Australia's Robotics Mastery: Paving the Way to a Revolutionary Future

If you were to ask any professional in the robotics domain at the tail end of 2022, you would most likely see a smile on their face. Why? Minister Ed Husic, in the Albanese Government, had touted interest and drive in developing a National Robotics Strategy. Why? Well, if you take a step back and look at what it could do to Australia’s economic and societal growth, you will see why.

?"Automation technologies, including robotics, provide an opportunity to add between $170 billion to $600 billion per year to Australia’s GDP by 2030." - Minister Ed Husic

It’s also good for jobs, with research showing that countries that have invested more in robotics have experienced higher levels of employment growth. On the 5th of April 2023, this converted into a full public consultation process over the back of the release of a discussion paper specifically on the development of a new National Robotics Strategy today to explore the opportunities and challenges for Australian industries adopting robotics and automation.

Now, for someone wanting to specialize in the field, including up-and-comers, or those pivoting from another field, or already in this field, this is a monumental giant leap in the right direction. Robotics and automation technologies are around us everywhere we go and in everything we do. You could argue that your coffee machine is actually robotic in design, or maybe you already drive a Tesla.

But it’s probably worth explaining the fuss. The field of robotics has been rapidly growing over the past decade and has played a significant role in many industries across the world. Australia, in particular, has seen slow but steady growth in the robotics sector, with several examples of Australian companies implementing robotics solutions in industries such as mining, agriculture, and logistics.

As an example, companies such as Rio Tinto and BHP have implemented autonomous trucks and trains in the Pilbara, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) even scored second place in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) challenge, showcasing the country's capabilities in robotics. So, as a country, we have gotten serious about Robotics.

I might just add, Australia is home to some of the most knowledgeable minds in the Robotics domain.

"In 2021, a team from CSIRO’s Data 61 Robotics, an autonomous systems group won second place in the DARPA robotics challenge, demonstrating Australia’s cutting-edge software, technology and research expertise" - Minister Ed Husic

In addition to the mining industry, many other Australian companies are making significant contributions to the robotics field. For instance, the company Fastbrick Robotics is developing a robotic bricklaying system that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. Similarly, the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, a world-renowned research center, is making great strides in the development of computer vision and robotic perception technologies that have numerous applications in a variety of industries.

So when it was announced that the Australian government had recognized the importance of robotics and its potential to benefit the country's economy and society, you can begin to see the foundations of what could be a redefinition of Australia’s future, with emphasis at the Federal Level under Minister Ed Husic.

There is an interesting parallel to another domain that is in a similar position. And that is Space. While Australia has had the capability for many years, it is only now that the country is becoming serious about space. However, you could now argue that Australia's best chance to be a power in space is through the usage of remote operations and robotics. Robotics can be used for tasks such as space exploration, satellite maintenance, and debris removal.

“Australia is at the cutting-edge of robotics technology and systems for remote operations, which are going to be central to setting up a sustainable presence on the Moon and eventually supporting human exploration of Mars” - Head of the ASA, Enrico Palermo.

I mean, not to bang on about it, but even NASA's Deputy Administrator, Pamela Melroy, has recognized Australia's world-leading robotics and remote operations capabilities. This recognition underscores the significant contributions that Australia has made in this field and the potential for further growth and collaboration.

The intersection of robotics and space presents a unique opportunity for Australia to further develop its expertise and capabilities in both fields. Robotics and space go hand-in-hand in supporting Australia's economic growth and societal advancement.

One way to achieve this is through a national project that merges the fields of robotics and space, similar to what Canada has done with the Canadarm. The Canadarm has enabled Canada to become a world leader in space robotics, providing essential support for the International Space Station and other space missions. A similar project in Australia could lead to the development of innovative space technologies and capabilities that would benefit not only Australia but also the international community.

Canada's emphasis on robotics has brought many benefits to the country economically and technologically. The CanadaArm, for example, was a game-changer in the field of space robotics and has been used to perform numerous tasks on the International Space Station and other space missions. The success of the CanadaArm has established Canada as a world leader in space robotics, and has resulted in increased investment and opportunities for Canadian companies and researchers in the field.

Additionally, the development of robotics technology has created new job opportunities and stimulated economic growth in Canada. Robotics and automation have become increasingly important in various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. By specializing in robotics, Canada has been able to capitalize on these advancements and improve its competitiveness in the global market.

Canada's focus on robotics has led to significant technological advancements in the field. Canadian researchers and companies have developed innovative robots for a variety of applications, including space exploration, mining, and healthcare. This has not only improved Canada's profile in the field of robotics, but has also contributed to advancements in technology and scientific knowledge.

The importance of robotics for Australia cannot be overstated, particularly given the country's recent focus on defense and space industries. While not necessarily or explicitly linked to robotics, the announcement of AUKUS’s Second Pillar, which includes cooperation on defense technology, further underscores the importance of robotics for Australia. In addition, the Australian Space Agency has also made robotics a key focus area, recognizing the importance of robotics for space exploration and development.

Australia's other agreements, such as the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, could also be relevant in the development of new technologies related to robotics and automation. This collaboration provides opportunities for Australian researchers and businesses to access the latest robotics technology and expertise and to share their own innovations with the world. As a result, the development of robotics technology has become a key priority for the country's economic and strategic growth.

Taking a step back, it's easy to see how this move will be well-appreciated, not only by those currently in the robotics domain but also by a wider net of stakeholders over time. Perhaps space is the next frontier for Australia's innovative robotics technology.