National Robotics Strategy: discussion paper

We agree with the definitions in the discussion paper for the most part. However, we think that the definition of "robot" could be improved. The definition in the discussion paper is:

A robot is a machine that can sense its environment and carry out actions autonomously or with minimal human intervention.

For example, we would suggest the following definition:

A robot is a machine that can sense its environment and carry out actions autonomously or with minimal human intervention, and that is designed to interact with humans in a meaningful way.

This definition is more intentional because it includes the requirement that robots be designed to interact with humans.

We believe that the future of robotics and automation in Australia is very bright. Australia has strong mining, agriculture and construction sectors, and robotics and automation can help to make this sector more competitive. Robotics and automation can also be used to improve productivity in other sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and healthcare.

There are a number of sectors or types of robotics that hold particular opportunities for Australia. Some of these sectors include:

Manufacturing: Robotics and automation can be used to improve productivity and quality in manufacturing. This can help Australian manufacturers to compete with foreign manufacturers.

Agriculture: Robotics and automation can be used to automate tasks such as harvesting and planting crops. This can help to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture.

Mining: Robotics and automation can be used to automate tasks such as minerals extraction, industrial inspection and mine monitoring. This can help to provide a step change in safety and productivity in mining.

Healthcare: Robotics and automation can be used to perform tasks such as surgery and rehabilitation. This can help to improve the quality of care and reduce costs in healthcare.

We believe that Australia has the potential to be a world leader in robotics and automation. We have strong sectors that will benefit from robotics. We are confident that Australia can capitalise on the opportunities that robotics and automation offer.

Australia is a world leader in the area of field robotics. As part of measuring success it is important to measure the adoption and use of robots by businesses in key industry sectors (for example agriculture, mining and logistics). To capture and measure this opportunity for growth metrics for robots hours used, large company adoption or use are critical to understanding success and growth of robotics into current critical industrial sectors.

There are a number of ways to measure the growth and success of robotics in Australia outside of this. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) publishes international rankings and associated metrics.

Some of the most important metrics include:

-The number of robots in use: This is a good measure of the overall adoption of robotics in Australia. The IFR also has similar metrics based on population normalised values for adoption per person.

-The value of the robotics industry: This is a good measure of the economic impact of robotics in Australia.

-The number of robotics companies: This is a good measure of the innovation and dynamism of the robotics sector in Australia.

-The number of robotics jobs: This is a good measure of the employment opportunities created by robotics in Australia.

-The public's perception of robotics: This is a good measure of the social acceptance of robotics in Australia.

It is important to use a variety of metrics to measure the growth and success of robotics in Australia. This will help to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of robotics on the Australian economy, society, and culture.

To ensure robust and reproducible evidence, it is important to use well-designed surveys and statistical methods and instrumentation of the Australian financial system. It is also important to collect data from a variety of sources, including government agencies, businesses, and research institutions.

To ensure robust and reproducible evidence:
-Use a clear and consistent definition of robotics. This will help to ensure that data from different sources is comparable.
-Collect data over time. This will help to track the growth and success of robotics over time.
-Use a variety of data sources. This will help to ensure that the data is accurate and reliable.
-Publish the data and methods used to collect it. This will allow other researchers, businesses and relevant organisations to utilise the information and verify the results.

A strong focus on commercial outcomes rather than new institutional research and development activities: Australia needs to invest in support for robotics businesses that are commercialising Australian research. This will help to ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.

A supportive government: The Australian government needs to be supportive of the robotics industry. This can be done by providing financial support, tax breaks, and other incentives to businesses and organisations that develop and use robotics technologies.

A skilled workforce: Australia needs to have a skilled workforce that is able to develop, use, and maintain robotics technologies. This can be done by investing in education and training in robotics, as well as supporting immigration activities and incentives.

A strong public relations campaign: Australia needs to have a strong public relations campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of robotics. This will help to build public support for robotics and encourage its adoption.
By considering these factors, Australia can develop a shared vision to capture the opportunities that robotics offers.

Australia has a number of strengths in robotics and automation research, development, and production. Some of these strengths include:

-A strong research and development sector: Australia has a strong research and development sector in robotics and automation. This is due to the presence of a number of world-class universities and research institutions, such as the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, and the University of Melbourne.

-A strong field robotics sector: Australia is home to several successful field robotics businesses to complement the large agriculture, mining and associated sectors.

