Robotics, automation and smart grid in focus at ACI Connect

Robotics, automation and smart grids could drive growth in the Australian manufacturing industry, says Alex Baitch, national president of Engineers Australia.

Baitch is speaking on the future of engineering and manufacturing at the ACI Connect Conference in Melbourne. He will provide detailed insights on the present and future of manufacturing, and the all-pervasive role of automation, control and instrumentation in the industry.

The present techniques make it difficult for businesses to utilise resources effectively, Baitch says, noting that communication technology, sensing and automation could help achieve efficiency. Baitch is an electrical engineer and the principal of BES (Aust), a consulting practice in electrical distribution, utilisation and energy management.

In order to gain a competitive edge, the Australian manufacturing industry will also require a more highly skilled and qualified workforce, according to the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA). The agency has just released the Manufacturing workforce study report, developed by the AWPA in consultation with industry, unions and the tertiary education sector.

“To remain competitive, Australian manufacturing needs to transition to a more diverse, high-end base, where there will be a stronger focus on research and innovation and more niche manufacturing of complex high-value-added goods,” Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency Chair Philip Bullock said.

Despite challenges, some manufacturing subsectors have experienced relatively strong export growth, particularly high-skilled manufacturing such as professional and scientific equipment and specialised machinery and equipment, says AWPA.

The Manufacturing workforce study report says despite recent downturns and closures in some subsectors, manufacturing in Australia can have a positive future. The industry is Australia’s fourth-largest employer, makes a disproportionately large contribution to export revenue and research effort and plays a critical role in the uptake and spread of innovation in our economy.

It finds despite a probable lack of overall job growth in manufacturing, businesses will generate demand for a wider range of skilled trades workers, technicians and professionals, particularly in STEM disciplines. Technology and innovation may result in the loss of some occupations but will also change the scope of job roles and create new job opportunities