Australia globally recognised for robotics

CSIRO’s new Robotics Innovation Centre in Queensland has the backing of the Australian government, which sees robotics and automation as a key strength for the country.

In March, CSIRO Data61 announced the opening of a new purpose-built research facility for robotics and autonomous systems, which expands on its current infrastructure.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews told Manufacturers’ Monthly that robots and autonomous systems are unlocking new value and supporting industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing to grow the economy and create more jobs.

“The development of robotics and automation systems will lead to the creation of new businesses, as well as helping existing businesses to evolve, creating new jobs and growing our economy,” she said.

A recent report by AlphaBeta Advisors, The Automation Advantage, noted that automation presented a $2.2 trillion opportunity if Australia manages the journey towards the new economy seamlessly with workers transitioning successfully to new activities.

The report indicated that as automation reduces routine and manual work, jobs will become safer, more satisfying and more valuable.

According to the report, workplace injuries will fall by 11 per cent as dangerous manual tasks are automated, 62 per cent of low-skilled workers will experience improved satisfaction, and wages for non-automatable work will be 20 per cent higher than for automatable work.

Andrews said the Australian government recognises the value of the country’s science, research and technology sectors to achieve greater success in robotics and automation.

The federal government has invested more than $4.6 billion for the six financial years from 2013-14 to 2018-19.

The 2018-19 Budget funding to CSIRO is $843.7 million, an increase of $40.1 million from the 2017-18 Budget.

“Australia has globally recognised and established research strengths in a number of areas, in particular machine learning and robotics.

“To maximise the benefits of Industry 4.0 technologies in growing the economy and creating jobs, the liberal national government is supporting stronger industry-research collaboration, a skilled workforce and adoption of advanced technologies and business models by companies,” said Andrews.