Manufacturing Tech Australia

How manufacturers can start digital transformation with low-cost tools, real shop-floor data, and minimal risk. In this episode, Harry Baxter from Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) and Matthew Doolan from UNSW Canberra explain how manufacturers can begin their digital manufacturing journey without investing in large-scale MES projects or expensive infrastructure. Shane and Paul explore practical examples from Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring and Smart Enough Factory initiatives, covering: How low-cost sensors, Raspberry Pi devices and simple dashboards can provide immediate visibility of factory operations Using energy monitoring to identify hidden power consumption and reduce operating costs How job-tracking systems help identify bottlenecks and improve production flow Why air-quality monitoring can improve workplace transparency and operational awareness The cultural challenges of digital adoption and how to build operator engagement from the shop floor up Why manufacturers should focus on solving business problems first and then select the appropriate technology Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, continuous improvement specialist, or SME owner, this episode provides practical examples of how to start capturing meaningful production data and build momentum for broader digital transformation. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

How mentoring, work experience and maker spaces help attract more women into Australian manufacturing. In this episode, Rachelle Turner and Steph Piper share their experiences entering manufacturing, engineering and maker spaces, along with practical ideas for increasing female participation across the sector. We cover: Why visibility and representation matter when encouraging young women to consider manufacturing careers How work experience, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship pathways create entry points into industry The role mentoring plays in building confidence, capability and long-term career growth Why workplace culture, bystander intervention and respectful feedback help retain diverse teams How maker spaces, libraries, 3D printing and hands-on projects introduce people to manufacturing and engineering skills Whether you're a manufacturer, plant manager, educator or parent, this episode provides practical ideas for attracting, supporting and developing the next generation of manufacturing talent. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

How food manufacturers are using AI vision, robotics, sorting and automation to boost quality, efficiency and competitiveness. In this episode, we share the latest automation and technology innovations showcased at FoodPro 2026. How upcycled textile robot covers can extend robot life and reduce maintenance in harsh manufacturing environments Affordable palletising automation designed to help smaller manufacturers adopt robotics safely and cost-effectively AI-powered machine vision systems for real-time food quality inspection, labelling compliance and defect detection Food sorting and grading technologies using AI, machine vision and spectral analysis to improve yield and decision-making End-of-line coding, marking, labelling and palletising solutions that help streamline packaging operations Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, automation engineer or technology buyer, this episode provides practical insights into the latest technologies shaping Australian food manufacturing. Featured guests: Ben Wood, Co-Founder at WipTex (Waste in Progress Textiles), Jim Karatasos, Founder of Process Evolution, Aditya Agrawal, Co-founder of Frinks AI, Andrew Saliba, Area Sales Manager at TOMRA, and Steven B Cail, State General Manager at Visy. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

How dairy processors can close the recycled plastic cost gap with backhauled bottle returns and food-grade HDPE reuse. Recorded live at CeMAT 2027, Shane hosts a panel discussion with Ben McCulloch from Martog & Company, Edward Vaudrey from Popit Recycling, and Taylor Quinn from Procal Dairies who share how a closed-loop model could reduce the cost barrier that keeps food-grade recycled HDPE above virgin polymer. The cover: * Why food-grade recycled HDPE usually costs more than virgin plastic, including smaller plant scale and the added collection, sorting, washing, decontamination, and extrusion steps. * How Procal’s existing crate return network can backhaul empty milk bottles from cafés, restaurants, and other food-service sites without adding new logistics cost. * How Popit’s modular recovery system scans bottles, removes contaminants, flakes material on site, and sends it to Martog for hot washing and food-grade processing. * Why 30 to 50 per cent recycled content is currently the commercial sweet spot for milk bottles, even though the long-term goal is to push costs to parity with virgin resin. * What rollout could look like next, from proving the economics at Prokal to expanding across more dairy processors in Australia. Whether you’re a plant manager, packaging lead, or sustainability manager, this episode gives you a practical model for testing circular packaging without building an entirely new recovery network. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

