Govt funds 'AI Adopt Centre' to help Aussie SME manufacturers

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, provider of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and design-for-manufacture innovation services has welcomed news of collective funding of $17 million to support companies to use and manage AI.

Australian Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic announced the ARM Hub and its partners as one of four AI Adopt Centres to help SMEs to adopt responsible AI-enabled products and services to their business.

Some of the AI Adopt Centre partners include: Food and Beverage Accelerator, Tech Council of Australia, Smart Energy Council, Industry Capability Network, South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance and the Australian Robotics and Automation Association.

ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said the centre will be a pathway for Australia’s SMEs to become global innovation leaders.

“ARM Hub and its partners are thrilled to continue their work in fostering a world-class AI ecosystem in Australia that embraces safe and responsible AI and is focused on commercialisation and business growth,” Stewart said.

“Australia’s SME manufacturers know that AI can be a major source of sustained value-add and enhanced global competitiveness. Given SMEs represent 93% of Australian business, it is imperative that they can capitalise on the benefits of AI to scale up and grow.

“The use of modern data platforms in Australian manufacturing is critical to effective scaling up and business growth and the creation of a ‘smart’ and resilient workforce. The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will provide a joined-up service that demonstrates how data and AI can modernise business, build skills and boost productivity.”

Image credit: Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub.