Locking in a research advantage in the emerging robotics sector

After warnings Australia is again giving up its lead in an emerging technology, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has promised a more strategic approach to robotics, including Australia’s first national strategy. It will launch after a national quantum strategy next year and follows a similar national push for AI. It is another sign of the new government’s intent to back certain technologies it sees as impactful, job-creating future industries. But the details of a national strategy for a sector known to be complex and fragmented are shaping as a key challenge for whoever Mr Husic appoints to lead its creation later this year.