemists in Adelaide developed the first plastic lenses. They were lighter, cheaper, and way less likely to shatter than glass. A total game-changer for anyone who’s ever dropped their specs. Photo: Shutterstock
Inflatable Aircraft Escape Slide: Ever seen that footage of people dramatically evacuating a plane on those giant slides? That’s Aussie ingenuity. A Qantas engineer named Jack Grant designed the first inflatable escape slide in the 1960s. It’s now mandatory on all major aircraft and has saved thousands of lives. Photo: Qantas
Inflatable Aircraft Escape Slide: Ever seen that footage of people dramatically evacuating a plane on those giant slides? That’s Aussie ingenuity. A Qantas engineer named Jack Grant designed the first inflatable escape slide in the 1960s. It’s now mandatory on all major aircraft and has saved thousands of lives. Photo: Qantas
Usable Penicillin: Okay, yes, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, but it was just a lab curiosity. It was Aussie scientist Howard Florey and his team at Oxford who turned it into a mass-producible, lifesaving drug during WWII. Florey’s contribution has saved millions of lives. Photo: Shutterstock
Usable Penicillin: Okay, yes, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, but it was just a lab curiosity. It was Aussie scientist Howard Florey and his team at Oxford who turned it into a mass-producible, lifesaving drug during WWII. Florey’s contribution has saved millions of lives. Photo: Shutterstock
Tank-Bred Tuna: Scientists in South Australia were the first in the world to breed southern bluefin tuna in captivity. Given that the wild population is under threat, this breakthrough remains a massive deal for aquaculture and the future of seafood. Photo: Shutterstock
Tank-Bred Tuna: Scientists in South Australia were the first in the world to breed southern bluefin tuna in captivity. Given that the wild population is under threat, this breakthrough remains a massive deal for aquaculture and the future of seafood. Photo: Shutterstock
Medical Ultrasound: We didn't invent ultrasound, but we made it what it is today. From 1959, Sydney-based teams led by George Kossoff built the first practical, usable ultrasound scanners. They pioneered its use in obstetrics, giving the world the first blurry photos of babies in the womb. Photo: Shutterstock
Medical Ultrasound: We didn't invent ultrasound, but we made it what it is today. From 1959, Sydney-based teams led by George Kossoff built the first practical, usable ultrasound scanners. They pioneered its use in obstetrics, giving the world the first blurry photos of babies in the womb. Photo: Shutterstock
Vegemite: Our national spread. In 1923, chemist Cyril Callister was tasked with creating an Aussie version of British Marmite from leftover brewer’s yeast. The salty, black spread he created became a national obsession. There’s still nothing quite like a perfect piece of hot, buttery Vegemite toast. Photo: Shutterstock
Vegemite: Our national spread. In 1923, chemist Cyril Callister was tasked with creating an Aussie version of British Marmite from leftover brewer’s yeast. The salty, black spread he created became a national obsession. There’s still nothing quite like a perfect piece of hot, buttery Vegemite toast. Photo: Shutterstock
Speedo: Originally called “Fortitude”, the brand was renamed “Speedo” in 1928 after the advertising slogan
Speedo: Originally called “Fortitude”, the brand was renamed “Speedo” in 1928 after the advertising slogan "Speed on in your Speedos" took off. From Olympic champions to kids at Nippers, the Speedo an Aussie classic. Photo: Speedo
Tim Tam: In 1964, Arnott’s launched the perfect biscuit: two layers of malted biscuit, a creamy chocolate filling, all coated in more chocolate. The final genius move was discovering the
Tim Tam: In 1964, Arnott’s launched the perfect biscuit: two layers of malted biscuit, a creamy chocolate filling, all coated in more chocolate. The final genius move was discovering the "Tim Tam Slam", which involves using your biscuit as a straw to slurp a hot chocolate or cold glass of milk. Perfection. Photo: Wikipedia
UGG Boots: Love 'em or loathe 'em, they're ours. The iconic sheepskin boots were created by Aussie surfers in the 1960s to warm their feet after hitting the cold waves. The comfort-first trend eventually went global, and our feet have never been cosier. Photo: Original UGG Boots Australia
UGG Boots: Love 'em or loathe 'em, they're ours. The iconic sheepskin boots were created by Aussie surfers in the 1960s to warm their feet after hitting the cold waves. The comfort-first trend eventually went global, and our feet have never been cosier. Photo: Original UGG Boots Australia
Milo: The crunchy, chocolatey-malt goodness was invented in Sydney in 1934 by Thomas Mayne to help kids get more nutrition during the Great Depression. It became a taste of childhood for generations. Photo: Shutterstock
Milo: The crunchy, chocolatey-malt goodness was invented in Sydney in 1934 by Thomas Mayne to help kids get more nutrition during the Great Depression. It became a taste of childhood for generations. Photo: Shutterstock
Arnott’s Shapes: Pizza, BBQ, Chicken Crimpy … every Aussie has a ride-or-die flavour. Arnott’s launched Shapes in 1954, giving us savoury biscuits with the flavour
Arnott’s Shapes: Pizza, BBQ, Chicken Crimpy … every Aussie has a ride-or-die flavour. Arnott’s launched Shapes in 1954, giving us savoury biscuits with the flavour "baked on" (and then, controversially, sprinkled back on). A lunch box and party staple. Photo: Arnott’s
Violet Crumble:
Violet Crumble: "It's the way it shatters that matters." Invented in Adelaide in 1913, this is Australia’s original honeycomb chocolate bar. That explosive crack when you bite into it is still so satisfying. Picture: Facebook
Weet-Bix:
Weet-Bix: "Aussie kids are Weet-Bix kids." That jingle isn't wrong. This breakfast staple started in a Sydney factory in the 1920s. Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix quickly became the go-to breakfast of champions. How many can you do? Picture: Shutterstock
Twisties: That loud, cheesy crunch started here in the 1950s. A Melbourne engineer created the machine that puffs corn and rice into the iconic snacks.
Twisties: That loud, cheesy crunch started here in the 1950s. A Melbourne engineer created the machine that puffs corn and rice into the iconic snacks. "Life’s pretty straight without Twisties" is, frankly, one of the most accurate slogans ever. Picture: Reddit
Cherry Ripe: Launched over a century ago in 1924, this is officially Australia’s oldest and most popular chocolate bar. That combo of ripe cherries, coconut, and rich dark chocolate is a classic for a reason. Picture: Cadbury
Cherry Ripe: Launched over a century ago in 1924, this is officially Australia’s oldest and most popular chocolate bar. That combo of ripe cherries, coconut, and rich dark chocolate is a classic for a reason. Picture: Cadbury
Freddo Frog: This cheerful little guy has a cute origin story. In 1930, a Melbourne chocolate factory worker named Harry Melbourne pitched a chocolate frog instead of the planned mouse, saying kids would prefer it. His boss agreed, and Freddo has been hopping off the shelves ever since. Picture: Facebook
Freddo Frog: This cheerful little guy has a cute origin story. In 1930, a Melbourne chocolate factory worker named Harry Melbourne pitched a chocolate frog instead of the planned mouse, saying kids would prefer it. His boss agreed, and Freddo has been hopping off the shelves ever since. Picture: Facebook
This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M. Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP.
This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M. Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP.

