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How do you turn a research project into a global technology company with customers in more than 50 countries? In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, Shane Williams and Paul Mason sit down with Dr Stefan Hrabar, Co-founder of Emesent, to explore the journey from CSIRO robotics research to one of Australia's leading autonomy and mapping technology companies. Stefan shares how Emesent identified a critical challenge in underground mining and transformed it into Hovermap, a world-leading autonomous drone and LiDAR mapping solution capable of navigating GPS-denied environments. What began as a research breakthrough has evolved into a global business serving mining, construction, defence, surveying, and infrastructure customers around the world. You'll learn: • How Emesent commercialised CSIRO technology and validated early market demand before spinning out as a company. • Why underground mining became the perfect proving ground for autonomous navigation and mapping technology. • How Hovermap uses LiDAR and SLAM technology to operate where GPS isn't available. • The realities of scaling from a small startup to a team of more than 150 people. • Lessons on manufacturing, fundraising, and building sovereign capability in Australia. • Emesent's vision for Cortex AI and a future where autonomous software powers every drone and robot. Stefan also shares practical advice for founders, researchers, and manufacturers looking to commercialise innovation, build world-class products, and expand into global markets while remaining rooted in Australia. Whether you're interested in robotics, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, mining technology, defence, AI, or technology commercialisation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how Australian innovation can compete on the world stage. 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 AI, hydrogen fuel cells and smarter logistics are reshaping Australian transport and supply chains. In this episode, Dean Calapai, Founder, Director and CEO of Intellitrac, Andrew Willis, Manager External Affairs & Governance at Toyota, Dr. Julian Zeltinger, Chief Commercial Officer at Intermodal Terminal Company, and Joel Kotamanidis, Chief Executive Officer at Allotrak, share practical insights on the technologies transforming transport and logistics across Australia. We cover: How AI is being applied to fleet management, driver fatigue detection, asset tracking and transport operations Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell strategy and the infrastructure required to support heavy transport adoption Building more efficient Australian supply chains through intermodal rail terminals and port shuttle networks Integrating manufacturing, warehousing and transport systems through modern TMS platforms Why real-time data, automation and AI agents are creating new opportunities for just-in-time operations Whether you're a manufacturer, logistics operator, supply chain leader or technology buyer, this episode provides a practical look at the technologies driving the future of Australian transport. 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/ CHAPTERS 00:00 AI & Telematics with Intellitrac 06:30 Toyota's Hydrogen Future for Heavy Transport 15:30 Building Smarter Supply Chains with Intermodal Rail 21:00 Transport Management Systems & Integration 25:00 AI Agents, Automation & Just-in-Time Logistics 26:30 Key Takeaways from MegaTrans

Humanoid robots are coming fast, but where can they deliver real ROI for Australian manufacturers today? In this episode, David Pearce, Founder at Our Robot Future, and Adrian Tyson, Founder at Neuranext.ai, separate the hype from the reality of humanoid robotics and explain what manufacturers should be doing now to prepare for the next wave of automation. Shane and Paul cover: Why more than 90% of humanoid robot sales in Australia are currently going into education rather than industry Where humanoid robots are already being trialled in manufacturing, warehousing, laboratories and logistics environments The biggest barriers to adoption, including training data, workforce capability and deployment complexity How wheeled humanoids may reach manufacturing environments before fully legged systems What workforce shortages, dirty and dangerous jobs, and productivity challenges mean for the future of robotics in Australia Real-world examples from Figure, BMW, China Post, Hyundai, Boston Dynamics, AgiBot and Australian robotics companies Whether you're a plant manager, operations leader, automation engineer, or technology buyer, this episode provides a practical view of where humanoid robotics stands today and what to watch over the next few years. 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 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 operationsUsing energy monitoring to identify hidden power consumption and reduce operating costsHow job-tracking systems help identify bottlenecks and improve production flowWhy air-quality monitoring can improve workplace transparency and operational awarenessThe cultural challenges of digital adoption and how to build operator engagement from the shop floor upWhy manufacturers should focus on solving business problems first and then select the appropriate technologyWhether 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 constraintsHow integrated roadmaps align people, process, and technology around real business valueWhat “good” looks like on the shop floor when strategy is truly joined upWhen automation helps, and when it simply hardwires inefficiencyHow digital twins and scenario modelling support faster decision-making, not predictionWhy progress beats perfection when building operational capabilityFollow 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/