-A skilled workforce: Australia has a skilled workforce in robotics and automation. This is due to the presence of a number of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers, such as TAFE NSW and the Queensland University of Technology.

-A supportive government: The Australian government is supportive of the robotics and automation industry. The framework is in place to ensure value can be delivered from the robotics industry. This framework must be leveraged to deliver greater value. Historically the structure for growth has been attempting to push for growth from research institutions outward. There needs to be considered support and focus on commercial pull for growth (rather than the historical other way around).

-A collaborative industry: The Australian robotics and automation industry is collaborative. This is due to the presence of a number of industry associations, such as Robotics Australia Group.

By building on these strengths, Australia can become a world leader in robotics and automation. Some of the ways to build on these strengths include:

-Support current robotics businesses to maintain world leading technology in Mining, Agriculture and associated sectors: Australia needs to ensure this competitive advantage in robotics and automation is maintained. This will help to ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.

-Attract investment from overseas: Australia needs to attract investment from overseas in robotics and automation. This will help to ensure that Australia has the resources to develop and commercialise robotics and automation technologies.

-Raise awareness of the benefits of robotics and automation: Australia needs to raise awareness of the benefits of robotics and automation. This will help to build public support for robotics and encourage its adoption.
Retain and attract robotics and automation talent: Australia needs to keep and attract skilled Australians and migrants to ensure skilled people can build the robotics and automation industry in Australia. This includes competitive remuneration (salary, employee share schemes) and the opportunity to work at a business that is committed to solving meaningful and impactful problems.

Australia already has world-leading expertise in robotics and automation, particularly in the area of field robotics. This expertise has been developed through a number of factors, including:

-Companies such as Australian Droid and Robot who have come from the mining sector

-A high level of sophistication in the mining industry that has allowed the early adoption of robotics

- A combination of hazardous, heavy industries and high safety standards that has driven the sue of robotics and automation to increase safety.

Australia should focus on expanding its current leading industry expertise in robotics and automation. This can be done by:

-Expanding Investment in existing robotics and automation businesses

-Creating incentives for businesses to adopt robotics and automation

-Raising awareness of the benefits of robotics and automation

By expanding its current leading industry expertise, Australia can position itself as a global leader in robotics and automation. This will lead to economic benefits, such as increased productivity, improved efficiency, and new jobs. It will also lead to social benefits, such as improved safety and quality of life.

Robotics for healthcare. Australia has developed and continues to develop world-leading expertise in the use of robotics in healthcare. For example, robots to be used to perform surgery, deliver medication, and provide companionship to elderly patients.

Robotics for agriculture. Australia has developed and continues to develop world-leading expertise in the use of robotics in agriculture. For example, robots to be used to plant crops, harvest crops, and aid in livestock management.

Robotics for mining. Australia has developed and continues to develop world-leading expertise in the use of robotics in mining. For example, robots could be used to extract minerals from the ground, and to transport and process minerals.

Robotics for logistics. Australia has developed and continues to develop world-leading expertise in the use of robotics in logistics. For example, robots to be used to load and unload trucks, and to sort and deliver packages.

Australia has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into university robotics research, as well as offering tax concessions for industry robotics research. However, despite these efforts, the country has the lowest rate of commercialization of university-generated intellectual property (IP) in the OECD. This situation needs to change. It's time to shift from a "push" model, where we attempt to commercialise random and uncoordinated university research, to a "pull" model, where we fund adaptation and commercialization of robotics technology.

In practical terms, this means we need to incentivize industry to adopt and commercialise Australian robotics development. By doing so, we can ensure that university research is more closely aligned with the commercialization requirements of industry, driven by market demand. This shift will be critical to bridging the gap between robotics research and commercialization, and ensuring that Australia can realise the full potential of its robotics sector.

This can be achieved by reducing the R&D tax concession and by introducing a similar concession for companies that adopt Robotics development from Australian companies.

Providing funding and capital for robotics companies. The Australian government can provide funding and capital for robotics companies through a variety of programs, such as grants, loans, and tax breaks. This funding can be used to support development, commercialization, and expansion.

Incentivizing businesses to adopt robotics. The Australian government can incentivize businesses to adopt robotics through a variety of programs, such as grants, tax breaks, and procurement preferences. This can help to reduce the upfront costs of adopting robotics and make it more affordable for businesses to invest in this technology.

