Sentient Computing

Are complex industries such as defence and resource teams still plan complex projects off 2D drawings, spreadsheets, and gut feel? Our technical artist Joe Simich made the case for a better way.

Great turnout at the Henderson Alliance July Network & Learn always a good night for catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones across WA's defence community.

Joe took the stage for a 5-minute lightning talk, "A better way to visualise," walking the room through how immersive 3D and simulation are changing the way teams see (and solve) complex problems. It's exactly what we're about: turning complex data into practical, high-impact visualisations, with cutting-edge technology and a team that genuinely cares about solving our customers' real-world challenges.

A few snaps from the evening below. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat and to Henderson Alliance for putting on another great event.

Last week at AusIMM IOOP 2026, Sentient Computing’s Doug Bester delivered a keynote on a topic that is becoming increasingly critical for our industry: building digital resilience in one of the world’s most operationally demanding environments.

The core challenge is not the technology.

Mining companies are world-class at what they do, safely and efficiently moving tonnes at scale. But they are not structured to rapidly iterate on new technologies, absorb uncertainty, or run experimental development cycles alongside live operations. Nor should they have to be.

A more effective model is emerging:
Mining companies focus on operational excellence, while a strong ecosystem of specialist partners delivers best-of-breed, fit-for-purpose solutions that integrate seamlessly into those operations.
Western Australia is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. The mining expertise is here. The software development / METS capability is here. What’s needed is a mindset change from treating technology adoption as an internal burden, to approaching it as a shared challenge with partners who are aligned, accountable, and invested in outcomes.

And ultimately, it’s about building the capability stack here in Western Australia that future generations can inherit, grow, and lead with and that’s the model Sentient has been building toward for the past 15 years.

Reach out to Doug directly or send Sentient Computing a message.

This week @ City of Rockingham Industry & Major Projects Forum we did something a little different.

Our Founder & MD Bester and Value Stream Leader Yann shared the stage together for a candid look at Sentient Computing: where we came from, what we actually do, and where we're headed.

Doug walked through the Sentient story, the real version, from the early days from his journey in the US in 1998 to where we are now. Leonie picks up from there, covering what our tools do in practice and the thinking behind how we are going to get to 2037.