Australia’s first robotics hub to give manufacturers a competitive edge has been launched in Brisbane.
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub will provide practical advice to Queensland manufacturers on how to apply robotics and automation to their businesses.
Launching the new hub, QLD Manufacturing Minister Cameron Dick said manufacturers would now have the opportunity to learn cutting-edge robotic technologies and techniques.
The government has invested $7.71 million over four years to establish the Hub, along with more than $10 million in additional investment from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), public realm design firm Urban Art Projects, and other partner organisations.
The hub is based at Urban Art Projects’ studios in Northgate, Brisbane.
“Few things are reshaping the world faster than the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems,” the Minister said.
“Our vision is for Queensland to be the leading jurisdiction in Australia for robotics.”
Boost to QLD economy
A report The Robotics and Automation Advantage for Queensland, commissioned by QUT found the adoption of robotics and automation in Queensland over the next 10 years would result in 1.5 per cent added growth.
That represents a $77.2 billion boost to Gross State Product and 725,810 new jobs created, Minister Dick said.
“The ARM Hub will provide practical production and manufacturing advice in a real-life factory environment,” he said.
Queensland manufacturers would learn cutting-edge robotic technologies and develop industry skill and expertise to apply to their own businesses.
“This is a facility for all of Queensland. All manufacturers across the state will be able to access the ARM Hub, across sectors as diverse as aerospace, biomedical, beef and food processing, defence, mining equipment, technology and services, rail manufacturing, and space.”
Solid suite of capabilities
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said Queensland’s strong national and international reputation as a robotics leader was based on a solid suite of capabilities including those developed at the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision headquartered at QUT.
“QUT will invest over $4 million to implement the ARM Hub, including support from the University’s Design Lab, which will provide expertise in high-value product development and the integration of new technologies into the manufacturing process,” Professor Sheil said.
“The Hub will allow Queensland industry and research institutions to build the advanced capability that will enable manufacturers to be more competitive, bring manufacturing jobs back to Australia and generate new jobs here.”
Creating domestic and export opportunities
UAP’s Co-founder and Managing Director, Matthew Tobin said the global creative studio and art foundry, recognised for their early adoption of robotics and Industry 4.0, was excited to see the ARM Hub become a reality.
“Adoption of future manufacturing capabilities improve competitive advantages of Australian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by creating domestic and export opportunities and generate new jobs for the manufacturing industry especially amongst SMEs,” Mr Tobin said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming SMEs across Queensland who will have access to the practical research we have undertaken at our workshops.
Minister Dick said while the ARM Hub will initially be in Brisbane, its services will be delivered across the state.
