In this episode, we sit down with robotics powerhouse Sue Keay - Chair of the Robotics Australia Board, Director of UNSW's AI Institute, and a long-time champion of Australia’s robotics and AI industries.

We dig into the reality behind Australia’s slip in global robotics density rankings - and why that might be painting the wrong picture. From mining to logistics, agtech to space, Sue shares where Australia is quietly excelling and where the next wave of innovation is set to emerge.

The conversation spans:

• Why Australia’s strength in field robotics could shape the global future of automation

• How AI is breaking down barriers to robotics adoption for SMEs

• The real impact of automation on jobs - and how to navigate it

• The urgent need for a national AI strategy and infrastructure plan

• Practical steps for businesses to kickstart their automation journey (hint: it starts with a whiteboard, not a robot)

Whether you're deep in industry or just automation-curious, Sue brings clarity, insight, and optimism to a space that's moving fast.

In this special event wrap episode, we cover some of the biggest manufacturing and tech events we’ve attended recently and what’s coming up next. From the Digital Manufacturing Hub launch at Swinburne to the Avalon Airshow, AMW 2025, and the ARM Hub Propel Air Sprint, we dive into key takeaways and must-attend gatherings shaping the future of manufacturing.

We also share details on how you can win free tickets to the Digital Factory Forum and announce some exciting news—Manufacturing Tech Australia is the official media partner for AMW 2025!

Stay ahead of the game with this event wrap, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on the latest manufacturing tech trends.

In this episode we sit down with Mark Graban—Lean expert, award-winning author, and host of My Favorite Mistake—to explore how technology is reshaping Lean and continuous improvement.

Lean isn’t just about Kanban boards and 5S anymore. With AI, automation, and real-time analytics, businesses now have more data than ever—but are they using it effectively? Mark shares why psychological safety, leadership, and culture remain critical, even as we embrace Industry 5.0.

We dive into:
The risks of “dashboard overload”—why more data isn’t always better
How AI & automation can support (not replace) human problem-solving
Why psychological safety is the missing link in digital transformation
The shift from traditional Lean tools to tech-enabled continuous improvement

Mark is touring Australia in March for a Lean & Tech roadshow with AME, visiting Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. If you want to see where Lean is heading next, check out AME’s event page.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to future-proof your Lean strategy!