Technology News

At AMW2025, OneKloudX is giving manufacturers and warehouse managers the power to see every move, stay in control, and prevent problems before they happen—with NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing and 3DLogistiX. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing – See what’s really happening on the factory Floor. You don’t know a work order is delayed until it’s already impacted production. You can’t track actual costs in real time. Inventory plans are based on estimates instead of live data. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing changes that with: Work Order Tracking: Know what’s in progress, what’s delayed, and what needs attention before it impacts production; Automated Inventory Backflushing: Material usage updates instantly, preventing shortages and errors; Routing and Labour Costing: Track and control labour expenses and resource allocation in real time; Infinite Capacity Scheduling: Adjust production schedules dynamically to maximise throughput and minimise downtime; Batch Management & Control: Ensure consistent quality and compliance in every production run; Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Guarantee that stock arrives exactly when needed—no overstocking, no delays; Shop Floor Control: Gain live insights into WIP, labour, and machine utilisation, so you can optimise production…

Automation & Robotic Technologies (A&RT) is a leading designer and integrated engineering solutions provider of automation systems in Australia.  The company is globally recognised for its high-speed picking projects and specialist robotic solutions for the food and beverage industry.  Their team of experts have provided intricate systems to support applications such as meat palletising, picking and packaging, as well as the handling of frozen foods, baked products, omelettes, food-grade oils, and even tofu. In 2025, A&RT is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in business and 14 years as an ABB Authorized Value Provider (AVP).  Mike Urban, Co-Managing Director at A&RT said, “We’re proud to supply systems to every large food manufacturer in Australia.  With the support of ABB Robotics, we’ve always been confident that we’ll meet our customers’ needs as we’re working with the best robotic technology manufacturer – the original patent holders of Delta robots and developers of the RobotStudio Suite, so we can innovatively integrate artificial intelligence with real intelligence into our work.” A long-standing partnership, A&RT were the recipients an ABB Robotics lifetime achievement award in 2019.  ABB's AVPs…

Alfex is proud to showcase the latest in Laser cutting, marking and engraving systems, CNC Machine Tools & Industrial 3D Printers at AMW2025. Visit us at Stand MT290 (Alfex) and Stand MT300 (Haas CNC) to see live demonstrations of cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. Whether you're looking to increase capabilities or improve production efficiencies, the team at Alfex is ready to help with over 300 years of combined experience in the manufacturing and engineering space. Alfex is set to make waves at this year’s Australian Manufacturing Week, showcasing the world’s leading laser brands, including Epilog Laser, Lotus Laser, Kern Lasers, ACSYS Lasers, VISION engraving and routing systems, and BOFA Filtered Extraction systems. As a trusted provider of high-quality equipment and exceptional service, Alfex continues to support businesses nationwide in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. From precision engraving to high-performance laser cutting and marking, these industry-leading brands provide Australian businesses with state-of-the-art solutions that enhance productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Whether for aerospace, defence, automotive, industrial, or creative applications, Alfex delivers the right tools to drive innovation and business growth. Experts will discuss how these solutions can streamline…

Many people are concerned that automation is going to take away jobs. However, in light of today’s rapidly shifting technologies, supply chain disruptions, and millions of already unfilled jobs, there will likely be plenty of work for everyone, even if job descriptions change and retraining is necessary. “Rockwell Automation wants to expand human possibilities,” explained Cyril Perducat, CTO at Rockwell Automation. “And when we talk about the future and things like robots on the plant floor, we’re not talking about removing people from the equation. We want to augment existing people and their capabilities.” He added, “There are a lot of buzzwords today, including artificial intelligence (AI), but they aren’t just about technology. They’re about creating the right experiences for people. There’s no way to invest in the future without making tools usable for people.” Perducat made these remarks during his closing keynote address at the 2023 Automation Fair® event in Boston. Strategies for Challenges Perducat reported that it’s important to start by examining the individual challenges…

