Author: Angela Reed

We are celebrating the official launch of the new ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre today!

The multi-partner Centre was launched at South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney as part of the Australian Government’s AI Month celebrations.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said the Centre was a ‘front door’ to expertise, support and services that will foster AI-driven business growth.

“Many businesses feel uncertain about where to start with AI. The common barriers include a lack of data readiness, a skills gap, or simply not knowing which AI applications are relevant to their business. The Centre is offering access to practical solutions to help businesses move forward with AI,” Professor Stewart said.

Professor Stewart said the Centre would play an important role in helping Australia’s SMEs (which make up 96% of all industry) scale their innovation, preventing it from going offshore.

She said SMEs using the Centre will be tapping into expertise from internationals Microsoft and Databricks, as well as local AI SMEs Data and Knowledge Enterprise and Raytracer.

“Australian industry is ready to invest in AI and robotics to increase its productivity and competitiveness. We’ve designed this Centre to provide practical pathways to de-risk the adoption and use of AI and Generative AI, helping businesses to make the most of this fast-moving frontier of technology.

“Research shows AI and automation are expected to increase Australia’s productivity by up to 150%. We want industry to be transforming their operations for long-term success by having their data organised, structured and ready for AI.

“The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is here to make businesses better using the benefits of AI and Generative AI. Our collaboration of 28 partners includes AI and robotics experts across Australia, which ensures we are delivering the best skillsets into all corners of the country.

“Over the next three years, we expect to engage with up to 30,000 SMEs on their digital transformation journeys.”

The key Features of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre are its practical guidance for SMEs; a collaborative, industry-led network; and a focus on ethical and safe AI practices to ensure sustainable business growth.

In May this year, the Australian Government announced the establishment of four centres under its AI Adopt Program to facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by SMEs.

The ARM Hub AI Adopt partners are here.

ARM Hub is pleased to announce an official collaboration with Australian software company Data Knowledge Enterprise (DKE) to deliver its Data and AI-as-a-Service initiative.

Data and AI-as-a-Service is scalable and secure data and AI infrastructure designed to help companies to maximise their data to make informed business decisions.

Introduction of Data and AI-as-a-Service

The ARM Hub has been working with its manufacturing clients and university partners on data and AI since 2022.

One of the key challenges faced by manufacturers is data management – a necessity for companies committed to digital transformation.

An initial service to clients through five voluntary digital advisors was replaced with the Data and AI-as-a-Service in 2023 as industry sought to harness the value of GenAI following the release of ChatGPT.

DKE, led by Dr Roozbeh Derakhshan*, was appointed following a public tender process to collaborate on the delivery of the service.

The importance of data management

Data and AI-as-a-Service is designed to help companies to grow their business using AI.

Every business collects data, whether from operations, sales, or customers. Unfortunately, many miss out on valuable intelligence because they do not have the ability to bring the date from its many sources into one platform.

This is particularly true for small and medium-sized companies (93% of all Australian business) because they cannot afford to build and maintain internal data management infrastructure.

A solution is the tailoring of AI tools for each business, such as chatbots and synthetic data generation.

Working with DKE

DKE has played a significant role in helping the ARM Hub to partner with Databricks, which is supporting its Data and AI-as-a-Service.

The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform combines capabilities in data engineering, data science, analytics, and machine learning. It is designed to streamline the process of turning big data into actional insights by providing tools for managing data workflows, collaborative project environments, and robust analytics, all of a scalable cloud infrastructure.

In mid-2024, the ARM Hub hosted an industry seminar to showcase the application of the Data and AI-as-a-service with Databricks and DKE.

A key aspect was the demonstration of ARMBot by ARM Hub AI Engineer, Callum Elder.

Developed with DKE, ARMBot is a Retrieval Augmented Generation-based Large Language Model (LLM) for ARM Hub.

Like ChatGPT, ARMBot is a query and response-based model; however, ARMBot stores selected LLMs locally, only drawing on ARM Hub data.

DKE is also helping the ARM Hub to deliver the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre for the Australian Government.

*Dr Derakhshan is married to ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart. Professor Stewart was not involved in the selection process of the public tender.

The Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) is now actively collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them commercialise innovative products and services.

