Cutting-edge intralogistics, warehouse automation, and materials handling: here's what to expect at CeMAT 2023 in Sydney. 

Shane speaks with Natalie Green, Event Programme Manager for CeMAT 2023, about what manufacturers and supply chain professionals can expect at the event returning to Sydney Olympic Park from 25-27 July 2023. We cover: 

• The intralogistics, automation, and materials handling innovations on show at CeMAT 2023 
• Industries represented: e-commerce, manufacturing, food and beverage, and more 
• The Knowledge Theatre programme and what insights to expect from industry expert sessions 
• How to make the most of the event whether you're an SME or a large enterprise 
• Networking opportunities including the Industry Leaders Drinks Reception 

Manufacturers who partner with universities and research organisations innovate faster — CSIRO's Monika Szabo explains how to make it work. 

In this episode, Monika Szabo, SME Partnership Manager at CSIRO, walks through the practical process for manufacturers looking to engage research organisations effectively. We cover: 

• The most common challenges in creating successful business-to-research partnerships — and how to overcome them 
• How to identify the right research organisations and universities to partner with 
• Common concerns manufacturers have about IP ownership and confidentiality in research partnerships 
• Practical tips for engaging more effectively with universities and research bodies 
• How CSIRO's SME partnership programmes work and who is eligible 

Whether you're a manufacturer with an unresolved technical challenge, a product development question, or a desire to access cutting-edge research capability, this episode gives you a practical entry point into business-to-research partnership. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/8-unlocking-collaboration-bridging-the-gap-between-business-and-research-with-monika-szabo/ 

Sustainability and profitability aren't opposites in manufacturing — John Rieusset from ABB shows how Aussie manufacturers are achieving both. 

In this episode, John Rieusset from ABB, an engineering and technology company with over 130 years of global experience, shares how Australian manufacturers are using sustainable automation technologies to reduce costs while improving environmental performance. We cover: 

• Real-world examples of manufacturers who have integrated sustainable technologies and seen strong financial returns 
• The specific technologies ABB is deploying that reduce energy consumption and waste in manufacturing operations 
• How to build the business case for sustainable automation when the upfront cost is a barrier 
• The unique implementation challenges when overlaying sustainability technology onto existing plant infrastructure 
• Strategic and practical guidance for manufacturers navigating the green transition 

Whether you're a plant manager, sustainability lead, or operations director, this episode gives you a commercially-grounded perspective on making sustainable manufacturing work for your business. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/7-profitable-sustainability-how-aussie-manufacturers-are-turning-green-into-gold-with-john-rieusset/ 

Revival EV is converting 1970s classics into high-performance electric vehicles in Australia — and the lessons for sustainable manufacturing are significant. 

In this episode, Chris Mander and Scott Andersen, co-founders of Revival EV, share the engineering, manufacturing, and commercial journey behind transforming classic vehicles into eco-friendly electric builds. We cover: 

• The technical challenge of converting a 1971 BMW 2002 into a high-performance EV — what changes, what stays, and what that requires in manufacturing 
• How Revival EV balances the premium aesthetics of classic vehicles with the requirements of modern EV technology 
• The importance of strategic supplier collaboration when you're outside the established automotive supply chain 
• How innovative thinking and strategic planning enabled Revival EV to succeed where others haven't 
• Practical lessons for Australian manufacturers pursuing sustainable innovation outside mainstream supply chains 

Whether you're interested in EV manufacturing, sustainable innovation, or building a manufacturing business from scratch, this episode gives you an inspiring and practical look at Australian ingenuity. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/6-reviving-classics-driving-innovation-and-sustainability-in-classic-car-conversions-with-revival-evs-chris-mander-and-scott-andersen/ 

Australian manufacturers are sitting on hidden capacity they can't see — Ishan Galapathy shows how systematic problem-solving unlocks it. 

In this episode, Ishan Galapathy, manufacturing productivity expert and author of 'Advance: 12 Essential Elements to Supercharge Productivity and Profitability', shares the practical strategies manufacturers can use to increase output without increasing headcount. We cover: 

• The most common hurdles Australian manufacturers face when trying to adopt technology effectively 
• How to identify and unlock hidden capacity in existing operations 
• Systematic problem-solving frameworks that drive sustainable productivity improvement 
• How to curtail waste and boost profitability without major capital investment 
• The 12 essential elements from Ishan's book that form a practical productivity roadmap for manufacturers 

Whether you're a plant manager, business owner, or operations leader looking to improve performance, this episode gives you a practical, experience-backed framework for building a more productive and profitable manufacturing operation. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/5-triple-threat-tech-adoption-productivity-and-profitability-in-manufacturing-with-ishan-galapathy/ 

3D printed circuit boards, sovereign manufacturing capability, and the Victorian Digital Jobs for Manufacturing initiative — live from AMW 2023 Day 3. 

