The Queensland government will fund and create the first robotics manufacturing hub in Australia.
With funding of $7.71 million spread over the next four years, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub will be built with support from the Queensland University of Technology and architectural design company Urban Art Projects (UAP).
According to Minister for Manufacturing, Cameron Dick, the facility will be realised through non-government sources.
“The Hub will attract more than $10 million in additional investment from QUT, UAP, and other partner organisations to bring the total investment to almost $18 million,” said Dick.
The Hub will provide a space for the development of high-value products and the incorporation of new technologies in manufacturing processes.
“The Hub will allow Queensland industry and research institutions to build the advanced capability that will enable manufacturers to be more competitive, bring manufacturing jobs back to Australia and generate new jobs here,” said QUT vice-chancellor, professor Margaret Sheil.
In a report conducted for QUT, robotics and automation were found to drive 1.5 per cent of additional growth to the Queensland economy over the next 10 years, equivalent to $77.2 billion and a potential 725,810 jobs.
The ARM Hub hopes to enable Queensland businesses to delve into robotics to support their business.
“The ARM Hub will provide practical production and manufacturing advice in a real-life factory environment, enabling Queensland manufacturers to learn cutting-edge robotic technologies and techniques, and develop industry skill and expertise to apply to their own businesses,” said Dick.
Based out of QUT’s Brisbane campus, the Hub’s expertise will be shared across Queensland through the Queensland government’s manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton, as well as, Defence Hubs in Townsville and Ipswich.
“This is a facility for all of Queensland. All manufacturers across the state will be able to access the ARM Hub, across sectors as diverse as aerospace, biomedical, beef and food processing, defence, mining equipment, technology and services, rail manufacturing, and space,” said Dick.