Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, has appointed a National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee to help guide Australia’s strategy for emerging automation technologies.
The Committee will work to develop a National Robotics Strategy that ensures Australia harnesses the opportunities from robotics and automation – from advanced manufacturing to agriculture.
It will meet for the first time today, chaired by Professor Bronwyn Fox, chief scientist at the CSIRO.
“We have brought together some of the nation’s leading robotics and technology thinkers and practitioners to guide the way we develop and use robotics,” Husic said.
“Australia has a lot of the key elements that can help in the development of national robotics capabilities – our people, research and manufacturing skills.
“And while we’re recognised as possessing strength in the field of robotics, we can do better across a wider range of activities. We also want to ensure that we develop our robotic strength alongside human skills, delivering secure well-paid jobs.”
According to Husic, robotics companies were estimated to be worth $18 billion in annual revenue to the Australian economy in 2021, up from $12 billion in 2018.
“Australian made and maintained robotics and automation systems have the potential to boost local manufacturing, open up export opportunities, and create safer and more productive work environments,” Husic said.
“Boosting Australia’s industrial capabilities is one of the Albanese government’s priorities, supported by the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).
“The NRF will allocate up to $1 billion to improve Australia’s critical technology capability, in areas such as quantum, robotics and artificial intelligence.”
National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee members include:
- Catherine Ball, associate professor at the Australian National University
- Andrew Dettmer, national president at the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union
- Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW chief scientist and engineer
- Professor Bronwyn Fox (chair), chief scientist at the CSIRO
- Dr Sue Keay, founder and chair at Robotics Australia Group
- Professor Simon Lucey, director of the Australian Institute of Machine Learning
- Julia Powles, associate professor and director of UWA Minderoo Tech & Policy Lab
- Mike Zimmerman, partner at Main Sequence Ventures