From cold chain robotics to humanoid AI, what will actually deliver value on the warehouse floor in 2026 might surprise you. At CeMAT 2026, Shane and Paul sat down with John Sauer from OPEX , Daniele Farioli from Modula , Maryam Ziaee from Slimstock, and Adam Frank from SugarAI , along with a Daemon robotics showcase, to break down what’s real versus hype. In this episode, we cover: How next-gen AS/RS systems are enabling multi-temperature storage without traditional cold rooms What humanoid robots can actually do today and how VR-trained AI models are shaping warehouse automation The evolution of vertical storage systems and how businesses are scaling high-speed fulfilment How inventory optimisation platforms are improving stock accuracy, cutting waste, and lifting revenue Why most manufacturers are sitting on untapped data and how AI-driven CRM is unlocking better forecasting If you're running warehouse operations, supply chain, or manufacturing, this episode gives you a grounded view of where automation and AI are really delivering results right now. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

How Australian manufacturers can adopt Industry 4.0 using training, collaboration, and emerging robotics technologies. In this episode, recorded live at CeMAT 2026, Vikram Sachdeva from Swinburne University , Andrew Brown from the Association for Manufacturing Excellence , and Jun from Agibot share how Australian manufacturers can practically adopt Industry 4.0 and AI. Paul covers: How Swinburne’s Factory of the Future and Digital Jobs programmes help manufacturers build AI and digital capability Using readiness frameworks like CERI and EMRI to prioritise digital transformation initiatives How AME supports continuous improvement through systems thinking, networking, and global knowledge sharing The role of humanoid and quadruped robotics for education, inspection, and manufacturing use cases Why collaboration across education, industry bodies, and robotics providers accelerates adoption Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or technology buyer, this episode gives you a practical view of how to get started with Industry 4.0 in Australia. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Food manufacturing is Australia’s largest manufacturing sector, yet it’s under pressure from every direction, squeezed margins, rising costs, global competition, and ongoing underinvestment. In this episode, Paul sits down with Angeline Achariya from Innovation Gamechangers to unpack what’s really happening inside the industry and why it matters far beyond food. They explore why manufacturers keep falling into the cycle of cutting costs instead of investing, how this is eroding long-term competitiveness, and why the real challenge isn’t a lack of capital, it’s a lack of understanding around ROI and strategic investment. Angeline shares a clear pathway forward, from mapping supply chain vulnerabilities and rethinking partnership strategies, to shifting Australia’s focus from volume production to high-value manufacturing that captures more margin. They also dive into the global landscape, including how China is reshaping food production through technology and biomanufacturing, and what Australian manufacturers can learn from it. If you’re in manufacturing, this episode is a wake-up call and a practical guide to building resilience, unlocking growth, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing world. Key takeaways: Why food manufacturing is the backbone of Australia’s economy, and why it’s being squeezed The real reason companies underinvest in technology and innovation Why capital isn’t the constraint, but mindset and ROI understanding are How to shift from volume-driven growth to margin-driven strategies The importance of mapping your supply chain and identifying vulnerabilities Why partnerships will define the next generation of manufacturers What China’s long-term strategy means for Australian industry Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Australian Manufacturing Week 2026 delivered more than just machines on stands. It surfaced the real conversations manufacturers are having about productivity, automation, software, skills, and how to stay competitive. In this episode, Paul Mason and I speak with a cross-section of exhibitors and industry leaders on the show floor, capturing what is actually resonating with Australian manufacturers right now. You will hear from Tim J. Kelly from the Manufacturing Excellence Forum on why regional manufacturing ecosystems like the Sunshine Coast matter more than ever. PPC Moulding Services share how advanced metrology, scanning and prototyping are helping manufacturers reduce risk before investing in tooling. ECI unpack why ERP, business systems and AI need to solve real problems rather than chase hype. The conversation also covers workforce challenges, reshoring wins, automation and robotics, manufacturing software, and why AMW 2026 felt different, with fewer tyre kickers and more serious buyers. This is a practical snapshot of where Australian manufacturing is heading, straight from the show floor. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Australian Manufacturing Week 2026 has landed in Brisbane for the first time ever — and we're recording live from the show floor. Part 1 of our AMW 2026 coverage brings you six exhibitor interviews covering robotics, autonomous material handling, ERP, 3D metrology, automation hardware, and the grant landscape for Australian manufacturers. Paul Mason and Shane Williams are joined by locals Phil Seboa from the Unplugged IIoT podcast, and Clare Treston to talk to leaders across the show about what's working, what's broken, and where the smart money is going in advanced manufacturing. In this episode you'll hear: - Manglesh Singh (Konica Minolta) on mobile cobots and AMRs that have clocked 16,000+ kilometres moving 500 pallets a day - Amanda (Freelance Robotics) on how cobot welding and the Blue Dragon framework are giving injured welders and boilermakers a way back into meaningful work - Mark and Trevor (Lily Works / PFM Works) on why nine out of ten manufacturers still run production on spreadsheets — and why replacing your ERP isn't the answer - Sara (RSM) on R&D tax incentives, CRC-P projects, and the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing grant programme offering $100K to $1.5M in matched funding - Danilo (Hi-Tech Metrology) on the Creaform HandySCAN Max — a handheld blue-laser 3D scanner doing three million points per second at 75-micron accuracy, with no surface prep needed on chrome or black parts - Michael (Mectec) on Delta automation, PLCs and vision systems helping Aussie SMEs automate repetitive packing operations - Gil Harkness (Queensland Government, Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Regional & Rural Development) on Queensland's eight manufacturing hubs, the AI-and-jobs conversation, and procurement opportunities from the Brisbane 2032 Olympics Manufacturing Tech Australia is Australia's leading podcast covering manufacturing technology, automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0. We're the official media partner of Australian Manufacturing Week. More episodes and resources: https://www.manufacturingtech.au Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturingtechau Part 2 of our AMW 2026 coverage drops next fortnight.

