Manufacturing Tech Australia

76. Industry 6.0, Dark Factories and the Future of Manufacturing with Nick Doyle

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Doyle from ANCA Manufacturing Solutions in Thailand. Nick is right in the centre of one of the most active manufacturing regions in the world, leading factory expansion and helping organisations across Australia and Southeast Asia understand what comes next. We explore how global supply chains are shifting, why Thailand is becoming a major production hub, and how AI is already reshaping factories. Nick takes us from Industry 4.0 through to Industry 6.0, a future where agentic AI runs workflows, humanoid robots become general purpose labour, and micro factories operate close to customers. We also dive into the practical side. Nick shares what his team is already doing with AI today, including press brake automation, welding projects, vibe coding, internal knowledge management, power monitoring, and university collaborations that accelerate innovation.

75. Grants and Support to Help Manufacturers Scale in 2026

In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans.  We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy.  If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business.  Useful Links In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below. Manufacturing and Technology Funding Made in Queensland Grant Program https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant Industry Growth Program (IGP) https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) https://nrf.gov.au Research, Innovation, and R&D Support AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/ CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start R&D Tax Incentive https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive Clean Tech and Energy Transition ARENA Solar SunShot https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/ Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA) https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/ Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses Skills, Workforce, and Capability Victorian Digital Jobs Program https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs Australian Government Wage Subsidies https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies Self Employment Assistance Program https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture Instant Asset Write Off https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off Finding Grants and Getting Help GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform) https://www.grants.gov.au Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry

74. AI on the Factory Floor, Learning in the Flow of Work & the Rise of Vibe Coding w/ Murali Sastry

In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with Murali Sastry to cut through the hype around AI and focus on what really matters for manufacturing. How AI can augment people, not replace them.  We explore what vibe coding actually means in practice, and why it is opening the door for operators, engineers, and frontline workers to build dashboards, troubleshoot issues, and create job aids without waiting months for IT support. Murali shares real world examples from manufacturing and beyond, including learning in the flow of work, low risk augmentation use cases, and why human in the loop governance is critical.  We also unpack the risks, from shadow IT to security and ownership, and discuss where AI should absolutely not be used in high-risk manufacturing environments. Murali finishes with clear, practical steps manufacturers can take tomorrow to get started safely, build capability, and create real ROI from AI.  If you are navigating AI adoption in manufacturing and want a grounded, human-centred perspective, this episode is for you.

73. The Hilux Approach to Warehouse Automation with Rob O'Dea

Warehouses have not changed much in 20 to 30 years, and even when businesses look modern from the outside, the reality behind the scenes is often chaos, spreadsheets, and a heap of decisions operators never expected to be making.  In this episode, we sit down with Rob O’Dea from ShelfBot to unpack the real industry blockers that stop warehouses from taking the first step into automation, including fear of massive projects, over-engineered solutions, and the “consultant trap” of trying to solve 100% of the problem all at once.  We talk about: * Why complexity and integration risk (hello, SAP) can kill projects before they start  * The 80/20 mindset, and why chasing the last 20% can explode cost and complexity  * The human reality of picking, including the 10 to 15 km a day many pickers walk  * The hidden costs and safety risks people miss, including fire suppression and lithium-ion concerns  If you’re a manufacturer, 3PL, or e-commerce operator trying to scale without betting the business on a mega-project, this is a practical conversation about where to start, what to avoid, and how to reduce the fear factor.

72. The Future of Australian Manufacturing with Futurist Marcus Barber

In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with futurist Marcus Barber to unpack what is really happening across the manufacturing landscape in Australia today. We explore the ongoing flow on effects of supply disruptions, the shift from just in time to just in case, cash flow pressure on smaller manufacturers, and how global tariff movements are creating unexpected opportunities for Australian exporters. Marcus also shares powerful insights into the skills shortage, why the sector struggles to attract and retain talent, and how manufacturers can rethink engagement by hiring in cohorts and supporting slow retirement models. We also dig into emerging risks, strategic blind spots, shifting consumer markets, and how technology and AI will influence the sector over the next few years.