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When Asher Winter started his academic journey at Deakin University, he could never have predicted just how far it would take him. Now a researcher at Deakin’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Winter is part of a team pushing boundaries in robotics, human performance and motion simulation.
It’s a trajectory powered by ambition, and by access to a cutting-edge research facility that gave his ideas the room and resources to grow.
‘I would not have been able to conduct my research if it was not for the world-class research facility in which I work,’ says Winter. ‘A multi-million-dollar robot is just an expensive ornament without the researchers who know how to use it and innovate real-world solutions with it.’
Deakin’s investment in research infrastructure has been pivotal in supporting thinkers like Winter, who are turning bold ideas into practical outcomes.
Put simply, a research facility is a specialised environment where researchers can access the people, tools and systems they need to turn ideas into impact.
Winter describes it as ‘an optimised environment wholly dedicated to providing the resources to conduct and succeed in your research.’ For him, that means everything from high-performance computers and fabrication tools, to “a large building that houses motion simulators ready for real-world, experimental study.”
Deakin has made strategic investments to ensure its research facilities go beyond expectations, supporting real-world research in fields as diverse as defence, health, AI and renewable energy.
Winter’s path to becoming a researcher started with a Bachelor of Mechatronics at Deakin, a choice inspired in part by his family’s own connection to the university.
In fact, the Winters are something of a Deakin dynasty. Asher, his siblings and his father have all studied here, creating a shared tradition of curiosity and innovation.
A major shift in Winter’s development came when he realised he no longer needed to rely solely on others’ knowledge.
‘A big turning point was no longer absorbing all information as perfect and irrefutable but gaining the understanding in my field to discern and make my own informed decision on the research gaps and suitable methods to move forward in my research.’
Another milestone was earning the respect of his colleagues. ‘Leaving the safety of being the apprentice, following another researcher’s direction and my research being verified by others… that was scary but essential.’
Among the most exciting resources available at IISRI are Deakin’s advanced motion simulators and the human centrifuge, technology typically found only in elite defence or aerospace programs.
Winter works with Cyclone, a human centrifuge designed to simulate the intense conditions of high-G flight. ‘Watching Cyclone spin to 9Gz is so cool and honestly a little scary,’ he admits. ‘I have nothing but huge respect for our pilots who undergo such training.’
The benefits of these technologies go beyond spectacle though. They allow Winter and his colleagues to gather real-world data, refine systems for safety and performance and support pilot readiness in safe, controlled environments.
As he looks to the future, Winter is energised by the unknown. ‘There is so much I don’t know and am yet to discover,’ he says.
He’s eager to continue exploring the possibilities of robotics and motion systems; fields that evolve rapidly thanks to collaboration, experimentation and the capabilities of an advanced research facility like those found at IISRI.
‘I’ve been included in research projects and seen amazing technology I would never have thought of,’ he says. ‘I’m keen to be continuously amazed at the wonderful world of science here at IISRI.’
A world-class research facility doesn’t just house tools; it cultivates breakthroughs. From ethical approvals and prototyping equipment to expert mentorship and specialised systems, the right environment supports every stage of the research process.
‘The right facility matters as its purpose is to support you in reaching your goal,’ Winter explains. ‘Without the facility and experienced, authorised researchers to support me, I wouldn’t be able to gain funding for the research, access required equipment nor gain ethics approval to run experiments.’
Deakin’s research ecosystem – spanning everything from health precincts and cyber-physical systems to future manufacturing hubs – demonstrates the university’s commitment to turning ideas into action.
Winter’s story is one of many. But it shows, with clarity and optimism, what’s possible when passion, the right support, and inspiration meet.
Associate Research Fellow,
Faculty of Sci Engineering & Built Environment,
Deakin University
