Australian Robotics Roadmap launched

Australia’s first Robotics Roadmap was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.

“We are very pleased to officially launch Australia’s first Robotics Roadmap today in Canberra,” said The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision Chief Operating Officer Dr Sue Keay.

“Australia’s Robotics Roadmap is a critical step towards a national strategy to invest in robotic technology to create and support a vibrant economy, community and nation,” said Dr Keay.

The roadmap aims to create the grounds for the necessary cooperation to allow robots to help unlock human potential, modernise the economy and build national health, wellbeing and sustainability.

“Australia’s continued high standard of living depends on us improving productivity 2.5% every year,” Keay added. “With our ageing population this won’t come from labour productivity alone but will rely on automation. Automation is predicted to deliver Australia a $2.2 trillion dividend over the next 15 years if we encourage businesses to accelerate their uptake of new technologies such as robotics.

“With support and collaboration between industries, government, researchers and developers in coming years we will see robotic technology developed that can help maintain our living standards, protect the environment, provide services to remote communities, reduce healthcare costs and create more efficient and safer workplaces.

“With Australia currently ranked as 18th in the world for global automation by the International Federation of Robotics, it’s time we start understanding robots as everyday problem solvers rather than scientific fantasy. As a community we need to understand and harness the potential of robotics technology to improve our lives.”

Leaders in academia, industry and government across key sectors including resources, built and natural environment, manufacturing, services, agriculture, defence and health care have all helped shape the roadmap through submissions and workshops held in late 2017.

“Australia has a talented pool of robotics leaders and researchers who are working on some incredibly exciting projects,” said Keay. “We have an opportunity to take a collaborative, multisector approach to education, funding and legislation to benefit industries and lead the way in the development of robotic technology that can solve real global challenges.”

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, emphasised the importance of the roadmap in unlocking Australia’s robotics potential for industry.

“When I was a child, robots were the realm of science fiction alone. Even through the decades that followed, simple automation and machines failed to fill the grand promises made by my favourite books.

“But in the last few years, that’s all changed — robots and artificial intelligence are appearing in every industry sector, with huge practical impact on the way we live, work and plan for the future. This roadmap shows just how quickly this field is moving, and the rewards available to a robot-ready Australia.”

Australia’s first robotics roadmap was pioneered by The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision.

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