AML3D’s technology centre is open and in production. One ARCEMY industrial metal 3D printing system is on-site at Stow, OHIO. A second system will be installed later in the year. Plans to install additional ARCEMY systems at the Stow facility, which would increase its capacity, are progressing. AML3D has already delivered A$16m of US contracts ahead of an expected surge in US Defence spending on additive manufacturing. AML3D’s US manufacturing capability also supports new opportunities to expand into the US Energy and Defence Aerospace sectors. The Stow manufacturing hub is already operational and working on an initial A$2.27m order from the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public utility in the USA. The expansion of Stow is to meet an expected step change in US Department of Defense spending on advanced additive manufacturing solutions to support the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base. The increase in capacity at Stow will also allow AML3D to continue its expansion into the wider US Energy and Defense Aerospace sectors. AML3D’s US ‘Scale up’ strategy, launched in early CY2023, has…

A leading Australian electrical company has found a solution that delivers Standards-compliant, safe, and portable switchrooms to sites for its major projects nationwide. The electrical project specialist worked with Modulate Group to create a fully sealed containerised switchroom that can easily be moved from site to site. The customised switchroom houses a motor control centre, variable-speed drive, distribution board, transformer, local control station, fire indication panel, and remote switching panel. Modulate manufactures customised containerised buildings at its 20,000sqm production facility in Mayfield, near Newcastle, NSW. Production and customisation to different needs are handled in-house. “Electrical switchrooms are some of the more complex containerised buildings we manufacture. We ensure they meet strict AS3000 Standards, other relevant safety Standards, and any client-specific requirements,” said Jack Adams, General Manager, Modulate. “The customer placed a high importance on safety and quality from the start, and they were clear with their requirements. Not only did they want to meet all relevant Standards, but they wanted to maximise internal space, which is an area where Modulate sets itself apart from other portable offices,” he added. The…

Automated Solutions Australia (ASA) is proud to have partnered with Renold Australia to develop and implement an advanced robotic machine tending solution at Renold’s Melbourne facility. This partnership showcases ASA’s automation expertise alongside Renold’s ongoing commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to drive manufacturing excellence. One key outcome of this collaboration is a dramatic improvement in operational efficiency, with the robotic solution enabling continuous production and reducing lead times. Founded in 1879, Renold Australia is a global leader in industrial chains and mechanical power transmission products. It provides essential components to the mining, transportation, food, and energy industries. Renold is recognised for its innovative approach, consistently investing in advanced manufacturing processes to satisfy the demands of a competitive market. Renold collaborated with ASA to transform a machine previously operating for eight hours a day into a fully automated system capable of running 24/7. This enhanced production efficiency and maintained the company's unwavering commitment to quality. The solution features a FANUC M10iD/8L robot with 2D vision and dual…

The Briscoe Group’s 25,000sqm distribution centre is set to open in early 2026. Investing at least NZ$100m in the facility will significantly enhance Briscoe Group’s supply chain capabilities and efficiency. Situated in Drury South, Auckland, this new centre will replace the current 8,000sqm facility, increasing storage capacity by more than four times and accommodating KNAPP’s state-of-the-art automated shuttle system. The automation contract significantly advances the Briscoe Group’s supply chain evolution. KNAPP’s advanced systems, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) Evo Shuttle and Pick-it-Easy Evo goods-to-person stations, will optimise storage and picking for smaller products like apparel and footwear, enhancing efficiency across the board. “This partnership with KNAPP enables us to enhance stock accuracy and expedite fulfilment, creating an improved customer experience while optimising in-store inventory,” said Briscoe Group Supply Chain General Manager Darren Porteous. The automation will bolster the on-shelf availability of products in Briscoe Group’s stores, allowing the Group to restock high-demand items as often as daily, thereby enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Various online orders will also be fulfilled from the DC using automation, minimising the…

Westlab has a strong focus on modular, scalable, and technically advanced systems, maintaining a long-standing relationship with Capral, Australia's largest extruder and distributor of aluminium products. The company prides itself on responsibly sourcing locally extruded aluminium for its products, continually pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in everything it undertakes. Recent innovations from the Westlab team, such as the Modulab© Connect System, provide flexible and high-performance solutions for scientific, pharmaceutical, and educational applications. “We’re always looking to improve and standardise our systems globally,” said Russell Grace, Director at Westlab. “Our Modulab Connect System has customised all the profiles to facilitate adaptability, ensuring high performance and compliance with rigorous industry standards, including PC2 and PC3 certification for biocontainment laboratories.” Aluminium is one of the key materials used in the construction of Westlab’s laboratory and furniture products. It offers numerous advantages, such as strength, lightweight properties, high-quality finishes, and formability. This versatility enables the creation of custom fastening and construction systems. Capral extrudes a variety of custom aluminium profiles for Westlab, enhancing the efficient solutions…

