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Australian-based robotics company Lyro Robotics creates an autonomous packing robot. | Source: Lyro Robotics

Ed Husic, Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science, appointed a National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee. The committee will help to guide Australia’s strategy for emerging automation technologies. 

The committee will develop a national robotics strategy to help the country harness robotics and automation opportunities. The committee will examine robotics from every industry, from advanced manufacturing to agriculture. 

“We have brought together some of the nation’s leading robotics and technology thinkers and practitioners to guide the way we develop and use robotics,” Husic said. “Australia has a lot of the key elements that can help in the development of national robotics capabilities: our people, research and manufacturing skills. And while we’re recognized as possessing strength in field robotics, we can do better, across a wider range of activities.”

The National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee is chaired by Professor Bronwyn Fox, the Chief Scientist of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. 

Other members of the committee include:

• Catherine Ball, an associate professor at the Australian National University 
• Andrew Dettmer, the National President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union 
• Hugh Durrant-Whyte, the NSW chief scientist and engineer 
• Sue Keay, the founder and chair of the Robotics Australia Group
• Simon Lucey, the director of the Australian Institute of Machine Learning 
• Julia Powels, the director of UWA Minderoo Tech & Policy Lab
• Mike Zimmerman, a partner at Main Sequence Ventures

“Australian-made and maintained robotics and automation systems have the potential to boost local manufacturing, open up export opportunities and create safer and more productive work environments,” Husic said.

Husic also said that the National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee will aim to develop robotic strength while also developing human skills so that Australians still have access to secure, well-paying jobs. Husic asked for the strategy to be finalized by March 2023.