Robots took over the Agtech and Logistics Hub recently as businesses were shown how to improve productivity and safety through the use of robotics.
The Hub, in partnership with Darling Downs Manufacturing Industry Action Group (DDMIAG), hosted a ‘Strengthen your workforce through robotics’ workshop featuring presentations from manufacturers who have implemented robotics.
The November 8 workshop covered vital information about the adoption of robotics, including the cost benefit, key focus areas of implementation such as education and safety, and how to train staff to effectively use the technology.
Manufacturers who shared their experiences included Murray Weller of Pixie Ice Cream, Byron Wolff of Thompson Longhorn and Donald Trefz of DA Hall & Co.
Also in attendance were Industrial Robotics, SMC, DCISIV Technologies and Fibre King Pty Ltd, who shared their technologies.
Industrial Robotics Director Amanda White said robotics, fundamentally, was about people.
“We are facing a new industrial revolution and there is a huge amount of scaling we need to think about so that we can have appropriate skills for people actually working in jobs today,” she said.
“When I’m out talking to people who are running factories, their primary concern is the people who are working for them, making sure they are well cared for and that they are not going to be left behind with this next-generation technology.”
DCISIV Technologies Director Ben Leamon said he enjoyed the workshop, particularly hearing from companies that had already adopted robotics.
“They were all reputable companies, and it was awesome to hear from them how they approached their projects in the past – what they took out of those projects and the challenges they had,” he said.
“It’s great to know what to look out for and use that information to help deliver better solutions to customers.”
DDMIAG Chair Mel Ireland said the manufacturers looking to adopt robotics also greatly benefited from the workshop.
“We’ve learnt over many years and talking to other manufacturers that they learn better from each other than someone just coming in and showing them a new widget or a product,” she said.