A new national robotics strategy will aim to better integrate automated technologies into workplaces and ensure worker safety.
The strategy, announced the week, outlines four broad goals around national capability, industry adoption, responsible use and skills.
Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic said robotics and automation technologies had enormous potential to transform advanced manufacturing.
Minister Husic said they could also support the transition to net zero, combat workforce shortages and create safer and more productive work environments.
“They could add up to $600 billion per annum to our GDP and increase productivity growth by up to 150 percent.”
He said the technologies already played an important role in many sectors, from harvesting crops, monitoring the environment, and assisting in emergency responses, to enhancing manufacturing and improving safety measures in factories, construction sites and mines.
“The strategy charts a course for governments, industry, researchers and the wider community to position Australia as a world leader in developing, manufacturing and using responsible robotics and automation technologies.”
The strategy’s four main goals are around:
- National capability: Build a strong, collaborative robotics and automation ecosystem that is recognised for its strengths, has a thriving domestic market and exports globally.
- Increasing adoption: Support Australian industries to integrate robotics and automation in ways that benefit Australian workers and communities.
- Trust, inclusion and responsible development and use: Ensure robotics and automation in Australia are safe to use alongside Australian workers and are secure and inclusive by design.
- Skills and diversity: Support Australians from all backgrounds to contribute to and benefit from the development and adoption of robotics and automation.
