Introduction
The global shift toward automation has accelerated rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Australia, this has led to increased interest in robotics across nearly every major sector—from healthcare to mining. Physical distancing, site access restrictions, and supply chain vulnerabilities have all highlighted the critical role automation can play in building a more resilient and future-ready economy.
For international exporters and innovators, Australia’s robotics sector is emerging as a high-potential market—driven by government-backed roadmaps, collaborative research ecosystems, and unmet demand in industrial automation.
A Sector in Transition
Australia’s robotics industry is currently in a growth and consolidation phase. In January 2022, the second edition of the National Robotics Roadmap was released by the Robotics Australia Group (RAG), outlining a strategy to establish a sustainable, world-class local robotics ecosystem.
The roadmap identifies key sectors for transformation, including:
Resources and Mining
Agriculture and AgTech
Healthcare and Aged Care
Transport and Smart Mobility
Aerospace and Defence
Education and Workforce Development
From 2017 to 2020, industry consultation around robotics in Australia grew over tenfold—from 92 to 1,058 stakeholders—demonstrating rising interest and urgency. The Robotics Australia Network now connects more than 800 individuals across government, industry, and research institutions.
Notable Initiatives and Clusters
Australia has taken a regional cluster approach to robotics innovation:
Queensland Robotics Cluster and RoboWest (Western Australia) emerged directly from the 2018 roadmap.
Testing grounds and mobility precincts are being developed in Cloncurry (QLD), Neerabup and Joondalup (WA), supporting field robotics and drone innovation.
AROSE (Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth), a WA-led initiative, reinforces Australia’s global reputation in remote and autonomous operations.
In parallel, RAG is leading the development of the Robotics Ventures Factory (RoboFactory)—a nationally connected marketplace and innovation hub to accelerate robotic product development, testing, and commercialisation. The proposed Robotics Tech Park in Emerald, QLD, will include a full-scale test field and innovation precinct.
Where Exporters Fit In
Encouragingly for international businesses, Australia does not manufacture its own industrial robots, and relies heavily on imported technology for Industry 4.0 adoption. This presents immediate opportunities for:
Industrial robots and automation systems
Robotic building blocks – including modular hardware and integration software
Cobots and collaborative robotic tools
Sector-specific systems – for mining, construction, agriculture, space, and defence
Tech education and training platforms – focused on workforce upskilling in automation, robotics, and AI
There is also active government interest in developing the talent pipeline and improving digital literacy, creating pathways for training providers and education tech companies to enter the market.
Australia’s Strengths in Field and Service Robotics
While Australia relies on imports for industrial robotics, it has demonstrated world-class capability in field and service robotics—particularly in mining automation, agriculture, and logistics. This makes the country both a customer and potential collaborator for firms offering integrated or hybrid solutions.
Local success stories increasingly combine imported technologies with locally-developed systems—a trend that creates scope for exporters to partner with Australian integrators, research organisations, or industrial operators.
Conclusion
Australia’s robotics market is moving from concept to commercialisation. International exporters with scalable, flexible, and industry-aligned robotic solutions are well positioned to engage with a country eager to invest in automation.
Whether you’re offering industrial robotics, automation platforms, or education solutions, Australia is a market worth watching—and entering.
To explore commercial opportunities in Australia’s robotics sector, don’t hesitate to reach out.
