Securing Prosperity: Unlocking Australia’s Robotics Potential

This report, prepared for Amazon Commercial Services, examines the economic potential of strengthening Australia's robotics sector through targeted investment and strategic action. Our analysis models the prospective benefits of achieving three aspirational targets by 2040. These targets include doubling industrial robot density, increasing productivity growth by 15% through service robot adoption, and achieving robotics industry revenue growth 50% higher than current trajectories. The findings demonstrate significant potential gains in GDP, real wages, tax revenue, and employment.

Australia stands at a critical juncture in its robotics journey. While our research institutions rank among the world's best, the nation has yet to translate this excellence into widespread commercial success and adoption. This gap represents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity that could reshape our economic future.

The case for investment in robotics is compelling. Advanced robotics systems drive productivity improvements, create high-quality jobs, and deliver cost savings across diverse industries. From manufacturing and agriculture to mining and healthcare, robotics offers practical solutions to pressing labour challenges while strengthening Australia's competitive position in global markets. According to the National Robotics Strategy released in May 2024, automation including robotics could increase Australia's annual productivity growth by 50% to 150%, with every 1% increase in robotics adoption potentially lifting economy-wide productivity by 0.8%.