Officially announced in May 2024, the AMCN serves as an Industry Partner Organisation to the Australian Government’s new Industry Growth Program (IGP), a key initiative under the National Reconstruction Fund aimed at building the future of Australian manufacturing.

The AMCN is a national collaborative effort between industry, government, and universities, and is led by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub in Queensland.

Over the past three months, AMCN partners have been diligently developing specialised services to support startups and SMEs applying for the IGP, offering deep technical expertise in critical areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.

Professor Cori Stewart, Founder and CEO of ARM Hub, expressed her enthusiasm for the AMCN’s role in this vital program.

“It is gratifying to now see the network in action, providing crucial technical support that enables SMEs and startups to become global innovation leaders,” Professor Stewart said.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Industry Growth Program and thank the Australian Government for this opportunity. The network is committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and growing the national economy.”

Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, announced that four not-for-profit organisations, including AMCN, will work with the IGP to assist participating SMEs in bringing new products and services to market.

The IGP offers expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth, particularly for businesses in the priority areas identified by the National Reconstruction Fund. The first five companies to receive IGP funding were announced this month.

As an Industry Partner Organisation, the AMCN complements the IGP by offering specialised advisory services drawn from its extensive sectoral expertise.

Professor Stewart highlighted the unique challenges faced by Australian industry, particularly the ‘missing middle’ of ambitious export-oriented SMEs and startups.

“Small businesses, which make up 93% of all Australian businesses, often struggle with low levels of free cash flow and limited human resources, which can hinder their ability to invest in and scale innovation,” she said.

The AMCN addresses these challenges by providing SMEs with access to a comprehensive network of technology experts and essential commercialisation services.

The network’s members include prominent institutions such as CSIRO, Flinders University, Swinburne University of Technology, the Queensland Government, University of Technology Sydney, and Western Sydney University. It is further supported by technology partners, specialist providers, and venture capital investors.

The AMCN is committed to overcoming the barriers SMEs face in commercialising their innovations, thereby ensuring that Australian manufacturing continues to thrive on the global stage.

More than 200 members of the manufacturing, research, and academic communities attended the first-ever ARM Hub Open Day recently.

Our visitors explored cutting-edge technologies that are set to revolutionise the manufacturing industry.

Founder and CEO of ARM Hub Professor Cori Stewart was pleased with the turnout, saying it was an opportunity to highlight the critical role that advanced manufacturing plays in driving innovation, exports and Australia’s industrial future.

One of the key themes of the Open Day was manufacturing clean energy technologies here in Australia and how we integrate clean technologies into established manufacturing processes.

Among the innovative clean-tech companies featured was Wisk, which is developing the world’s first self-flying, all-electric air taxi. This project, which aims to be operational by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation. The use of electric power in aviation is a critical step towards reducing carbon emissions in one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise.

ARM Hub tenant Vaulta also demonstrated how it is enabling a faster transition to electrification with its ‘smarter, safer, and cleaner’ lithium battery pack for Australian homes. Vaulta does not weld its battery packs, allowing technicians to access the battery at the cell level. The no-weld design means modules can be easily assembled and disassembled, and cells can be reused and recycled, reducing waste and, crucially, giving batteries a second life.

Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, AI, and 3D printing, are also making production more efficient by significantly reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing. These technologies enable manufacturers to digitise and account for carbon emissions, optimise energy use, minimise waste, and transition to renewable energy sources.

Showcasing sustainable manufacturing solutions

The Open Day also featured interactive sessions with robotic equipment from QUT and CSIRO, as well as augmented and virtual reality demonstrations. These exhibits underscored the potential for advanced technologies to enhance sustainability in manufacturing. For example, robotics can improve precision and efficiency, reducing energy consumption and material waste, while AI can optimise production schedules to align with the availability of renewable energy sources.

The Future of Manufacturing is Green

The ARM Hub’s Open Day dispelled outdated perceptions of manufacturing, instead highlighting how the future of manufacturing is increasingly tied to clean energy, new technologies and sustainability.

The ARM Hub’s ongoing development of a Generative AI chatbot for industry, in partnership with major technology companies, is just one example of how digital innovation can support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the integration of clean energy technologies into manufacturing processes will be essential.

