Australia's first National Robotics Strategy

The Australian Government is setting out its vision to unlock the vast benefits of robotics and automation technologies to build a Future Made in Australia.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic released Australia’s first National Robotics strategy at an event the Australian Financial Review AI Summit in Sydney today.

Robotics and automation technologies have enormous potential to transform advanced manufacturing, support our transition to net zero, combat workforce shortages and create safer and more productive work environments for Australians.

They could add up to $600 billion per annum to our GDP and increase productivity growth by up to 150 per cent.

These technologies already play 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 aims to support Australian industries developing and using robotics and automation technologies to strengthen competitiveness, boost productivity and support local communities.

• 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.

The strategy was developed with guidance from the National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee, and shaped by an extensive, nationwide consultation process with many Australians, including those with specialist knowledge in robotics, technology, ethics and community and workplace issues.

The strategy also complements and is supported by the Government’s National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program and the Future Made In Australia, which seek to increase the commercialisation and adoption of critical technologies like robotics to support the growth of our economy. 

The strategy is now available at https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-robotics-strategy

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“Robotics and automation will be important ingredients in helping Australian industry deliver a Future Made in Australia.

“Investing in the skills of our people, along with investing in technology like robotics and automation, will help sharpen our advanced manufacturing edge and grow secure jobs.

“We’ve seen when other countries like Germany and Japan invest in automation, they’re able to keep jobs and industry onshore in a competitive global environment.

“As our mining and ag sectors have shown, we’ve got some of the best robotics know-how in the world, but we’re 32^nd for the take-up of industrial robots.

“Our strategy shows how we can develop our competitive strengths using these technologies, leveraging what we already do well.”