eLumina has officially opened Australia’s first factory capable of producing community lithium batteries and EV chargers, with the first model set off the production line in 2025. The new $20m Manufacturing and Development Centre on the Gold Coast will strengthen Australia’s energy storage sector and help meet global battery demand. The factory will produce 300 batteries and EV chargers a year and support up to 300 jobs on the Gold Coast. eLumina's CEO, Lisa Marsh, said, “We are extremely proud to officially open our factory here in Yatala on the Gold Coast. We are ambitious about supporting 300 highly technical and sought-after jobs, and we’re proud to partner with TAFE Queensland to support the training and pathways into these jobs.” Importantly, these jobs will be critical in shaping Australia’s tech and energy future. Tech Council of Australia CEO Damian Kassabgi said, “Queensland, particularly on the Gold Coast, is emerging as a tech hotspot and a manufacturing hub. Our goal is to have 1.2 million tech workers in Australia…

FPR Energy, a new venture from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has secured $15m in seed funding to commercialise next-generation solar thermal technology to help reduce industrial emissions, accounting for 20% of Australia’s annual carbon footprint. The company was launched today with global advisory and funds management firm RFC Ambrian and utility leader Osaka Gas, raising the most extensive seed funding for a CSIRO co-founded venture. FPR Energy aims to cut emissions in heavy industries such as mineral refining, steel, cement, and chemical production using CSIRO’s particle-based Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) technology, which can produce temperatures up to 1200 degrees Celsius—an industry-first. The technology uses abundant and low-cost ceramic particles to store sunlight as heat, enabling long-duration energy storage to support industrial processes, green fuel production and reliable, dispatchable power. CSIRO Energy Technologies Research Director Dr. Daniel Roberts said FPR Energy is a significant step in meeting the growing demand for renewable solutions in hard-to-abate heavy industries. “FPR Energy is building on years of solar thermal research, demonstrating CSIRO’s commitment to supporting emissions reduction using impact-focussed science and…

The renewable energy and clean technology industries are at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable energy systems. Solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage solutions, and emerging innovations in energy optimisation are reshaping Australia’s energy landscape. Yet, the sector’s rapid growth comes with unique challenges. To remain competitive, companies in this space must manage complex project portfolios, meet stringent environmental and regulatory requirements, and integrate cutting-edge technologies. Achieving these goals requires more than innovation—it demands operational excellence powered by advanced systems. NetSuite, with its cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities, is enabling renewable energy businesses to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and position themselves as leaders in sustainability. Managing complexity in renewable energy The renewable energy industry is defined by its complexity. Companies often manage diverse projects across multiple locations, each with unique financial, operational, and regulatory demands. Coordinating resources, tracking project progress, and ensuring profitability require a unified approach. At the same time, compliance pressures are mounting. Renewable energy companies must adhere to international standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and local requirements like the Australian Privacy Act…

Howard Smith Wharves by Artemus Group took another step toward its goal of becoming the most sustainable precinct in the world this month by installing 179kW of rooftop solar panels. After engaging Origin Zero, Howard Smith Wharves commissioned an energy audit and kitchen electrification study in its ambitious quest to reduce emissions by 44% by June 2026, compared to 2022 levels. It has already diverted 97% of its waste from landfill, with this energy audit another avenue to reduce emissions and support its sustainability mission. Following the audit, Origin Zero proposed the rooftop solar and power factor correction (an adjustment of the power supply systems to enhance efficiency) to achieve immediate supply-side emissions savings of 7.2% across the precinct’s restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces, hotel and brewery. Luke Fraser, CEO of Artemus Group, says that sustainability is his top priority. “These two quick and simple solutions drastically reduce our emissions, so we jumped at the opportunity. We aim to become the most sustainable precinct in the world, and we’re proud to continue to partner with industry leaders…