Propel-AIR 2.0 robotics sprint launches in Brisbane
ARM Hub will open entries for Propel-AIR 2.0 at a Brisbane launch featuring live robotics demonstrations and a delegation from US organisation MassRobotics.
Federal Minister for Industry and Science Tim Ayres will launch the national AI and robotics innovation sprint at ARM Hub in Northgate, Brisbane. The event includes a robotics showcase and a commercialisation roundtable involving visiting MassRobotics staff.
ARM Hub said MassRobotics team members will travel from Boston for a week-long visit with the Australian organisation. ARM Hub described the visit as part of an ongoing partnership between the two groups.
The launch event will bring together robotics innovators, researchers and industry representatives. Organisers have scheduled live demonstrations during the morning, followed by a roundtable discussion on commercial pathways for robotics ventures.
Demonstrations planned
ARM Hub said the showcase will include Queensland University of Technology's automated banana de-handing system and a commercial robotics platform from The Fish Girl. The program also lists additional emerging technologies aimed at manufacturing and agriculture.
A Robotics and Commercialisation Roundtable will follow the demonstrations. ARM Hub said the discussion will include perspectives from the MassRobotics team, Australian innovators and industry practitioners.
Minister Ayres will formally launch Propel-AIR 2.0 during the event. ARM Hub said representatives from NVIDIA will also attend.
Programme structure
ARM Hub runs Propel-AIR through its AI Adopt Centre. The organisation said the sprint sits within the Australian Government's AI Adopt Programme.
Propel-AIR targets Australian innovators, startups and entrepreneurs working on AI and robotics products. ARM Hub said the program covers sectors including advanced manufacturing, resources, agriculture, healthcare and energy.
ARM Hub positioned the sprint as a commercialisation pathway for early-stage ventures. The group said it connects participants with industry customers, global partners and investors.
"Propel-AIR 2.0 comes at a pivotal time for Australia's sovereign robotics and AI capability," said Cori Stewart, CEO and Founder, ARM Hub.
"We're bringing together the full spectrum of Australia's robotics ecosystem. From cutting-edge research to commercial deployment, this day demonstrates the depth of innovation happening across the country," said Stewart.
Boston exchange
The program includes an overseas exchange for the winner. ARM Hub said the winning team will receive a month-long exchange at MassRobotics in Boston.
ARM Hub said the exchange includes scheduled visits to organisations in the Boston technology community, including Boston Dynamics and MIT. The winner will also receive mentorship from MassRobotics experts, according to ARM Hub.
ARM Hub said it will announce the winning team in July.
Inaugural winner
Melbourne-based NexoBot Founder Dominic Lindsay won the inaugural Propel-AIR program. ARM Hub said Lindsay recently completed a month-long MassRobotics residency in Boston.
ARM Hub said Lindsay pitched at RoboBusiness in Silicon Valley, visited the Stanford Robotics Lab and participated in Tough Tech Week.
"What really stood out is how important it is to have ecosystems like ARM Hub; with this we can develop solutions that deliver for an Australian context," said Dominic Lindsay, Founder, NexoBot.
About the partners
ARM Hub describes itself as a centre focused on robotics and AI adoption in industry. The Brisbane-based organisation said it works with manufacturers, SMEs, researchers and technology companies on automation projects.
MassRobotics operates as a non-profit organisation that works with robotics startups. It is based in Boston's Innovation District.
MassRobotics said it has supported more than 200 startups. The organisation said those companies have raised more than $1 billion in funding and created more than 600 jobs.
Entries for Propel-AIR 2.0 will open at the Brisbane launch.