1987 Achievements in Technology

This stamp issue focuses on Australian technological innovations including the bionic ear, microchips, robotics, and ceramics. Selected in consultation with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) the subjects represent four key technology areas outlined in the federal government’s National Technology Scheme.

The bionic ear is one of Australia’s best-known inventions. This iteration was developed by the University of Melbourne and manufactured by Cochlear. It was revolutionary when it came out as its 22 platinum electrodes which stimulates the nerve fibres allows the wearer to hear wider variety of sounds and differentiate between them.

The microchip featured on the stamp is a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) chip designed and manufactured by Austek Microsystems while a  robotic gripper from Machine Dynamics is featured on the robotics stamp.

The ceramics stamp shows a ceramic air bearing, made from partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ). PSZ is tougher, lighter and more durable than steel. These are manufactured by Nilcra Ceramics.

These stamps can be used within Australia for domestic and international postage to brighten up your cards, letters, and parcels.

You will receive 4x stamps with a total face value of $2.21.

Technical Details

Stamp design: Otto Schmidinger and Christine Stead

Issue date: 19 August 1987