Part 2 of our Avalon Airshow special, we continue our journey through Australia’s most exciting tech and manufacturing innovations shaping defence, aerospace, and mining.

Shane and Paul catch up with four standout companies pushing the limits of what's possible:

Andrew Davies from Taz Drone Solutions shares how his team went from modifying off-the-shelf drones to designing purpose-built UAVs for dangerous mining, defence, and fire management missions.

Alex Reynolds from BLACK6 unpacks how their integrated learning environments use simulation, AI, and data analytics to transform training outcomes across aviation and heavy industries.

Shane Rapmund from Athena AI explains how their military-grade computer vision tools are reducing operator overload in complex environments — from battlefields to surveillance operations.

David Jervis from Gilmour Space talks launching Australia into orbit, with locally-designed rockets aimed at solving the growing bottleneck in satellite deployment.

This episode is packed with stories of homegrown innovation, manufacturing resilience, and real-world tech applications.

In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 Avalon Airshow, we explore the latest in aerospace and manufacturing technology with four standout innovators.

Brian Rajchel from Conflux Technology shares how 3D-printed heat exchangers are making aerospace systems lighter, smaller, and more efficient. Miro Miletic from MEMKO explains how additive manufacturing is helping airlines replace and certify critical cabin parts faster than ever. Lorna McLachlan from PowerJump showcases Zuken E3, a powerful digital twin solution that simplifies complex electrical systems for defense and heavy transport. And Jason Suter from Currawong Engineering gives us the rundown on their advanced motor controllers and power modules powering drones and next-gen mobility.

This is Part 1 of our Avalon Airshow series—stay tuned for more from the frontline of Australian innovation.

In this episode, we sit down with robotics powerhouse Sue Keay - Chair of the Robotics Australia Board, Director of UNSW's AI Institute, and a long-time champion of Australia’s robotics and AI industries.

We dig into the reality behind Australia’s slip in global robotics density rankings - and why that might be painting the wrong picture. From mining to logistics, agtech to space, Sue shares where Australia is quietly excelling and where the next wave of innovation is set to emerge.

The conversation spans:

• Why Australia’s strength in field robotics could shape the global future of automation

• How AI is breaking down barriers to robotics adoption for SMEs

• The real impact of automation on jobs - and how to navigate it

• The urgent need for a national AI strategy and infrastructure plan

• Practical steps for businesses to kickstart their automation journey (hint: it starts with a whiteboard, not a robot)

Whether you're deep in industry or just automation-curious, Sue brings clarity, insight, and optimism to a space that's moving fast.

In this special event wrap episode, we cover some of the biggest manufacturing and tech events we’ve attended recently and what’s coming up next. From the Digital Manufacturing Hub launch at Swinburne to the Avalon Airshow, AMW 2025, and the ARM Hub Propel Air Sprint, we dive into key takeaways and must-attend gatherings shaping the future of manufacturing.

We also share details on how you can win free tickets to the Digital Factory Forum and announce some exciting news—Manufacturing Tech Australia is the official media partner for AMW 2025!

Stay ahead of the game with this event wrap, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on the latest manufacturing tech trends.

In this episode we sit down with Mark Graban—Lean expert, award-winning author, and host of My Favorite Mistake—to explore how technology is reshaping Lean and continuous improvement.

Lean isn’t just about Kanban boards and 5S anymore. With AI, automation, and real-time analytics, businesses now have more data than ever—but are they using it effectively? Mark shares why psychological safety, leadership, and culture remain critical, even as we embrace Industry 5.0.

We dive into:
The risks of “dashboard overload”—why more data isn’t always better
How AI & automation can support (not replace) human problem-solving
Why psychological safety is the missing link in digital transformation
The shift from traditional Lean tools to tech-enabled continuous improvement

Mark is touring Australia in March for a Lean & Tech roadshow with AME, visiting Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. If you want to see where Lean is heading next, check out AME’s event page.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to future-proof your Lean strategy!

As global trade tensions rise and tariffs shift, what does it all mean for Australian manufacturers? We sit down with Lawrence Christoffelsz, an expert in trade and logistics, to unpack the latest disruptions and the ripple effects on local businesses.

Lawrence share his perspective on:
- The real impact of U.S. tariffs on Australian steel & aluminium
- Supply chain shocks & what manufacturers need to watch for
- How to leverage trade zones and global partnerships for growth
- The growing importance of ESG compliance in international markets
- The hidden opportunities in emerging markets & free trade agreements

It’s not all doom and gloom - uncertainty creates opportunity. Whether you’re an exporter, importer, or SME in manufacturing, this episode offers practical strategies to navigate the shifting global trade landscape.

Need help? -> https://australiantradelogisticscorporation.com.au/contact/

Shane and Paul kick off the season with an in-depth discussion on the emerging trends in manufacturing, from AI-driven automation to the convergence of IoT and edge computing. They’re joined by Jannat Maqbool from ARM Hub, who shares her insights on Industry 4.0, digital twins, and the shift towards Industry 5.0—where human expertise and AI-powered technology go hand in hand.

Jannat also breaks down real-world examples of how manufacturers are leveraging collaborative robotics, machine vision, and AI-driven supply chain management to stay competitive and drive sustainable growth. If you're a manufacturer looking to navigate digital transformation without disrupting daily operations, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Discover how AI adoption frameworks, government support programs, and industry partnerships are making advanced tech more accessible than ever.

For help with AI adoption in your manufacturing business, visit:aiadopt.ai

Rob Fisher (CEO & Co-Founder) and John Lake (Technical Lead) of BODD share their incredible journey in bringing world-class 3D body scanning technology to life. Proudly Australian-designed and manufactured, BODD's innovation has transformed how industries—from emergency services to defense forces—approach uniform sizing with accuracy, efficiency, and privacy.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How BODD’s technology captures high-quality human body data in just 60 seconds

• The "aha moments" that propelled their shift from mobile scanning to fixed-array systems

• Collaborations with Bosch, Deakin University, and more to create scalable solutions

• Applications beyond apparel, including wellness, posture tracking, and health insights

• Key lessons for startups: from building solid foundations to balancing technical perfection with market readiness

This conversation highlights how a clear vision, collaboration, and Australian ingenuity have enabled BODD to solve real-world challenges on a global scale.