Qld to host Australia's first robotics manufacturing hub

Australia’s first robotics manufacturing hub is set to be developed in Brisbane, allowing Queensland manufacturers to access cutting-edge technologies, techniques, and industry skills and expertise.

The Advanced Robotics Manufacturing (ARM) Hub — funded by the Queensland Government, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Urban Art Projects (UAP) — will help improve manufacturers’ capabilities across the aerospace, biomedical, beef and food processing, defence, mining equipment, technology and services, rail manufacturing and space sectors, according to Queensland Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick.

The state’s advanced robotics capabilities will also help generate jobs and drive economic growth, Dick added.

“A report ‘The robotics and automation advantage for Queensland’, commissioned by QUT, found the most likely economic benefit from the adoption of robotics and automation in Queensland over the next 10 years is 1.5% added growth, a $77.2 billion boost to gross state product and 725,810 new jobs created,” the Minister said.

UAP co-founder and Managing Director Matthew Tobin said the global creative studio and art foundry, recognised for its 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,” 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.”

Total investment in the hub currently stands at almost $18 million.