Paul and Shane cover Day 3 of Australian Manufacturing Week 2023 in Melbourne, visiting both the AMW floor and the Electronex Electronics Design and Assembly Expo. We cover: 

• Successful Endeavours on designing and distributing electronics in Australia and what sovereign capability looks like in practice 
• Nano Dimension on 3D printed circuit boards and robotic assembly for electronics production 
• SMCBA (Surface Mount and Circuit Board Association) on their role in the Australian electronics industry 
• SEMMA (South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance) on advocating for local manufacturing collaboration 
• Integra Systems on on-shore industrial product engineering 
• The Victorian Government's Digital Jobs for Manufacturing initiative 
• The Australian Made Campaign on promoting and growing sovereign manufacturing 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/amw-day-3-australian-manufacturing-week-melbourne-2023-special-episode-3-australian-made/ 

Bosch BAMS robotics, OFS factory monitoring, Okuma CNC machine tending, and large-scale industrial robots — AMW 2023 Day 2 floor coverage. 

Paul and Shane cover Day 2 of Australian Manufacturing Week 2023 in Melbourne. We speak with: 

• Bosch BAMS on their robotics integration and manufacturing consulting services for Australian SMEs 
• OFS on their factory monitoring solutions for real-time production visibility 
• Okuma on CNC machine tending systems that improve throughput and reduce operator burden 
• ASA on their range of large-scale industrial robots for high-volume manufacturing applications 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/amw-day-2-australian-manufacturing-week-melbourne-2023-special-episode-2-factory-monitoring-manufacturing-services-cnc-and-robots/

Digitalisation, 3D printing, and lean manufacturing from the AMW 2023 floor — live from Melbourne Day 1. 

Shane and Paul kick off their AMW 2023 coverage with Day 1 conversations from four organisations showcasing local manufacturing capability. We cover: 

• Team Assurance on quality assurance and compliance solutions for Australian manufacturers 
• Leap Australia on industrial automation and technology solutions for manufacturing operations 
• Peter Teschner on 3D printing applications in advanced Australian manufacturing 
• TXM on lean manufacturing consulting and operational improvement for SMEs 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/amw-day-1-australian-manufacturing-week-melbourne-2023-special-episode-digitalisation-3d-printing-lean-manufacturing-and-more/

Cobots are reshaping manufacturing and putting automation within reach of SMEs that couldn't justify traditional industrial robots. 

In this episode, Craig Taylor, robotics and automation expert, breaks down the world of collaborative robots (cobots) and how they're changing what's possible for smaller Australian manufacturers. We cover: 

• The key differences between cobots and traditional industrial robots — and why it matters for your safety and integration decisions 
• Innovative cobot applications that are already delivering value for manufacturing SMEs 
• How to evaluate cobot readiness and identify the right starting applications for your operation 
• The practical and cultural challenges of introducing cobots into existing manufacturing teams 
• How to embrace cobots as genuine productivity partners rather than fearing them as job replacements 

Whether you're a manufacturer exploring automation for the first time or an operations leader evaluating cobot investment, this episode gives you a grounded, practical introduction to collaborative robots in Australian manufacturing. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/4-my-co-worker-is-a-robot-when-sci-fi-becomes-reality-with-craig-taylor/ 

Autonomous mobile robots are no longer just for large manufacturers — Sam Thomason explains how Australian SMEs can adopt them now. 

In this episode, Sam Thomason, factory automation expert, shares how autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming accessible to Australian SME manufacturers — and what it takes to adopt them successfully. We cover: 

• The current state of AMR technology and why costs have dropped to the point where SMEs can justify the investment 
• How to assess AMR readiness in your manufacturing or warehouse operation 
• The most common mistakes SMEs make when evaluating and implementing AMR technology 
• How to identify the right starting application that delivers ROI without risking the whole operation 
• The practical steps for getting started with autonomous mobile robots in a smaller manufacturing environment 

Whether you're a manufacturer curious about AMRs or an operations leader actively evaluating automation options, this episode gives you a practical, SME-focused introduction to one of the most accessible automation technologies available today.