The future of robotics is promising, with adoption set to rise as costs decrease and technology becomes more flexible and accessible. This trend is particularly evident in Australia, where local manufacturers are feeling the pressure to automate.
There is high potential for robotics adoption in Australia, though the market is still catching up to global standards. So says James Taylor, COO at OnRobot, who notes that key challenges include labour availability, high wages, and a generational shift in the workforce, with fewer young people interested in taking on jobs that their parents or grandparents once did. “In economically developed countries like Australia, where populations are smaller, these pressures are even more acute,” Taylor says.
Manufacturers face distinct pressures as well, especially given Australia’s geographic isolation and the need for local production. Shipping costs and the demand to produce goods locally add further strain, especially when it comes to maintaining flexible production methods.
According to Taylor, the traditional model of low-variability, high-volume production no longer works in today’s market, where consumer demand is more personalised. Manufacturers must now manage higher variability in their production lines to remain competitive.
Barriers to entry
One of the main barriers to widespread adoption of robotics in Australia is cost. However, Taylor suggests that much of this is a perceived barrier rather than a concrete one. “There’s a lot more available to manufacturers than they realise,” he explains, noting that the concern for many businesses, particularly SMEs, is the high initial capital investment required for automation.
Many manufacturers are under the impression that their only options are either costly and complex automation systems or manual labour. This perception, Taylor notes, can prevent companies from exploring more flexible, affordable automation solutions. He highlights the need for robots to offer high-mix production capabilities – essentially, systems that can handle a variety of tasks rather than being limited to just one. This flexibility is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by manufacturers with variable production needs.
Post-implementation support
When asked about the level of support required post-implementation of robotic systems, Taylor emphasises the simplicity of OnRobot's D:PLOY system, the industry’s first automated software platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying collaborative applications.
“The benefit of what we’re offering with D:PLOY is that the user interface is very simple,” Taylor explains. The system is designed with the end-user in mind, offering a guided flow to ease the learning curve. Taylor notes that partnering with local companies in Australia allows OnRobot to provide hands-on demos and training, ensuring users can get up to speed quickly.
While routine maintenance and occasional hardware failures are always a possibility, Taylor sees D:PLOY as a “headache-free solution”. He stresses that automation should be in the hands of the actual user, not just engineers. This shift is vital for broader adoption, as many users may not have the engineering capabilities to manage traditional programming. The design of D:PLOY, he says, aims to empower end-users, enabling them to control automation systems without relying on specialised expertise.
Packaging plant of the future
Looking ahead, Taylor predicts that the uptake of flexible robotic solutions will accelerate over the next three to five years, particularly in industries like packaging. He points out that current manufacturing processes often limit flexibility in favour of standardisation, a trend driven by the desire to reduce costs and minimise waste. However, the demand for variability and customisation from customers is changing this dynamic.
“Flexibility will drive creativity,” Taylor says, noting that giving manufacturers a cost-effective, adaptable tool will inspire new ways of thinking about production processes. “Much like the rise of personal computing, where simple tools like Excel allowed for greater innovation, flexible robotics solutions will encourage manufacturers to experiment with new production methods, further driving adoption,” he says.
Holistic approach to automation
Taylor also highlights how OnRobot's approach differs from many of its competitors. While other companies focus on their individual products – whether it's a robot, gripper, or software –OnRobot takes a more holistic view, focusing on the entire application.
“We recognise that the gripper does nothing without the robot, and the robot does nothing without the gripper,” Taylor explains. This broader perspective allows OnRobot to develop solutions that integrate all necessary components, from base units to safety sensors and conveyor belts.
This approach, Taylor believes, positions OnRobot to tap into a “blue ocean” market, where the real growth lies in solutions designed for end-users, not engineers. While traditional automation systems will continue to have a place, he says the future lies in creating flexible, user-friendly tools that empower smaller manufacturers to remain competitive.
Levelling the playing field
While OnRobot serves both large multinationals and SMEs, Taylor sees a particularly strong value proposition for smaller companies. “SMEs face the most pressure,” he says, “They often have fewer resources to weather economic storms and must stay vigilant to remain competitive.” By providing them with flexible automation tools that allow for greater control over their production processes, OnRobot helps level the playing field.
"Giving SMEs the ability to take control of their automation is probably more valuable to them than to a larger company," Taylor says, emphasising that SMEs need to stay agile to survive in today’s fast-paced market. With solutions like D:PLOY, smaller manufacturers can not only keep up with larger competitors but also find new ways to innovate and thrive.
In conclusion, the future of robotics in Australia is bright. As technology evolves and costs decrease, more manufacturers will be able to adopt flexible, cost-effective robotic solutions that enable them to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Taylor's insight offers a glimpse into how businesses, particularly SMEs, can navigate the complex landscape of automation to drive growth and innovation.
