The government wants to know what you think about robotics

The federal government has issued a discussion paper on the development of a new National Robotics Strategy to better understand the opportunities and challenges for Australian industries adopting robotics and automation.

Industry and science minister Ed Husic said the discussion paper will help guide a conversation on growing the production and responsible use of robotics in Australia.

“Australia has all the ingredients to grow our robotics industry – world-class research institutions, a highly skilled workforce and favourable business conditions,” he said.

“The passage of our $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund through Parliament last week can also provide investment support for the onshore development of enabling capabilities like robotics.”

Husic said automation tech, including robotics, could add between $170 billion to $600 billion annually to Australia’s GDP by 2030.

“It’s also good for jobs, with research showing countries that have invested more in robotics have experienced higher levels of employment growth,” the minister said.

“Responses to the discussion paper will help to identify priority areas for the future of Australian robotics and automation technologies, including existing strengths and gaps to be addressed.

“Importantly, if we want to grow advanced manufacturing in Australia, we will need to explore ways to boost our robotics and automation capabilities.”

The paper also ponders the barriers faced by businesses producing robotics and automation technologies in Australia, as well as seeking to address concerns around the potential impact of robotics on work and communities.

Husic said the government will consult widely, supported by a series of workshops across Australia in April and May.

The strategy will be used by the government to:

• set out a vision for the robotics sector in Australia including the value of the domestic market for robotics and automation, and the contribution of these enabling capabilities to the economy
• address challenges across the national robotics and automation ecosystem, including challenges regarding growth, talent, collaboration, cohesion, workforce impacts, public trust and approval
• articulate the potential role of robotics and automation in the government’s agendas for the economy, revitalising manufacturing, jobs and skills.

Submissions close May 7. Details, along with the discussion paper, are available here.