Key issues facing the Robotics Industry in Australia

As we eagerly await the release of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Discussion Paper on the National Robotics Strategy, it’s time to reflect on the feedback we’ve received from representatives across the robotics ecosystem.

One of the key issues identified across the board was difficulty in accessing capital in Australia, a reason many companies decide to start-up offshore where we lose the direct benefits of the talent and technologies they produce.

Robotics Australia Group formed to support the development of a sustainable robotics industry here in Australia. We have developed a 7 point action plan outlining some of the key areas which can help us achieve this outcome:

RAG 7 Point Plan

To establish Australia as a global leader in the uptake and supply of trustworthy robotics products and services by 2030.

Growth

• Substantially increase and grow Australian-based high growth robotics companies by addressing funding gaps and supporting export development

• Incentivise collaboration to encourage large companies and government agencies to partner, invest and nurture Australian robotics companies as they scale and develop fit-for-purpose solutions

Talent

• Grow robotics talent base in line with Government targets, by increasing university and TAFE graduates, diversifying pathways into robotics, supporting work placements and expanding community literacy of robotics.

• Collaborate with others to address workforce challenges (skills, talent, attraction and retention)

Cohesion

• Develop clusters to form the building blocks of a sustainable robotics industry by supporting collaboration, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial culture

• Build better linkages with Australia’s strong research base and help bridge the commercialisation gap

Acceptance

• Ensure ethical robotics solutions meet public expectations, improve Australia’s well-being and are consistent with our democratic values

• Our 7 point action plan will form the core of our submission to the federal government once the Discussion Paper on the National Robotics Strategy is released.

We encourage everyone in the local robotics ecosystem, from the companies building robots to those researching and developing new robotic technologies, robotics educators and enthusiasts, and the companies looking to adopt robots and robotics-related technologies to submit a response.

We will also open up a survey so that you can contribute to the Robotics Australia Group response if you prefer and we will endeavour to represent your view (time and space permitting).

Stay tuned for the release of the Discussion Paper so our sovereign robotics industry can take advantage of the great opportunity to influence policy in this area and contribute to Australia’s first ever National Robotics Strategy.