Manufacturers keep investing in automation, ERP, AI, and capital projects, yet many still struggle with cost, resilience, and execution. The problem is not the tools, it is fragmentation.In this episode, Shane Williams and Paul Mason are joined by Oliver North and Warren Proctor , Partners at Argon & Co , to unpack why siloed projects quietly destroy manufacturing competitiveness, and what an integrated operational roadmap actually looks like in practice. The discussion cuts straight to the shop floor, exploring how disconnected decisions across operations, supply chain, IT, capital planning, and product development lock in mediocrity rather than advantage. Oliver and Warren explain why sequencing matters, why an 80 percent plan beats perfection, and how integrated roadmaps help manufacturers respond faster to disruption without burning out their teams.This is a highly practical conversation for operational leaders who want to move beyond isolated improvements and build organisations that can pivot, scale, and win under constant volatility.In this episode, you will learn: Why siloed investments reduce ROI and lock in operational constraints How integrated roadmaps align people, process, and technology around real business value What “good” looks like on the shop floor when strategy is truly joined up When automation helps, and when it simply hardwires inefficiency How digital twins and scenario modelling support faster decision-making, not prediction Why progress beats perfection when building operational capability Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Most manufacturers do not need another AI tool. They need better decisions from the ERP and data they already have. In this episode, Graeme Evans and Ian Macdonald from Epicor explain how embedded AI is helping manufacturers move ERP from a system of record to a system of action, helping them get more from the systems they already use every day. We explore practical use cases across scheduling, supply chain risk, workforce onboarding, invoice matching and predictive maintenance, and explain why the best AI often feels invisible when it is done well. In this episode, we cover: how to separate AI signal from hype in manufacturing why embedded AI inside ERP often beats standalone tools practical use cases across scheduling, supply chain risk, invoice matching and the shop floor why waiting for perfect data is a mistake and how to start small how to build trust, keep humans in the loop and get more from the systems you already own If you lead operations, technology, supply chain or continuous improvement, this episode will help you spot practical ways to reduce admin, surface issues earlier and make faster decisions without handing control to the machine. Thanks to Epicor for supporting this episode. If you want to learn more about how modern industry-specific ERP helps manufacturers gain clearer visibility and drive performance, visit epicor.com. Show notes for this episode: manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Four real AI use cases in Australian manufacturing and the hardware decisions behind moving from pilot to production. In this episode, Troy Smithells from Xenon Systems (Australia's only Nvidia Elite partner) walks through where AI is actually earning its keep in Aussie manufacturing, and why production workloads often need to leave the cloud. We cover: Hand-drawn to CAD file conversion: 4x faster, near-100% accuracy, $750K per year saved at a steel fabricator Physical AI in pipe inspection: tiny robots mapping up to a kilometre of pipe for leak detection and preventative maintenance Predictive maintenance from sound: a listening device on a conveyor belt catching wear before failure Computer vision for construction OHS: PPE checks, exclusion zone alerts, and yes, crocodile alerts on the docks at Cairns Why cloud AI costs scale exponentially and on-prem or hosted GPU hardware can land at roughly a quarter to half the spend Data sovereignty, the US Cloud Act, and the space, power and cooling reality of running GPU clusters (132kg, 110dB, and a burn-in you need earplugs for) When to bring in infrastructure specialists: after the proof of concept, before you try to scale Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, CTO, or integrator weighing up an AI project, this conversation gives you a practical map from pilot to production grade AI. Follow Manufacturing Tech Australia on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and leave a review if this episode helped you. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/79-from-cloud-to-concrete-practical-ai-use-cases-in-manufacturing-with-troy-smithells/