Creating a supportive regulatory environment for robotics companies. The Australian government can create a supportive regulatory environment for robotics companies by providing clear and consistent regulations, and by working with industry to identify and address any regulatory barriers. This can help to reduce the risk associated with investing in robotics and make it more attractive for investors.

Industry is generally adept at setting up supply chains to satisfy demand. However, the robotics industry in Australia faces a unique challenge in that there is a lack of a "Buy Australian" policy that would create the demand needed to justify investment in the setup and sustaining of supply chains. This has resulted in a situation where there is little demand for Australian robotics, which in turn limits the incentives for suppliers to invest in improving and expanding their supply chains. To overcome this challenge, there is a need to increase demand for Australian robotics. This could be achieved through government support for the industry, including the implementation of a "Buy Australian" policy, and incentives for businesses to adopt robotics. Additionally, promoting the use of Australian-made robotics in government procurement contracts and highlighting the benefits of using locally made technology could also increase demand and create a sustainable supply chain for the industry. Ultimately, increasing demand for Australian robotics will encourage investment in supply chain improvements, which will benefit the industry as a whole and help Australia compete globally in this rapidly growing sector.

In Australia, the traditional approach to funding for robotics has been through "push" funding, in the form of R&D incentives for industry and universities. However, despite significant investment in research and development, this approach has resulted in the lowest conversion rate of university intellectual property in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). To address this issue, there is a growing call for a shift to a "pull" model of funding that focuses on the adoption of robotics. By funding the adoption of robotics, this will create a market demand for these technologies, which will in turn drive innovation and commercialisation in the sector.

Provide funding and support for businesses that are commercialising Australian research and development. This could be done through grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance.
Reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that are commercialising Australian research and development. This could be done by streamlining the approval process for new products and services, or by providing tax breaks or other incentives for businesses that are commercialising Australian research and development.
Reduce the legal burden on businesses that are commercialising Australian research from Australian institutions.

Collaboration between industry and research is essential for innovation and economic growth. In Australia, there are a number of regulatory, legal, and institutional barriers that hinder collaboration.
One of the biggest barriers is the lack of clarity around intellectual property (IP) rights. When a business collaborates with a research institution, it is important to have a clear understanding of who owns the IP rights to any new inventions or discoveries that are made. This often leads to breakdowns or delays in commercialization.
To address these barriers, there are a number of things that can be done. First, it is important to clarify IP rights. This can be done through contracts or through legislation. It is also important to simplify the regulatory environment. This can be done by streamlining the approval process and by providing businesses with more information and support.
It is also important to recognize that it takes significant investment and risk to build products based on research from institutional research. Often the commercial and legal expectations of research institutions are not commensurate with this risk. This can be a major barrier to collaboration.
There are a number of things that can be done to address this issue. Research institutions need to be more realistic about the commercial potential of their research, their limits and their major areas for ability to contribute (fundamental developments and inventions, rather than the business of selling and commercial outcomes). They need to be willing to share risks and rewards with businesses. By addressing these barriers, Australia can encourage more collaboration between industry and research. This will help to drive innovation and economic growth.

Due to the sovereign procurement policies of most potential robotics export markets in Singapoer, US and Europe, it becomes challenging for Australian companies to establish a presence in these markets. This difficulty is further compounded by the absence of a sovereign procurement program in Australia itself. Consequently, as overseas companies continue to expand, they gain a technical advantage that surpasses Australian companies. Unless this situation changes, a growing gap will emerge between the two. However, some Australian robotics companies, such as Australian Droid and Robot, have managed to identify specific market niches and successfully export their products. To enable Australian companies to compete in these markets, investment is crucial, either through sovereign purchasing programs or direct investment, in order to achieve the necessary economies of scale for growth.

There are a number of potential impacts of robotics and automation in Australia.

These include:

-Increased productivity. Robotics and automation can help to increase productivity by automating tasks that are currently done by humans. This can lead to cost savings and improved efficiency.

-New jobs. While some jobs may be lost to automation, new jobs will also be created in the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of robots and automation systems.

-Skills shortages. The adoption of robotics and automation may lead to skills shortages in some industries. This is because workers will need to be trained on how to use and maintain these technologies.

