The Federal Government has released a discussion paper on developing a new National Robotics Strategy to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Australian industries adopting robotics and automation.

Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic said the discussion paper will help guide a conversation about the growth of 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 favorable business conditions,” he said.

“The passage of our $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund through parliament last week may also provide investment support for the onshore development of assistive capabilities such as robotics.”

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

“It is also good for employment, as research shows that countries that have invested more in robotics have experienced higher employment growth,” said the minister.

“Comments to the discussion paper will help 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 need to explore ways to increase our robotics and automation capabilities.”

The paper also addresses the barriers faced by companies in Australia producing robotics and automation technologies, as well as seeking to address concerns about 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:

• outline a vision for Australia’s robotics sector, 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 related to growth, talent, collaboration, cohesion, workforce impact, public trust and approval
• articulate the potential role of robotics and automation in government agendas for the economy, revitalizing manufacturing, jobs and skills.

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