In this episode, we sit down with Troy Smithells from Xenon Tech to cut through the AI hype and get practical. We explore real world manufacturing use cases, from converting hand drawn sketches into production ready CAD files, to physical AI robots inspecting pipes, predictive maintenance through sound, and AI powered safety alerts on construction sites. Troy also breaks down why AI at scale does not belong in the cloud, what production grade AI infrastructure really looks like, and how manufacturers can move from proof of concept to real commercial outcomes. If you are wondering how AI actually delivers value on the factory floor, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode, we sit down with storytelling expert Gabrielle Dolan to unpack why authentic stories matter now more than ever in a world saturated with AI generated content. We explore how manufacturers can connect across teams, simplify complex ideas, overcome resistance to change, and communicate with clarity through meaningful stories. We also get personal as Gabrielle helps us uncover the story behind our own podcast and why it exists. Join us as we learn how story intelligence can transform the way we lead, influence, and bring people along on the journey.

Nicci Rossouw, CEO of Robotics Australia Group, joins us again to unpack how Australia’s robotics ecosystem is evolving, and what’s changed since our last conversation.

We talk about the growth and momentum across the sector, the National Robotics Strategy, and why funding is only part of the story when the real challenge for Australian robotics companies is scaling.

We dig into what’s driving the most investable robotics businesses right now, including the common thread behind companies gaining traction: solving real problems with measurable outcomes. Nicci also shares why field robotics is accelerating, how physical AI is reshaping capability, and what Australian manufacturers should do first if they want to adopt robotics this year.

We also explore sovereign capability, keeping IP onshore, and why collaboration across startups, universities, and industry is essential in a market as small as Australia’s.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Doyle from ANCA Manufacturing Solutions in Thailand. Nick is right in the centre of one of the most active manufacturing regions in the world, leading factory expansion and helping organisations across Australia and Southeast Asia understand what comes next.

We explore how global supply chains are shifting, why Thailand is becoming a major production hub, and how AI is already reshaping factories. Nick takes us from Industry 4.0 through to Industry 6.0, a future where agentic AI runs workflows, humanoid robots become general purpose labour, and micro factories operate close to customers.

We also dive into the practical side. Nick shares what his team is already doing with AI today, including press brake automation, welding projects, vibe coding, internal knowledge management, power monitoring, and university collaborations that accelerate innovation.

In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans.

We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy.

If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business.

Useful Links

In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below.

Manufacturing and Technology Funding

Made in Queensland Grant Program

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland

Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund

Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant

https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant

Industry Growth Program (IGP)

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program

National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)

https://nrf.gov.au

Research, Innovation, and R&D Support

AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program

https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/

CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow

CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start

R&D Tax Incentive

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive

Clean Tech and Energy Transition

ARENA Solar SunShot

https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/

Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA)

https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/

Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund

https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund

Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business

https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses

Skills, Workforce, and Capability

Victorian Digital Jobs Program

https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs

Australian Government Wage Subsidies

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies

Self Employment Assistance Program

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment

Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support

Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program

https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture

Instant Asset Write Off

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off

Finding Grants and Getting Help

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform)

https://www.grants.gov.au

Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs

AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter

https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry

In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with Murali Sastry to cut through the hype around AI and focus on what really matters for manufacturing. How AI can augment people, not replace them.

We explore what vibe coding actually means in practice, and why it is opening the door for operators, engineers, and frontline workers to build dashboards, troubleshoot issues, and create job aids without waiting months for IT support. Murali shares real world examples from manufacturing and beyond, including learning in the flow of work, low risk augmentation use cases, and why human in the loop governance is critical.

We also unpack the risks, from shadow IT to security and ownership, and discuss where AI should absolutely not be used in high-risk manufacturing environments. Murali finishes with clear, practical steps manufacturers can take tomorrow to get started safely, build capability, and create real ROI from AI.

If you are navigating AI adoption in manufacturing and want a grounded, human-centred perspective, this episode is for you.

Warehouses have not changed much in 20 to 30 years, and even when businesses look modern from the outside, the reality behind the scenes is often chaos, spreadsheets, and a heap of decisions operators never expected to be making.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob O’Dea from ShelfBot to unpack the real industry blockers that stop warehouses from taking the first step into automation, including fear of massive projects, over-engineered solutions, and the “consultant trap” of trying to solve 100% of the problem all at once.

We talk about:

• Why complexity and integration risk (hello, SAP) can kill projects before they start

• The 80/20 mindset, and why chasing the last 20% can explode cost and complexity
• The human reality of picking, including the 10 to 15 km a day many pickers walk
• The hidden costs and safety risks people miss, including fire suppression and lithium-ion concerns

If you’re a manufacturer, 3PL, or e-commerce operator trying to scale without betting the business on a mega-project, this is a practical conversation about where to start, what to avoid, and how to reduce the fear factor.

In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with futurist Marcus Barber to unpack what is really happening across the manufacturing landscape in Australia today. We explore the ongoing flow on effects of supply disruptions, the shift from just in time to just in case, cash flow pressure on smaller manufacturers, and how global tariff movements are creating unexpected opportunities for Australian exporters.

Marcus also shares powerful insights into the skills shortage, why the sector struggles to attract and retain talent, and how manufacturers can rethink engagement by hiring in cohorts and supporting slow retirement models. We also dig into emerging risks, strategic blind spots, shifting consumer markets, and how technology and AI will influence the sector over the next few years.