-Disruption to the workforce. The adoption of robotics and automation may lead to disruption in the workforce, as some jobs are automated and others are created. This may lead to job losses and changes in the way we work.

There are also a number of opportunities associated with robotics and automation in Australia. These include:

-Improved safety. Robots can be used to perform dangerous or hazardous tasks, which can help to improve safety in the workplace.

-Enhanced quality. Robots can be used to produce high-quality products that are consistent with specifications.

-New products and services. Robotics and automation can be used to develop new products and services that were not possible before.

-Increased competitiveness. The use of robotics and automation can help Australian businesses to become more competitive in the global marketplace.

-Overall, the impacts and opportunities of robotics and automation in Australia are significant. It is important to carefully consider these factors when planning for the future of work in Australia.

Numerous case studies have demonstrated that the adoption of robotics technology does not necessarily result in job losses. In fact, it often leads to increased productivity among existing employees and provides opportunities for upskilling the workforce. Despite this, there is a pervasive anxiety surrounding robotics in the workforce. To address this issue, we should actively publicise these case studies and highlight the fact that the adoption of robotics technology can actually increase incomes and does not necessarily replace human workers.

An excellent example of the positive impact of robotics technology is the automation of haul trucks in the Pilbara region. This has resulted in the creation of large control centres in Perth, where individuals are employed to remotely operate these vehicles. Moreover, this has also led to the creation of numerous job opportunities for technicians responsible for maintaining the networks and IT systems within the control centres. Additionally, the adoption of this technology has increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities and has provided job opportunities for workers who would not have been able to travel to the Pilbara due to the long distances involved.

Other ways to increase in teh AUstralian robotics industry could include;

-Open and transparent communication about the development and use of robotics and automation. This would help to build trust and understanding of these technologies.

-Ensuring that robots and automation systems are designed and operated in a safe and responsible manner. This would help to mitigate the risks associated with these technologies.

-Providing training and education on robotics and automation for workers and the public. This would help people to understand how these technologies work and how they can be used safely and effectively.

-Promoting the benefits of robotics and automation. This would help to show people how these technologies can be used to improve our lives.

-Education to reset expectations of what a robotics solution can provide in terms of benefits for industrial applications - dispel the hollywood effect.

-By taking these steps, we can increase trust and approval of robotics and automation. This will help to ensure that these technologies are used in a safe and responsible manner, and that they benefit everyone.

Significant progress has been made in these areas, thanks to the commendable efforts of organizations like the Trusted Autonomous Systems CRC. Additionally, there are several other potential strategies that could be considered, including:

-Develop a national strategy for robotics and automation. This strategy should identify the opportunities and challenges associated with these technologies, and it should outline a plan for how Australia can benefit from them. This strategy should include a follow up plan with the outcomes for Australia, the metrics to measure the outcomes, and a tactical plan for achieving these outcomes (including a socio-economic plan).

-Invest in commercial outcomes in the development of robotics and automation. This will help to ensure that Australia sustainably remains at the forefront of these technologies.

-Create a regulatory framework for robotics and automation. This framework should ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a safe and responsible manner.
Promote the benefits of robotics and automation to the public. This will help to build trust and understanding of these technologies.

-Support workers who are affected by automation. This could include providing training and education on new skills, or helping workers to find new jobs.

- Provide training and education on robotics and automation. This will help workers to understand how these technologies work and how they can be used to improve their jobs.

-Help workers to develop new skills that are in demand in the automation age. This could include providing training on coding, data science, or other high-demand skills.

-Support workers who are affected by automation. This could include providing severance packages, job placement assistance, or retraining programs.

-Promote a culture of innovation and collaboration between workers and employers. This will help to ensure that workers are involved in the development and adoption of automation, and that they are able to benefit from these technologies.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that Australian workers benefit from the adoption of robotics and automation. This will help to create a more prosperous and equitable future for all Australians.

The Australian robotics industry is a sector with enormous potential and strong foundations in research and development. One of the strengths of this industry is the high level of university robotics research, with several Australian universities leading the way in the field. These research programs contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies and provide a pool of skilled graduates who can help drive the industry forward.

Another strength of the Australian robotics industry is the emergence of successful local companies such as Australian Droid and Robot. These companies have demonstrated that Australia has the capability to compete on a global scale in the robotics industry. Although they have not yet secured government grants or contracts, their success shows the potential for the industry to thrive with additional support.

