Exclusives

The Australian Government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR).

As manufacturers look to extend artificial intelligence beyond data analysis and into physical operations, the focus is increasingly shifting towards systems that can sense, interpret and respond to conditions on the factory floor.

Australian manufacturers should focus on identifying and strengthening the parts of their supply chains most capable of disrupting production and revenue, according to Proxima Australia.

In 2020, Kyocera AVX, a US-based global manufacturer of advanced electronic components, spearheaded a plan to globalise all the systems across its manufacturing facilities located around the globe. 

With the rapid advancement of urbanisation and infrastructure development all over the world, the question of how to address the volume of waste produced by the construction industry has become a serious and pressing issue on a global scale. 

Manufacturing companies worldwide are increasingly gearing up for a significant transformation with environmental sustainability at the centre. This comes amid stronger environmental regulations, a shift in consumer behaviour, and the industrial sector delves deeper into Industry 4.0. 

As the Australian manufacturing sector faces the challenges and transformations that come with rapid globalisation, the role of digital technology within the industry has never been more critical. 

The Australian government announced in late February a $310 million acquisition of nuclear submarine components from the United Kingdom. The payment will support the manufacture of nuclear-powered submarines to be built in Osborne, South Australia. The investment follows a larger GBP 2.4 billion Australian contribution to expand Rolls-Royce Submarines' production capacity.

Australia’s 2026–27 Federal Budget has drawn a measured response from tax and advisory specialists, with commentary suggesting the package offers stability and targeted support for parts of the manufacturing sector, but falls short of delivering a broad-based uplift in business confidence across industrial and production-focused industries.

As part of its mission to showcase Australia’s leading-edge products, technologies and software, the Modern Manufacturing Expo is finally coming back to highlight the outstanding new technological trends and innovations in the Australian manufacturing industry, this time with artificial intelligence in full focus.