Main findings for robotics in the manufacturing sector

Despite the loss of car manufacturing capability, niche manufacturing in high-value industries and production related to food and beverage, machinery and equipment, and metal has increased significantly in Australia. Australia has a specific need for robotics to act as a force multiplier, augmenting and extending world-class, skilled human capability while reducing human exposure to dirty, dull, and dangerous processes. Safety is a key priority for the sector, which is dominated by SMEs who need skilled workers to take advantage of Industry 4.0. Ongoing training is required to allow the workforce to continually evolve to stay ahead of the latest technological developments. However, the sector has an ageing workforce with a lack of gender diversity, while struggling to attract young people.

This can create skills shortages and impact other sectors that source workers from the manufacturing industry. If Australia invests wisely and shares people, data, and solutions across sectors, it can grow a national capability to support and expand niche manufacturing expertise and remain globally competitive.