Authentic storytelling cuts through AI-generated noise and drives real change in manufacturing teams. In this episode, Gabrielle Dolan, storytelling expert and author, shares her Story Intelligence framework and why it matters more than ever for manufacturers leading change. We cover: - Why authentic stories outperform data and slides when overcoming resistance to change - How to use storytelling to connect teams across functions and simplify complex ideas - The difference between manipulative and meaningful stories in leadership - How to uncover and use your own organisation's story to build purpose Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or change champion, this episode gives you a practical framework for leading through story. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/78-story-intelligence-with-gabrielle-dolan-2/

Australia's robotics sector is scaling fast — here's what manufacturers need to know and do first in 2026. In this episode, Nicci Rossouw, CEO of Robotics Australia Group, returns to unpack how the ecosystem has shifted and what's driving the most investable robotics businesses today. We cover: - The National Robotics Strategy and why funding alone doesn't solve the scaling challenge - What field robotics and physical AI mean for Australian manufacturers right now - The common thread behind robotics companies gaining traction: measurable outcomes - Sovereign capability, keeping IP onshore, and the role of collaboration across startups and universities - The first practical steps manufacturers should take to adopt robotics in 2026 Whether you're a manufacturer evaluating automation options, an integrator, or a technology buyer, this episode gives you a grounded view of where Australian robotics is heading. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/77-the-practical-robotics-playbook-for-growth-sovereign-capability-and-ai-readiness-with-nicci-rousso/

From Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0 — agentic AI, humanoid robots, and what's already happening on factory floors today. In this episode, Nick Doyle, Head of Manufacturing at ANCA Manufacturing Solutions in Thailand, walks us through the roadmap from where manufacturers are now to where they're heading. We cover: - Why Thailand is becoming a major production hub and what that means for Australian supply chains - The evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0: agentic AI, humanoid robots, and micro factories - Real AI applications Nick's team is deploying now: press brake automation, vibe coding, and power monitoring - How university collaborations are accelerating factory innovation - What Australian manufacturers should prioritise to stay competitive Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or technology buyer, this episode gives you a practical and forward-looking view of manufacturing's near future. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/76-industry-6-0-dark-factories-and-the-future-of-manufacturing-with-nick-doyle/