With the right support, the Australian robotics industry has the potential to rapidly grow and make a significant contribution to the economy. The industry already has established networks and sales and development pipelines, which can be leveraged to expand its reach and impact. Additionally, the development of new robotics technologies and applications can create new business opportunities and attract additional investment in the industry. By supporting the Australian robotics industry, the government can help drive innovation, create new jobs, and enhance Australia's global competitiveness in this rapidly evolving field.

Without adequate support, the Australian robotics industry may face significant challenges in remaining competitive and continuing to grow. While the industry is currently competitive, other OECD countries are investing heavily in the development of sovereign capabilities in robotics and automation. If Australia does not invest in its own industry, it may risk falling behind other nations and losing valuable intellectual property and talent.

If the Australian robotics industry is not supported, there is a risk of significant gaps developing in the country's capability to develop and maintain advanced robotics technologies. Other countries may take advantage of this gap by attracting talented researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to their own shores. As a result, Australia may end up buying back the technology developed elsewhere, rather than developing its own capability and owning the intellectual property that comes with it.

Therefore, it is essential for the Australian government to invest in the robotics industry and support local companies in developing advanced technologies. This will help to create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position Australia as a leader in the field. Without such support, the country risks losing its competitive edge and falling behind in this rapidly evolving industry.

One major barrier is the perception of manufacturing and industrial work as low-skilled and low-paid, which can discourage people from pursuing careers in these fields. As we have seen in other industries, such as mining, the introduction of technology has not replaced workers. Rather, the industry has had to upskill the workforce to supervisory roles rather than operations roles as the robots are doing the work.

Another barrier is the limited availability of training and education programs that are specific to robotics and automation. Many workers may not have access to the necessary resources or training to learn how to operate or maintain robots, which can limit their ability to contribute to the industry. Again, this is an area where a reinvented and reinvigorated TAFE system can provide the pathways to retrain existing workers for these roles.

Governments can provide incentives for businesses to invest in training and education programs, such as tax breaks or grants. This can help businesses overcome the initial costs of investing in training and education, and encourage them to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce. By addressing these barriers and promoting investment in training and education, Australia can build a strong and diverse workforce that is equipped to produce and adopt robotics and automation.

The adoption of robots in the workplace has brought about a significant increase in diversity, providing opportunities for individuals who may have previously been excluded due to a variety of factors. One key advantage of using robots is that they can be operated remotely, which allows people from remote and regional areas to participate in industries that they may not have previously had access to. This has the potential to bring new perspectives and experiences to the workplace, as well as promoting economic growth in areas that may have been otherwise overlooked.

Another group that can benefit from the use of robots in heavy industry are individuals with disabilities. With the aid of robots, people with physical limitations can perform tasks that may have previously been impossible, or required significant accommodation to perform. The ability to operate robots from accessible areas allows individuals with disabilities to have a meaningful impact in heavy industry, potentially leading to increased employment opportunities and a more diverse range of perspectives in the workplace.

In addition to physical limitations, the use of robots also provides opportunities for individuals with high cognitive and perception abilities to contribute to the workplace. Unlike traditional manual labor jobs, many robotic tasks can be learned through on-the-job training, allowing people who may not have a full education to participate and contribute in the workplace. This can lead to increased diversity in the workforce, as individuals from a wider range of educational backgrounds and experiences are able to participate in industries that may have previously been limited to those with higher education levels.

The transition of existing workers to operate and maintain robots can be relatively short and straightforward for a few reasons. Firstly, the younger generation of workers entering the workforce are already familiar with operating computer games and have a natural aptitude for technology. This means that they are well-suited to adapting to new systems and technologies, including robot operation and maintenance.

Secondly, many workers who have experience in maintaining factory equipment can be quickly trained in robot maintenance. While robots have some unique features that require specialised knowledge, the basic principles of maintenance and repair are often similar to those used for other types of equipment. This means that workers with experience in mechanical and electrical maintenance can often make the transition to robot maintenance with relative ease.

Finally, initiatives like the current effort to rebuild TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Australia can provide a pathway for workers to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to work with robots. TAFE courses can provide workers with practical training and experience, as well as theoretical knowledge, to help them adapt to the changing technological landscape of the workforce. By investing in programs that help workers transition to robot operation and maintenance, businesses can ensure that they have a skilled and diverse workforce to meet the demands of the future.

