National Robotics Strategy: discussion paper

Robot: A robot is an autonomous or semi-autonomous electromechanical machine designed to perform tasks in its environment. Robots often use sensors to gather information, programs to choose how to act, and actuators to act upon the environment.

I agree with the remaining definitions.

I believe that the greatest opportunity for our nation lies in rebuilding our sovereign manufacturing capabilities. By utilising robots as a tool, we can facilitate the establishment and operation of comprehensive, on-shore manufacturing supply chains. Initially, the government should prioritise on-shoring manufacturing operations, whether sovereign or foreign-owned, and incentivise manufacturers of robotics, automation, and machinery, which these operations will depend on, to establish a significant on-shore presence that goes beyond the typical sales branch.

This approach will naturally generate a substantial number of local job opportunities, tapping into the wealth of talent emerging from our educational institutions. As the number of local professionals working in Australia's robotics industry grows, sovereign startups will organically emerge to challenge the status quo. These startups will have a higher likelihood of success because the rest of the supply chain will already be present and thriving. This should also reduce the risk for funding providers, as the market size will be well-established.

Collaborate with educational institutions to gather data on the percentage of their graduates securing employment in the robotics field, and partner with job search websites to collect information on the number of local robotics job openings. Additionally, consider exploring methods for obtaining data on the number of Australians employed in robotics positions abroad.

In developing a shared vision to capture Australia's robotics opportunities, it is essential to consider the versatility of robotics skills and their applicability across various industries. Emphasising this transferability in communications will help alleviate concerns about the viability of pursuing a robotics career within the country during its early stages of development.

While Australia's existing strengths in robotics and automation research, development, and production are noteworthy, it is crucial to focus on building our national robotics capabilities in alignment with the needs of employers hiring roboticists. By doing so, we can ensure a demand-driven approach that fosters the growth and relevance of our robotics industry.

The country can concentrate on incentivizing the on-shoring of operations in industries like manufacturing. By bringing these operations on-shore, demand and job opportunities in the robotics sector will grow, expanding the market size. This increased market size will naturally create a more favourable investment environment, allowing Australian robotics companies to flourish.

Improving Australia's robotics supply chain can be achieved by encouraging the deployment of robotics-supported operations, such as manufacturing, within the country. This will stimulate demand for robots and their use in various industries, organically strengthening and expanding the supply chain to better support the growing market.

This will never happen, but you could consider revising university IP ownership laws.

I believe that additional efforts to encourage collaboration between industry and research may not be necessary. By incentivizing on-shoring of operations in industries such as manufacturing, collaboration between industry and research will likely emerge organically. Numerous research collaboration opportunities already exist, which businesses can take advantage of.

Many applications of robotics in industry today necessitate bespoke work to address each customers specific requirements. Remote collaboration, especially across international borders, presents a significant challenge for implementing robotics in these instances. This is not a problem that can easily be addressed so working to build demand for robotics in-country should be a primary focus.

By promoting the on-shoring of industries that previously relocated due to labor costs, Australian workers can benefit from an increasing number of higher-paying job opportunities. For those displaced by automation in existing on-shore operations, the government should offer support to both workers and industries in navigating the re-skilling process, ensuring a smoother transition.

We should increase our development and promotion of a space industry in Australia. Space is universally inspirational and should assist significantly in promoting and normalizing careers in STEM.

Separately, we should look to increase accessibility to robotics demonstrations through installations in science museums and the like. Japan could serve as a source of inspiration for this concept.

From my experience, Australian businesses typically adopt robotics technology only when they can achieve a return on investment within five years or less, and when the technology involves minimal changes to their existing operations. I have not encountered businesses that embrace the conventional robotics researcher's argument that a robotic solution is viable simply because it can operate 24/7. Successful implementations usually involve robotic solutions that match or exceed human capabilities during a standard shift, in addition to providing other improvements.

From my experience, Australian businesses place no weight on a robotics solution being Australian-made.

While I am uncertain if this factor limits the adoption of robotics, it would be beneficial for both the robotics industry and its adopters if the government clarified the existing regulatory and standards landscape for robotics in Australia. For emerging robotics companies, determining which standards and Acts are applicable and mandatory can be challenging. The ATO's website serves as a prime example of how to provide comprehensive, relevant information to new businesses, and a similar approach could be employed for robotics regulations and standards.