To develop the National Robotics Strategy, the Australian Government consulted extensively across Australia with industry, academia and the wider community. Guided by the National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee, the strategy draws on public submissions, workshops and one-on-one interviews.
The active participation of stakeholders across Australia highlighted the importance of Australia’s robotics ecosystem and the need for action. We heard that for Australia to maximise the benefits from developing and adopting robotics and automation technologies, we must use our unique strengths and address a range of barriers.
Areas of opportunity
Our expertise
- Australia is a global leader in certain R&D areas, such as field robotics, collaborative robots, safe and responsible AI and computer vision. This provides a strong foundation for our local robotics ecosystem.
- Australia is a leader in adopting and using robotics in mining, emergency response and defence. We can apply these capabilities in a range of other industries.
Comparative advantages
- Australia has strengths in responsible technology, safety standards and regulation. This promotes trust, provides a competitive advantage for Australian industry and benefits our international collaboration and partnerships.
- Australia has robotic test sites, shared infrastructure and other facilities that could encourage further collaboration and coordination.
- Australia’s geography offers a unique opportunity to test and prototype robotic solutions, as well as develop field robots including drones and autonomous vehicles.
- Australia’s highly educated workforce can benefit from technological advances and the increased adoption of robotics and automation.
Skills
- Australian universities are internationally regarded for the quality of their robotics-related science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) courses, which create world-leading robotics talent in Australia.
- Australia’s robotics workforce has proven strengths in integration services, developing software and bespoke solutions for existing robotic systems.
- Australia is an attractive destination for skilled migrants, providing another method of securing a talented workforce.
- Sectors facing skills shortages, such as agriculture, construction and healthcare could benefit from the increased adoption of robotics. Robotics can lift productivity and provide fulfilling opportunities for the workforce.
Areas for development
Commercialisation
- Low levels of industry-research collaboration can limit commercialisation.
- Attracting early-stage and long-term capital can be a barrier for robotics startups due to the long lead times and capital-intensive nature of the technology.
- The costs for manufacturers upgrading or transitioning capital stock to more autonomous infrastructure can be high.
- Australia is not a large-scale manufacturer of many robotics components, forcing companies to import components when developing robotic solutions.
Awareness
- Some businesses are unaware of the benefits or return on investment of robotics and automation, limiting rates of adoption.
- Australia has limited uptake of industrial robots. The skills and infrastructure that businesses need to integrate robotics into their operations are specific to individual contexts. Adoption will need specialised training and development.
- Businesses have limited awareness of Australia’s robotics and automation success stories, achievements and investment opportunities.
Trust and inclusion
- Australia’s STEM workforce lacks diversity, particularly in the participation and inclusion of women and First Nations peoples.
- Negative perceptions or lack of trust may limit acceptance or use of robotics in the workforce.
- Despite Australia’s strong social and governance frameworks, regulations struggle to keep pace with emerging technologies.
- Workers that will be impacted by robotics and automation need greater support to reskill and upskill. This may include job placement support, retraining programs and further education.