Manufacturing Tech Australia

In this episode we sit down with Mark Graban—Lean expert, award-winning author, and host of My Favorite Mistake—to explore how technology is reshaping Lean and continuous improvement.  Lean isn’t just about Kanban boards and 5S anymore. With AI, automation, and real-time analytics, businesses now have more data than ever—but are they using it effectively? Mark shares why psychological safety, leadership, and culture remain critical, even as we embrace Industry 5.0.  We dive into:  The risks of “dashboard overload”—why more data isn’t always better  How AI & automation can support (not replace) human problem-solving  Why psychological safety is the missing link in digital transformation  The shift from traditional Lean tools to tech-enabled continuous improvement  Mark is touring Australia in March for a Lean & Tech roadshow with AME, visiting Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. If you want to see where Lean is heading next, check out AME’s event page.  🎧 Listen now to discover how to future-proof your Lean strategy!

As global trade tensions rise and tariffs shift, what does it all mean for Australian manufacturers? We sit down with Lawrence Christoffelsz, an expert in trade and logistics, to unpack the latest disruptions and the ripple effects on local businesses.  Lawrence share his perspective on:  - The real impact of U.S. tariffs on Australian steel & aluminium  - Supply chain shocks & what manufacturers need to watch for  - How to leverage trade zones and global partnerships for growth  - The growing importance of ESG compliance in international markets  - The hidden opportunities in emerging markets & free trade agreements  It’s not all doom and gloom - uncertainty creates opportunity. Whether you’re an exporter, importer, or SME in manufacturing, this episode offers practical strategies to navigate the shifting global trade landscape.  Need help? -> https://australiantradelogisticscorporation.com.au/contact/

Shane and Paul kick off the season with an in-depth discussion on the emerging trends in manufacturing, from AI-driven automation to the convergence of IoT and edge computing. They’re joined by Jannat Maqbool from ARM Hub, who shares her insights on Industry 4.0, digital twins, and the shift towards Industry 5.0—where human expertise and AI-powered technology go hand in hand.  Jannat also breaks down real-world examples of how manufacturers are leveraging collaborative robotics, machine vision, and AI-driven supply chain management to stay competitive and drive sustainable growth. If you're a manufacturer looking to navigate digital transformation without disrupting daily operations, this episode is packed with practical insights.  Discover how AI adoption frameworks, government support programs, and industry partnerships are making advanced tech more accessible than ever.   For help with AI adoption in your manufacturing business, visit:aiadopt.ai [https://aiadopt.ai/]

Rob Fisher (CEO & Co-Founder) and John Lake (Technical Lead) of BODD share their incredible journey in bringing world-class 3D body scanning technology to life. Proudly Australian-designed and manufactured, BODD's innovation has transformed how industries—from emergency services to defense forces—approach uniform sizing with accuracy, efficiency, and privacy.  In this episode, we dive into:  * How BODD’s technology captures high-quality human body data in just 60 seconds  * The "aha moments" that propelled their shift from mobile scanning to fixed-array systems  * Collaborations with Bosch, Deakin University, and more to create scalable solutions  * Applications beyond apparel, including wellness, posture tracking, and health insights  * Key lessons for startups: from building solid foundations to balancing technical perfection with market readiness  This conversation highlights how a clear vision, collaboration, and Australian ingenuity have enabled BODD to solve real-world challenges on a global scale.

Brad Trewin from Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) takes us on a journey through the transformative world of robotics, automation, and manufacturing expertise.  In this episode, we explore:  * Bosch’s role in empowering startups and SMEs, with examples like RayGen’s solar arrays and 3RT’s sustainable wood products.  * The impact of digital twins, AI, and augmented reality in optimizing production.  * The importance of early collaboration, design-for-manufacture, and scalable automation.