VISION
Robots as a tool to unlock human potential, modernise the economy, and build national health, well-being and sustainability.
Robotics in Australia will maintain our living standards, help protect the environment, provide services to remote communities, reduce healthcare costs, provide safer more fulfilling jobs, prepare the next generation for the future, encourage investment and reshore jobs back to Australia.
Australia’s first Robotics Roadmap is a guide to how Australia can harness the benefits of a new robot economy. Building on Australia’s strengths in robot talent and technologies in niche application areas, the roadmap acts a guide to how Australia can support a vibrant robotics industry that supports automation across all sectors of the Australian economy.
We must develop new high-tech firms and a vibrant robotics industry in Australia if we are to maintain our standard of living
We can prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future and provide education and upskilling opportunities to equip all Australians with Industry 4.0 relevant skills
We have the opportunity to become a testbed for robotics technology by leading the world in ethical, legal and standards frameworks
We can build national capability in robotics by forming research and technology clusters to develop existing talents and encourage new talent, technology and businesses
We must develop an entrepreneurial culture to set moon shot goals and challenges and encourage VC investment in the robotics industry
- 1
-
We must develop new high-tech firms and a vibrant robotics industry in Australia if we are to maintain our standard of living
- 2
-
We can prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future and provide education and upskilling opportunities to equip all Australians with Industry 4.0 relevant skills
- 3
-
We have the opportunity to become a testbed for robotics technology by leading the world in ethical, legal and standards frameworks
- 4
-
We can build national capability in robotics by forming research and technology clusters to develop existing talents and encourage new talent, technology and businesses
- 5
-
We must develop an entrepreneurial culture to set moon shot goals and challenges and encourage VC investment in the robotics industry
WHAT IS ROBOTICS?
Robots are autonomous machines that can move within their physical environment and manipulate objects. Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that includes, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, design and, increasingly, the social sciences, design, creative arts and law.
THE NEED FOR A ROBOTICS ROADMAP FOR AUSTRALIA
The world-leading Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, an ARC Centre of Excellence, partnered with industry, researchers and government in a national consultation process to drive this important initiative. Like any roadmap, it doesn’t prescribe a destination, but it shows the starting points across industries and describes how to reach them. The impact of these technologies will depend on many factors, some of them still unknown.
FIVE KEY PRINCIPALS
Jobs matter
A robotics industry will enhance economic competitiveness to create meaningful jobs and, with the right policy settings, help adapt existing ones
Time matters
The right use of robotics eliminates workplace routine, improves efficiency and allows workers to dedicate time to interesting and more fulfilling tasks
Safety is imperative
Robotics reduces the risk of workers being placed in hazardous situations
Remote communities need to be served
Automation helps provide better and more consistent services to remote areas difficult to serve
Certainty counts
Investment decisions need clarity of understanding. The roadmap offers the means to find that clarity as well as demonstrating the current and likely future state of robotics in Australia
CASE STUDIES
ROADMAP RECOMMENDATIONS
Industry
Ensure Australia’s ongoing prosperity by stimulating formation of new hi-tech firms, encouraging global tech giants to invest in Australia, and reskilling Australian workers.
Education
Equip all Australians with industry 4.0 relevant skills.
Government
Lead the region in catalysing robotics activity by setting ethical, legal and standards frameworks and adopting robotics in government services.
R&D
Develop clusters of robotics activity, encourage VC investment, develop aspirational research challenges and encourage multidisciplinary problem-solving.
Culture
Support an entrepreneurial culture around Australia’s niche robotics capability and harness the nation’s imagination through aspirational challenges that solve pressing needs for our nation.
ROBOTICS IN AUSTRALIA
THE FUTURE NEEDS
Resources
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Services
Defence
Infrastructure
Environment