A practical guide to the grants, incentives, and support programs Australian manufacturers can actually use in 2026. Shane Williams and Paul Mason step back from the detail to map the landscape of federal and state funding programs available to manufacturers this year. We cover: - The biggest funding opportunities for 2026: Made in Queensland, National Reconstruction Fund, ARENA, and more - Why R&D, clean tech, and sovereign capability are the dominant funding themes right now - The difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that creates distraction - How to approach applications, where businesses get stuck, and how to assess program fit - Non-grant support options including R&D Tax Incentive and Instant Asset Write-Off Whether you're mapping investment priorities, planning a capital upgrade, or exploring R&D options, this episode gives you a clear view of where the real opportunities are. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/75-grants-and-support-to-help-manufacturers-scale-in-2026/

AI that augments — not replaces — your workforce: practical steps for manufacturers starting today. In this episode, Murali Sastry, learning and AI strategist, shares a grounded framework for AI adoption in manufacturing that keeps humans in the loop. We cover: - What vibe coding is and how frontline workers are using it to build dashboards without IT - Learning in the flow of work: low-risk AI augmentation use cases with real examples - Why human-in-the-loop governance is non-negotiable in manufacturing environments - The risks of shadow IT, data ownership, and where AI should never be used on the floor - Practical steps manufacturers can take tomorrow to build AI capability safely Whether you're an operations manager, plant engineer, or digital transformation lead, this episode gives you a human-centred approach to manufacturing AI adoption. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/74-ai-on-the-factory-floor-learning-in-the-flow-of-work-and-the-rise-of-vibe-coding/

Most warehouses haven't changed in 30 years. Here's how to automate without betting the business on a mega-project. In this episode, Rob O'Dea, founder of ShelfBot, unpacks the real blockers stopping warehouses from taking the first step into automation — and how to move past them. We cover: - Why SAP integration complexity and over-engineered solutions kill projects before they start - The 80/20 mindset: why chasing the last 20% explodes cost and complexity - The human reality of warehouse picking — 10 to 15 km per day per operator - Hidden costs and safety risks including fire suppression and lithium-ion battery concerns - How to reduce the fear factor and take a practical first step into automation Whether you're a manufacturer, 3PL operator, or e-commerce business looking to scale, this episode gives you a practical framework for starting automation the right way. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/73-the-hilux-approach-to-warehouse-automation-with-rob-odea/

Futurist Marcus Barber unpacks supply disruptions, skills shortages, and strategic blind spots shaping Australian manufacturing now. In this episode, Marcus Barber, foresight strategist and futurist, maps the real forces reshaping Australian manufacturing and what manufacturers should be doing about them. We cover: - The shift from just-in-time to just-in-case and its cash flow implications for SMEs - How global tariff movements are creating unexpected export opportunities for Australian manufacturers - The skills shortage: why the sector can't attract talent and how to rethink engagement - Hiring in cohorts and slow retirement models as workforce strategies - How AI and emerging technology will influence Australian manufacturing over the next few years Whether you're a plant manager, business owner, or operations leader, this episode gives you a strategic view of where Australian manufacturing is heading — and how to position for it. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/72-the-future-of-australian-manufacturing-with-futurist-marcus-barber/

Small, targeted automations connecting your ERP, CRM, and finance systems can add up to serious cash flow and productivity gains. In this episode, Harry Cribb and Paul Del Gigante from Inturing share a practical framework for AI automation in Australian manufacturing — one that starts with process, not technology. We cover: - How to connect CRM, ERP, finance, and project systems to eliminate low-value admin - Real use cases: sales call transcription, purchase order processing, and accounts receivable automation - Why 'AI first' thinking backfires — and what to do instead - Common mistakes manufacturers make when chasing automation and how to avoid them - A simple, low-risk starting point that won't blow the budget or create security risks Whether you're an operations manager, finance lead, or business owner, this episode gives you a grounded approach to manufacturing automation that delivers real ROI. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/71-from-silos-to-systems-turning-ai-hype-into-practical-automation-and-manufacturing-value/