Professor Stewart said the ARM Hub was playing a pivotal role in driving the clean energy revolution within the manufacturing sector: “By embracing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, the ARM Hub is helping to build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Australia and the world.”

You’re invited to the ARM Hub Open Day!

See advanced manufacturing in action at the ARM Hub Learning Factory in Northgate, Brisbane.

When: 6 August, 2024

Where: 53 Holland Street, Northgate 4013

Time: 10am – 3pm

Cost: free

Register here.

On display

The ARM Hub is unique in Australia. It is the only industry-led centre with an in-house technical team working on challenges brought to us by industry.

Inside the ARM Hub Learning Factory is a host of companies using automation, robotics, cobotics, extended reality, and 3D printing to scale-up their manufacturing.

Activities

The Open Day is an opportunity to see technology being used, as well as learn what is coming in the future.

Guided tours of the factory

Our staff will be providing in-depth, informative tours of the factory to provide you with an understanding of the technologies and their uses.

These tours will be held every 30 minutes but spaces are limited. Those registered for the event will be offered first choice of their preferred time.

Workshops

We will be hosting interactive, hands-on workshops about using robotics, 3D printing and extended reality in your business.

Places are limited and registration for the event is essential.

Walk-arounds

You are welcome to visit the Learning Factory from 10am-3pm.

As it is a working factory, it is important to be registered for the event and wear closed-in shoes.

Food

We will have food and drinks available for purchase on the day.

Everyone is welcome

The Open Day is an opportunity for our local community to see the fantastic achievements of the tenants, Members, and clients of the ARM Hub.

This would benefit:

• manufacturing companies
• companies with an interest in advanced manufacturing
• technology companies
• robotics and cobotics companies
• researchers
• university students
• school students.

Registration and large groups

For safety, it is essential that visitors register to visit the site.

We welcome large groups. Please contact Angela Reed at angela.reed@armhub.com.au or telephone 0430 197 158.

Exhibiting and sponsorship

We are offering industry the opportunity to showcase their technology or to sponsor the event.

Please contact Angela Reed at angela.reed@armhub.com.au or telephone 0430 197 158 for further details.

The ARM Hub and MTPConnect unveiled a joint accelerator to help biomedical companies harness the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in San Diego today as part of Australia’s trade mission at the global BIO convention.

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub and MTPConnect launched the Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator (BASA) with Hon. Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science at Australia’s Pavilion at BIO2024, the world’s largest and most comprehensive biotechnology event.

BASA will offer $25K to $50K in matched funding and will upskill a selected number of high growth companies in the use of AI and data analytics, provide access to affordable data management infrastructure, and create a tech-ready workforce.

MTPConnect’s skills gap analysis work has identified AI expertise gaps which are potentially holding back growth of Australia’s life sciences sector.

This sector has gaps/shortages in understanding of and expertise in big data capture, management and analysis, and expertise in the design and use of artificial intelligence.

The accelerator initiative by the ARM Hub and MTPConnect is designed to directly address these gaps and drive understanding and business adoption of this transformative technology, leveraging advanced AI tools and expertise.

ARM Hub CEO and Founder Professor Cori Stewart said the smart use of data and AI was the next frontier in scaling innovation and modernising manufacturing.

“The Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator represents a strategic investment in Australia’s biomedical industries,” Professor Stewart said.

“It will foster a high-skill workforce that will enable our small and medium businesses to scale and compete at a global level. The ARM Hub is actively helping companies large and small create modern data platforms to collate and maximise business intelligence.

“This initiative promises substantial economic returns and solidifies Australia’s leadership in medical manufacturing and innovation.”

Biomedical companies in Australia and those looking to expand internationally will benefit from customised AI solutions and gain the skills needed to manage and maintain advanced data and AI platforms.

MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam said this groundbreaking program will address an urgent need for specialised data and AI services within the Australian biomedical sector.

“There is no time to wait to start building AI capabilities for our medical science SMEs developing innovations if we are to compete globally.,” Mr Dignam said.

“It is fitting that we’ve signed this agreement at the global BIO convention, where all the talk is of harnessing AI and how it can accelerate innovation in biotech and medtech.

“We are delighted to be working with the team at the ARM Hub to make this AI accelerator a reality. We share mutual industry interests to support innovations in medical product discovery and to advance human health,” Mr Dignam said.