In Australia, the traditional approach to funding for robotics has been through "push" funding, in the form of R&D incentives for industry and universities. However, despite significant investment in research and development, this approach has resulted in the lowest conversion rate of university intellectual property in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). To address this issue, there is a growing call for a shift to a "pull" model of funding that focuses on the adoption of robotics. By funding the adoption of robotics, this will create a market demand for these technologies, which will in turn drive innovation and commercialisation in the sector.

To support this transition to a "pull" funding model, there have been calls for increased government investment in robotics and automation across a range of industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Additionally, there is a need for greater collaboration between industry and academia, to ensure that research is aligned with the needs of industry and that there is a clear pathway for commercialisation of new technologies. By adopting this approach, Australia can position itself as a leader in robotics and automation, with significant benefits for the economy and society as a whole.

Despite the strength of the Australian robotics industry, there has been a lack of adoption of locally developed robotics technologies by the Australian government and industry. One potential reason for this lack of adoption is that people in government and industry positions may be more interested in building their careers than in investing in Australian technology. Purchasing technology from large, well-known American or European brands may be viewed as a safer career move, as it is seen as less risky than investing in a lesser-known Australian company. As a result, there may be a lack of incentive for these individuals to buy Australian-developed robotics technologies.

The adoption of Australian robotics technologies by the government and industry is often hindered by the lack of incentive for procurement officials to seek out and invest in locally developed technologies. For many individuals, particularly those in decision-making positions, working with large multinational companies can be more exciting and prestigious than investing in smaller, local companies. This can be seen as a way to build one's career by working with well-known and established names in the industry.

There is currently no national incentive or requirement for people in procurement to buy Australian robotic technology. Procurement officials are often tasked with finding the best value for their organisation or government, and may not be required to prioritise local companies or technologies. This means that Australian robotics companies may face additional barriers to market entry, particularly when competing with larger, established multinational companies. Without a national policy or requirement to prioritise Australian-made technologies, the adoption of locally developed robotics may continue to lag behind other countries, potentially putting Australia at a disadvantage in the global market.

The vertically pillared nature of government and industry procurement may contribute to a lack of consideration for the positive externalities of investing in Australian robotic technology. Procurement officials are often tasked with meeting specific objectives, such as reducing costs or increasing efficiency, within their own department or organisation. However, there may be positive spillover effects of investing in local robotics technologies that extend beyond the immediate benefits to the specific department or organisation making the procurement decision.

For example, investing in Australian robotics technologies may create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the local region, as well as driving innovation and improving the competitiveness of the broader Australian robotics industry. Additionally, investing in local robotics technologies may provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between academia, industry, and government, which can lead to further innovation and advancements in the field. By failing to take into account these positive externalities, government and industry procurement may miss out on opportunities to support the growth of a critical industry in Australia, potentially limiting future economic and technological benefits.

There is no single area of expertise known as "robotics". Rather, robotics is an integration of a number of technologies and disciplines, including artificial intelligence (AI), communications, software development, cybersecurity, mechanical and electronic engineering, and more. Each of these areas plays a critical role in the development and deployment of robotic systems, from the software that controls their movements to the sensors that allow them to perceive their environment.

As technology continues to evolve, the integration of new disciplines into the field of robotics is also changing. For example, quantum computing is expected to become increasingly important for robotics in the future, enabling new capabilities and applications that are not possible with classical computing. This means that developing expertise in robotics requires a broad range of skills and knowledge, and that successful robotics companies and research teams are typically multidisciplinary, drawing on expertise from across different fields.

Because robotics is an integration of various technologies and disciplines, a focus on robotics can drive investment and growth across multiple critical industries. For example, advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and communications that are made through robotics research can have applications in a wide range of other industries, from healthcare to finance to transportation.

Investment in robotics can also drive innovation and growth in mechanical and electronic engineering, as new components and systems are developed to support the increasing sophistication of robotic systems. This, in turn, can have positive impacts on manufacturing and other industries that rely on these technologies.

By promoting the development and adoption of robotics, governments and organisations can drive innovation and investment across multiple industries, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and advancement that benefits society as a whole.

Government, defence, and industry procurement are often driven by a paradigm of contract management and risk aversion, rather than a focus on industry and economic development. Procurement decisions are often made based on the lowest cost and the least amount of risk, rather than on the long-term economic benefits to the country. This results in a disconnect between the principles of economic rationalism in procurement and the broader goals of national economic growth and development.

