James Trevelyan practices as a mechatronics and mechanical engineer developing new air conditioning technology, and is a fellow of Engineers Australia. Since 2016, after retiring from academia, he has become a startup entrepreneur, directing Close Comfort Pty Ltd and inventing the Coolzy, the award-winning energy-efficient portable air conditioner. He is well known internationally for pioneering research on sheep shearing robots (1975-1993), remote access laboratories and robots (1994-2002), landmine clearance methods (1996-2004) and engineering practice (2002 onwards).
He was presented with the 1993 Engelberger Science and Technology Award in Tokyo, the world’s pre-eminent award for robotics research, and has twice been presented with the Japan Industrial Robot Association award for best papers at robotics conferences.
His teaching has also been well recognised with a national and several UWA distinguished teaching awards, and also awards for papers at international conferences on engineering education.
His most recent research has been on engineering practice, to understand how engineering work is actually performed, an aspect of engineering that has not been well researched before. This research helps to explain why services in low-income countries such as safe drinking water usually cost much more than in industrialised countries, helping to explain continuing poverty in many countries. His books, including The Making of an Expert Engineer, provides solutions that could help eliminate most of the poverty we see today.

Retired July 2016, awarded title of Emeritus Professor

Continuing research on engineering practice and engineering education

Approximately $0.75 million for work on engineering practice 2003- 2016 (through grants, scholarships for graduate students, and company donations.)

Engineering practice and education

Energy efficient cooling

Drinking water supplies in developing countries, applications of internet of things to provide financially self-sustaining water supply utilities.

Global productivity growth has slowed since the early 2000s.  Australia is no exception.  Engineering practice research has shown how the influence of education has limited the skills of engineers and their ability to create innovations and deliver projects in line with forecast financials, undermining financial performance of large industries such as mining, petroleum and manufacturing. Applying this research has the potential to restore productivity growth on a global scale.

James provides occasional lectures on request and mentors young engineers.

Engineering practice, learning and engineering education. 

Energy efficient cooling

CEO, Founder director, Inventor of Coolzy, director of Close Comfort Pty Ltd, personal air conditioning technology

Engineering Heritage Australia, secretary of WA Committee 2022 - 2024

Volunteer Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee 1995-2018