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GLOSSARY

  • cochlear: the spiral tube, shaped like a snail’s shell, that forms part of the internal ear, converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses
  • proof of concept: demonstrating a product that’s still being developed to test whether or not the idea can become a reality
  • AI: artificial intelligence, using computer systems or machines that have some of the qualities that the human brain has, such as the ability to interpret and produce language

EXTRA READING

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One billion dollar Bluey bungle

How does the Australian dollar gets its value?

QUICK QUIZ

  1. What is the Echo-Glove?
  2. What are a minimum of three inventions named in the story that have origins in Australia?
  3. Where did the idea for Echo-Glove come from?
  4. What did Echo-Glove inventor, 16-year old Jayashruthi Palanisamy, say was an important part of sign language communication?
  5. What is Australia’s current ranking among the 139 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What’s your top five?
Look at the Australian inventions in the story. What do you think are the top five, the very best or most important? Write a lis, in order, of your Top Five inventions. Next to each invention, write a short paragraph explaining your choice.

Time: allow at least 20 minutes to complete this activity.
Curriculum Links: English, Design and Technologies

2. Extension
If you could create an invention, what would it be? Be inspired by Jayashruthi and the other Aussie inventions. Write a description of your invention and why it would join the list of great Australian inventions.

Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity.
Curriculum Links English, Design and Technology

VCOP ACTIVITY
To sum it up
After reading the article, use your comprehension skills to summarise in a maximum of three sentences what the article is about. 

Think about: 

What is the main topic or idea?

What is an important or interesting fact?

Who was involved (people or places)?

Use your VCOP skills to re-read your summary to make sure it is clear, specific and well punctuated.

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