Fast facts

• This is a joint initiative between the ARM Hub and MTPConnect, Australia’s leading life sciences innovation accelerator. Both are independent, not-for-profit organisations.
• The accelerator will provide companies with bespoke roadmaps guiding their adoption of data and AI management platforms, which can be expensive for small and medium businesses.
• The accelerator will train participants and their staff in using next-generation technology, which will assist in staff retention and recruitment.
• AI enables companies to access the powerful information contained within their data. Every business collects data, whether from operations, sales or customers. Unfortunately, many companies miss out on valuable intelligence because they do not have the ability to bring the data from its many sources into one platform. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized companies (93% of all Australian business) because they cannot afford to build and maintain internal data management infrastructure.
• The accelerator will provide solutions to companies who want to collate their data to generate benefits.

 

For more information or to apply, please contact Angela Reed at angela.reed@armhub.com.au or telephone +61 (0)430 197 158.

 

The ARM Hub is collaborating with more than 30 organisations to create the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre.

The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is one of four new centres announced by Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic today.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said the centre will be a pathway for Australia’s SMEs to become global innovation leaders.

“ARM Hub and its partners are thrilled to continue their work in fostering a world-class AI ecosystem in Australia that embraces safe and responsible AI and is focused on commercialisation and business growth,” Professor Stewart said.

“Australia’s SME manufacturers know that AI can be a major source of sustained value-add and enhanced global competitiveness. Given SMEs represent 93% of Australian business, it is imperative that they can capitalise on the benefits of AI to scale-up and grow.

“The use of modern data platforms in Australian manufacturing is critical to effective scaling-up and business growth and the creation of a ‘smart’ and resilient workforce. The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will provide a joined-up service that demonstrates how data and AI can modernise business, build skills and boost productivity.”

Partners

The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre partners are listed below.

Industry and industry networks

• Tech Council of Australia
• i2i global
• Smart Energy Council
• Industry Capability Network
• i3Net
• NORTH Link Victoria
• South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance
• CORE Innovation Hub
• Australian Robotics and Automation Association
• Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council
• Australian Manufacturing Growth Centre
• Australian Defence Sciences and Universities Network
• Food and Beverage Accelerator
• Advanced Materials Battery Council

Research organisations

• Swinburne University of Technology
• Australian Machine Learning Institute (Adelaide University)
• Queensland University of Technology
• Griffith University
• The University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Newcastle

Technology companies and innovation networks

• DKE (Data & Knowledge Enterprise)
• Microsoft
• Stone & Chalk
• Jewelrock
• 77 Partners

Government

• Queensland Government
• Western Australian Government

Join us for the Technology in Manufacturing workshop in Toowoomba on Thursday, 30 May.

ARM Hub is hosting an advanced manufacturing technology workshop and showcase to help Queensland manufacturers grow their businesses.

Learn from specialists in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing about how these technologies can have significant benefits when implemented in a manufacturing setting. There will be practical demonstrations of each technology.

The event is suited to companies wanting to scale-up, educators, and those interested in advanced manufacturing technology.

TECHNOLOGIES

The event will focus on:

• robotics
• cobots (collaborative robots)
• additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• artificial intelligence.

Register here.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The event would benefit companies that:

• have automated their business
• are considering automation or technology
• are a tech company.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This is a collaborative event with the Queensland Government Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water. It forms part of the Queensland Government Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with world-leading data and AI platform, Databricks.

This strategic, international alliance is set to transform Australia’s manufacturing landscape by enabling smarter decision-making through affordable, safe, relevant and always up-to-date data and AI solutions.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart believes the benefits to the manufacturing sector will be transformative.

“Our work with Databricks has already enabled ARM Hub to build the lakehouse infrastructure and provide AI-as-a-service to Australian manufacturing businesses. We are proud world-leaders in the services we provide using Databricks. We are ready to support industry to succeed on the global stage in an era of generative AI,” Professor Stewart said.

“The next frontier in scaling deep technology innovation and modernising manufacturing is the smart use of data and AI. We are harnessing opportunities to collaborate with our partners to embed Australian deep tech companies and manufacturing businesses in high-value global supply chains.”

