Purpose-built UAVs, military AI, simulation training, and Australian rockets: the best of Avalon Airshow 2025 Part 2. 

In this episode, Shane and Paul speak with four standout Australian companies pushing the boundaries of defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. We cover: 

• Andrew Davies from Taz Drone Solutions on purpose-built UAVs designed for dangerous mining, defence, and fire management missions 
• Alex Reynolds from BLACK6 on integrated learning environments combining simulation, AI, and data analytics to transform training outcomes 
• Shane Rapmund from Athena AI on military-grade computer vision tools that reduce operator overload in complex surveillance and battlefield environments 
• David Jervis from Gilmour Space on launching Australia into orbit with locally designed and manufactured rockets 

Whether you're interested in Australian defence manufacturing, drone innovation, or sovereign space capability, this episode showcases homegrown innovation at its best. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/53-avalon-airshow-part-2-aerospace-innovation-with-taz-drone-solutions-black6-athena-ai-and-gilmour-space/ 

3D-printed heat exchangers, additive cabin part certification, electrical digital twins, and drone power modules — live from Avalon 2025 Part 1. 

Recorded live at the 2025 Avalon Airshow, Shane and Paul speak with four innovators at the cutting edge of aerospace and defence manufacturing. We cover: 

- Brian Rajchel from Conflux Technology on 3D-printed heat exchangers that make aerospace systems lighter, smaller, and more efficient 

- Miro Miletic from MEMKO on how additive manufacturing is helping airlines replace and certify critical cabin parts faster 

- Lorna McLachlan from PowerJump on Zuken E3 — a digital twin solution that simplifies complex electrical systems for defence and heavy transport 

- Jason Suter from Currawong Engineering on advanced motor controllers and power modules powering next-generation drones 

Whether you're in aerospace manufacturing, defence supply chains, or advanced engineering, this episode gives you a front-row view of Australian innovation at Avalon. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/52-avalon-airshow-part-1-aerospace-innovation-with-conflux-technology-memko-powerjump-currawong-engineering/ 

Australia's global robotics ranking doesn't tell the full story. Sue Keay explains where we're quietly excelling — and what to do about it. 

In this episode, Sue Keay, Chair of the Robotics Australia Board and Director of the UNSW AI Institute, shares a clear-eyed view of where Australia sits in global robotics — and where our real competitive strengths lie. We cover: 

- Why Australia's slip in global robotics density rankings masks genuine strength in field robotics 

- Where Australia is excelling: mining, logistics, agtech, and space 

- How AI is breaking down barriers to robotics adoption for manufacturing SMEs 

- The real impact of automation on jobs — and how to approach the conversation constructively 

- The urgent need for a national AI strategy and infrastructure plan to support the sector 

- Practical first steps for businesses to start their automation journey (hint: it starts with a whiteboard) 

Whether you're deep in robotics or just exploring automation options, this episode gives you optimism, insight, and a practical starting point. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/51-australias-robotics-edge-ai-integration-the-future-of-work-with-sue-keay/ 

Key takeaways from the Digital Manufacturing Hub launch at Swinburne, the Avalon Airshow, AMW 2025, and what's coming up next. 

Shane and Paul wrap the biggest manufacturing and technology events they've attended recently and preview what's ahead. This episode covers: 

- Key insights from the Digital Manufacturing Hub launch at Swinburne University 

- Highlights from the 2025 Avalon Airshow and ARM Hub Propel Air Sprint 

- What to expect at Australian Manufacturing Week 2025 — and the announcement that MTA is the official media partner 

- How to access free tickets to the Digital Factory Forum 

- Must-attend events shaping Australian manufacturing in 2025 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/50-manufacturing-tech-event-wrap-whats-happening-around-town/ 

AI and automation are reshaping Lean — but psychological safety and culture still make or break continuous improvement. 

In this episode, Mark Graban, Lean expert, author, and host of the My Favorite Mistake podcast, shares how technology is changing the practice of continuous improvement in manufacturing — and what the fundamentals that technology can't replace. We cover: 

- The risks of 'dashboard overload' — why having more data is not the same as making better decisions 

- How AI and automation can support human problem-solving rather than replacing it 

- Why psychological safety is the missing link in most digital transformation initiatives 

- The shift from traditional Lean tools (Kanban, 5S) to tech-enabled continuous improvement 

- What Industry 5.0 means for leadership and culture on the manufacturing floor 

Whether you're a Lean practitioner, operations manager, or continuous improvement lead, this episode gives you a fresh perspective on where Lean is heading — and why the human element still matters most. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/49-continuous-improvement-lean-tech-data-leadership-with-mark-graban/ 

US tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium, supply chain shocks, and the hidden opportunities in emerging markets — here's what manufacturers need to know. 

