Two Problems
One Solution
The robotics industry is set to grow dramatically across Australia over the next 10 years. Due to our climate and harsh industries operating environments, Australia's robot cells are breaking down prematurely. Wiptex exists to protect and lengthen the lifespan of every robot that enters Australia’s workforce, compounding the impact of each cell and allowing the industries growth to accelerate.
Concurrent to this growth, Australia has an outdoor gear waste problem. Across Australia we throw out over 2000 tones of tents each year, majority of which have only minor defects. The fabric from these tents have the properties and capability to protect the robot cells in their harsh environments.
Wiptex also exists to grow and innovate the circular materials economy. Our goal is to rebuild our textile manufacturing capability in Australia by supporting our highest value industries. Developing or investing in new technology that can work in a country with high labor costs. Technology that is geared towards product development from repurposed technical textiles. Helping forward the global circular materials economy and developing key sovereign capabilities, technology and skills in Australia.
The Team
Frank Capurso
Co-founder & Head of Operations & Manufacturing
Frank leads operations and manufacturing at wiptex. He trained in biomedical engineering and business at Swinburne University of Technology, and spent five years at Planet Innovation across mechanical engineering and product development, from assembly and fabrication through to commercialising new products. He also mentors and facilitates STEAM programs for Space Squad Australia, running hands-on technical camps for high school students.
Ben Wood
Co-founder, Head of Design & Marketing
Ben leads design & marketing at Wiptex. He trained as an industrial and product designer trained at Swinburne University of Technology with a master's exchange at Aalto University in textile technology. Before co-founding Wiptex, he spent close to a decade in design across automotive colour and trim at General Motors, product development with Osaka Gas Chemicals, and consultancy at Planet Innovation. He also lectures and researches at Swinburne's Design Factory Melbourne.