Databricks provides a unified data, analytics, and AI platform that simplifies and enhances the processing of data and the application of AI and machine learning models. With its data intelligence engine, the platform can understand the semantics of enterprise data unique to each organisation, allowing companies to build their AI models on their private enterprise data.

Manufacturers can integrate and streamline data (e.g. IoT sensor data, machine logs, ERP systems and customer information) for a holistic view of the business in real-time, helping with decision-making.

The collaboration aims to scale manufacturing businesses by enhancing business and production capabilities, and inspiring the creation of new products, services, and business models.

“Databricks is committed to accelerating data and AI transformation across all industries, including the manufacturing industry. With solution accelerators that can speed up results, manufacturing companies can leverage purpose-built guides in LLM models, predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and many more. Our partnership with ARM Hub represents a pivotal step toward integrating AI with other advanced technologies and solutions to create smarter, more efficient manufacturing businesses.” said Adam Beavis, Vice President and Country Manager for Databricks in ANZ.

The ARM Hub will leverage the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform as part of its new AI-as-a-service, which facilitates easier adoption of data and AI for the manufacturing sector.

We are expanding our team in Northgate, Brisbane.

Program Lead

The Program Leader will directly support the Program Director with the delivery of the ARM Hub’s industry engagement programs, including the Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN). The role will perform a variety of duties including the creation and delivery of the  AMCN, ensuring delivery of projects on-time and on-budget, the organisation of events, and contributing to corporate reporting. This includes the promotion of project activities on social media and other media as needed.

Your responsibilities:

• Engage with universities and other partners for the delivery of the program.
• Plan, program and resource the sub-projects to be delivered.
• Liaise and work with project staff as well as working with vendors and/or consultants responsible for the configuration and deployment of work.
• Manage projects and activities in line with agreed scope and timeframes and work collaboratively to maximise project outcomes.
• End-to-end planning and delivery of events as set out in the program plan.
• Maintain project management and other software systems as required.
• Coordinate and liaise technical related seminars and demonstrations for industry partners.
• Assist operations team with facility and project management activities.
• Research, write and edit reports, notes, and other documentation.
• Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.

To ensure job flexibility the successful appointee may be required to:

• perform any other duties as nominated by the ARM Hub, consistent with the relevant classification and descriptors detailed in the relevant Industry Award. Staff undertaking any new duties will receive training.
• participate in job rotation or multiskilling in consultation with their supervisor.

Type of appointment

This appointment will be offered on a fixed-term part-time basis (32 hours per week or 0.8 FTE) for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding.

Find out more

Senior Mechatronics Engineer

The Mechatronics Engineer will perform a variety of engineering activities including programming, mechanical and electrical design on ARM Hub-nominated projects and oversee project and facility management activities.

Your responsibilities:

• Support for the ARM Hub Project Services in research and engineering work on a range of projects.
• Undertake feasibility studies, detailed designs, third party design reviews, in accordance with design requirements and budget objectives.
• Strategic planning
• Access and reference applicable scientific literature, Australian and international standards.
• Support the development of project plans and quotes for delivery of projects.
• Development of procedures to provide guidance, including quality for ARM Hub project delivery.
• Project management of projects or parts of projects within ARM Hub operations.
• Assist the operations team with facility and project management activities.
• Maintain project management and other operating systems as required.
• Coordinate and liaise technical-related seminars for ARM Hub.
• Oversee the work of junior staff working in the technical team. Including supporting their continued professional development.
• Liaise and work with project staff as well as working with vendors and/or consultants who will primarily be responsible for the configuration and deployment of work.
• Manage projects and activities in line with agreed scope and timeframes and work collaboratively to maximise project outcomes.
• Develop software for various systems, including robotics, user interfaces, and simulation.
• Design and build electrical and mechanical systems in support of research goals.
• Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.

Desirable skills

• Ability to supervise and train HDR and honours students in the field of robotics and autonomous systems.
• Supervise research undertaken at the ARM Hub, including writing and editing reports, notes, and other documentation.
• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) or equivalent.

To ensure job flexibility, the successful appointee may be required to:

• Perform any other duties as nominated by the ARM Hub, and Staff undertaking any new duties will receive training;
• Participate in job rotation or multiskilling in consultation with their supervisor;
• Work across locations.

Type of appointment

This appointment will be offered on a fixed full-time basis for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding.

Find out more