This approach to procurement may result in short-term gains, but it does not support the long-term development of critical industries such as robotics. By focusing on cost and risk management, decision-makers may overlook the potential economic benefits of investing in new and innovative technologies developed by Australian companies. This mindset can hinder the growth of local industries, limit the development of new technology, and ultimately reduce Australia's competitiveness in the global market.

It is essential for decision-makers in government, defence, and industry procurement to take a long-term view of economic development and consider the potential benefits of investing in Australian technology and innovation. By doing so, they can help to foster a robust and competitive local industry that can support economic growth and development in the years to come.

Australia is the world's sixth-largest country and has a vast coastline of more than 25,000 kilometres. The country also has large unpopulated areas, particularly in its interior, such as the Outback. Given the country's vast size and challenging terrain, it can be difficult to monitor and protect its borders, conduct search and rescue operations, and monitor the environment.

One potential solution to these challenges is the use of uncrewed systems. These systems are vehicles that can be operated remotely from a control centre. They can be equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras, allowing them to gather data and images from areas that may be difficult or dangerous for humans to access.

Australia can take advantage of uncrewed systems for border protection by deploying them to monitor coastal areas and detect any illegal activities such as drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. Uncrewed systems can also be used for search and rescue operations in remote areas, where it can be difficult to send human rescuers due to the challenging terrain.

It can be challenging for regulatory bodies such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to balance safety concerns with innovation and industry growth. While CASA has made significant efforts to develop regulatory frameworks that support the integration of drones into the Australian airspace, some industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that there is a lack of low-cost testing areas available for drone developers. It is important to recognize that establishing such testing areas can be a complex process that involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including landowners, industry representatives, and regulatory bodies. While some stakeholders may feel that CASA has fallen short in this area, it is essential to continue the conversation and work towards solutions that support innovation while maintaining safety and security standards. As the drone industry continues to grow and evolve, it is important for regulatory bodies such as CASA to remain responsive to industry needs and find ways to facilitate growth and development while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Australia's vast size and sparse population make it an ideal location for drone testing and development. However, despite the country's vast and largely unpopulated regions, there is currently no area in Australia where developers can test early prototype drone technology beyond line of sight (BLOS). This is a significant limitation for drone developers, as BLOS testing is critical for advancing drone technology and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. While there are some designated testing areas for drones, these are typically limited to visual line of sight (VLOS) testing, which does not allow for the full range of capabilities that BLOS testing can offer. This limitation can put Australian drone developers at a disadvantage when competing with developers in other countries who have access to more expansive testing areas. To address this issue, there have been calls for increased investment in the development of BLOS testing facilities in Australia, which would allow for more advanced testing of drone technology and support innovation and growth in the industry.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre (TASDCRC) have made significant progress in developing a regulatory framework for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in Australian waters. This includes the development of guidelines for the operation of USVs and the establishment of certification requirements for USV operators. While this work is critical for ensuring the safe and responsible use of USVs, there is currently a lack of readily available testing areas for prototype vessels. This poses a challenge for developers who need to test early-stage USV technology in a safe and controlled environment. The establishment of such testing areas would not only support the growth of the USV industry but also provide an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in USV technology. Efforts are underway to address this issue, with calls for increased investment in the development of USV testing facilities, which would enable more advanced testing of USV technology and support innovation and growth in the industry.

The current regulatory framework for uncrewed systems in Australia prioritises the safety of existing crewed vessels and aircraft. This includes regulations that require uncrewed systems to avoid collisions with crewed vehicles and maintain a safe distance from them. However, there is also a need to establish areas where uncrewed systems can operate without the risk of interference or collisions with crewed vehicles. These exclusion zones would provide a safe and controlled environment for uncrewed systems to operate, allowing them to be tested and deployed more effectively. Such exclusion zones could be established in areas with low crewed vehicle traffic or in designated testing areas where uncrewed systems can operate without the risk of interfering with other vehicles. The establishment of exclusion zones would require collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and other relevant parties to ensure that they are effective and practical while still maintaining safety and security standards. Overall, the establishment of exclusion zones for uncrewed systems is a critical step in supporting the growth and development of this emerging industry while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.