In this episode, Lawrence Christoffelsz, Director of the Australian Trade Logistics Corporation, unpacks the latest global trade disruptions and their ripple effects on Australian manufacturers. We cover: 

- The real impact of US tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium exports 

- Supply chain shocks manufacturers need to be monitoring and planning for now 

- How to leverage free trade agreements and global trade zones for competitive advantage 

- The growing importance of ESG compliance in international supply chains and export markets 

- The hidden opportunities in emerging markets for Australian manufacturers willing to look beyond traditional partners 

Whether you're an exporter, importer, or SME manufacturer navigating global uncertainty, this episode gives you practical strategies for the shifting trade landscape. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/48-global-trade-turbulence-challenges-opportunities-for-aussie-manufacturers/

From digital twins to collaborative robotics and Industry 5.0: how ARM Hub is helping Australian manufacturers adopt AI without disrupting operations. 

In this episode, Jannat Maqbool, Innovation Lead at ARM Hub, shares how Australian manufacturers are navigating the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 — where human expertise and AI-powered technology work in partnership. We cover: 

- How collaborative robotics, machine vision, and AI-driven supply chain management are being adopted by Aussie manufacturers 

- The practical difference between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 — and why the distinction matters 

- Digital twins: what they are, what they're not, and where they deliver value for Australian SMEs 

- How to adopt AI and automation without disrupting daily manufacturing operations 

- AI adoption frameworks and government support programs making advanced tech accessible 

Whether you're a manufacturer exploring digital transformation or a technology buyer evaluating options, this episode gives you a practical entry point into AI and robotics adoption. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/47-ai-robotics-and-the-future-of-manufacturing-with-jannat-maqbool-from-arm-hub/ 

BODD's Australian-made 3D scanner captures precise body measurements in 60 seconds — transforming uniform sizing for defence and emergency services. 

In this episode, Rob Fisher, CEO and Co-Founder of BODD, and John Lake, Technical Lead, share the engineering and commercial journey behind one of Australia's most innovative manufacturing success stories. We cover: 

• How BODD's fixed-array 3D scanning system captures high-quality body data in 60 seconds at scale 
• The pivotal shift from mobile scanning to fixed-array systems — and what drove that decision 
• Collaborations with Bosch and Deakin University that helped scale the technology 
• Applications beyond uniform sizing: wellness monitoring, posture tracking, and health insights 
• Key startup lessons: building solid foundations, balancing technical perfection with market readiness 

Whether you're a manufacturer, founder, or technology buyer in defence, emergency services, or health, this episode shows what Australian-designed and manufactured innovation looks like at its best. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/46-more-than-measurements-how-bodd-is-changing-lives-with-data/ 

Bosch BAMS helps startups and SMEs take ideas from prototype to scalable production — here's how robotics, digital twins, and design-for-manufacture make it happen. 

In this episode, Brad Trewin, Innovation Lead at Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS), walks through how Bosch is empowering Australian startups and SMEs to scale manufacturing capability. We cover: 

• How BAMS has helped companies like RayGen (solar arrays) and 3RT (sustainable wood products) scale production 
• Why early collaboration between designers and manufacturers unlocks cost efficiency and innovation 
• The role of digital twins, AI, and augmented reality in optimising production for startups 
• Design-for-manufacture principles that prevent costly rework and redesign during scale-up 
• How scalable automation can be introduced progressively without disrupting existing operations 

Whether you're a startup founder, product developer, or operations leader, this episode gives you a practical view of how to bridge the gap between idea and industrial-scale production. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/45-bridging-ideas-to-reality-scaling-startups-with-bradley-trewin-at-bosch-australia-manufacturing-solutions-bams/ 

No-code robotics programming, Robotics-as-a-Service, and digital work instructions are reshaping what's possible for manufacturing SMEs. 

In this episode, Jake Hall, manufacturing automation expert and founder of The Manufacturing Millennial, shares how emerging robotics models and AI-driven tools are lowering the barrier to automation for smaller manufacturers. We cover: 

• How AI-driven, no-code solutions are making robotics programming accessible to non-specialists 
• The rise of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and what it means for manufacturers who can't justify a capital purchase 
• How digital work instructions help manufacturers capture tribal knowledge and bridge the skills gap 
• Jake's insights from working with manufacturers globally on automation adoption 
• The biggest mistakes SMEs make when starting their robotics journey — and how to avoid them 

Whether you're a manufacturer evaluating robotics options or a plant manager looking to preserve operational knowledge, this episode gives you practical, forward-looking guidance. 

Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/44-the-future-of-robotics-automation-ai-and-manufacturing-innovation-with-jake-hall-the-manufacturing-millennial/