Country: Australia

Forum: The Open Group Open Process Automation™ Forum

Membership Level: Silver

Bio: John Curtin Distinguished Professor Iain Murray AM received his B.Eng. (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering in 1998 and his PhD in 2008, both at Curtin University. He has worked in the field of assistive technology for nearly 35 years both as a practitioner and researcher. Currently employed in the WA School of Mines his research interest includes embedded sensors in health and industrial applications, the Internet of Things and assistive technology. He founded the “Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired” in 2002 to deliver ICT training to vision impaired people globally. 

He has supervised more than 20 research students’ completions and published more than 140 peer reviewed articles in the fields of IoT, engineering education and assistive technology. He is a Member of the Order of Australia, Fellow of the Australian Computer Society, Curtin Academy Fellow, and a senior member of the IEEE.

Q. How long have you been involved with The Open Group? Probably 2 years now, but only a very recent member.

Q. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a teaching and research academic for nigh on 30 years now, generally in embedded systems and networks (both industrial and data). I have recently established the Intelligent Systems and Industrial Automation Lab at Curtin University where we are working on open solutions in the critical mineral processing space. To this end we have invested heavily in OPC-UA compliant infrastructure with the aim of developing open solutions for the critical minerals, defence, and health industries.

Q. Why did your organization become a Member of The Open Group Open Process Automation Forum and what does/will your involvement look like?

For access to the standards and be able to contribute to said standards, in particular the area of critical infrastructure security and IT/OT convergence. The Intelligent Systems and Industrial Automation Lab at Curtin University is using a COPA quick start platform as a sandbox for industry to test open standards within brownfield sites. This sandbox provides a low-risk environment for industry partners to experiment with new technologies and integration strategies without disrupting live operations. The platform particularly focuses on open standards, crucial for industrial interoperability. Industries can test OPC-UA implementation and its ability to enable seamless communication between diverse systems, even in complex brownfield scenarios with legacy infrastructure. Simulating brownfield integration is a core function, allowing partners to evaluate strategies for connecting legacy systems with modern, open-standard solutions, gaining practical insights and reducing implementation risks. 

Built on OPC-UA compliant infrastructure, the platform demonstrates the benefits of open and interoperable systems, showcasing streamlined data access, enhanced information modelling, and secure communication. With a focus on critical mineral processing, defence, and health, the lab targets sectors where robust and open solutions are vital. Experimentation on the COPA platform allows these industries to explore how open standards and technologies can improve efficiency and drive innovation. Ultimately, this sandbox aims to accelerate the adoption of open standards and simplify modernization for industries with brownfield facilities, fostering confidence and innovation in critical sectors.

Additionally, we hope to create training and courses relevant to this forum. These courses would be available as MOOCs, Continuing Professional Development and for degree programs in our post graduate education.

Q. How has/will membership in The Open Group benefit you, your organization, and the industry at large?

Membership in The Open Group brings benefits to Curtin, and the wider industry by promoting open standards and collaboration. For academic staff, it offers professional growth, networking, and influence in standards development. 

For Curtin University's lab, it enhances reputation, provides early access to standards, fosters industry collaboration, and supports their mission in critical industries. 

Q. Why is it important for other organizations to join The Open Group?

To influence open standard development, gain access to a global expert network, get early insights into emerging standards, ensure interoperability, and avoid vendor lock-in, and contribute to a more innovative and efficient industry for everyone.

Q. What are your hobbies?

I think Americans call it homesteading, here it’s just gardening and self-sufficiency. I live in an inner suburban area and have close to 100 fruit trees on my small(ish) block and 200m2 of vegetable garden. I also make cheese, preserves and pickles.

Q. Which books are you currently reading?

Azimov, Caves of steel and Davis, Ferment – The ancient art of culturing food.

Q. What social networks do you belong to?

Normal ones, LinkedIn, Facebook and have a YouTube channel – The Cultivating Curmudgeon.

Q. Any last thoughts?

We have some very interesting projects underway and would be happy to share at a later stage. They involve IT/OT convergence in the cybersecurity space and integrating 5G technologies into the OT environment.

Date published: April 7, 2025