In this special episode, produced in partnership with CeMAT Australia 2025 and the Industrial Transformation Conference, we welcome back automation and digital transformation expert John Broadbent for a clear-eyed look at the current state of Australian manufacturing.

We unpack why so many businesses are still stuck at Industry 3.0, what’s holding them back, and what it really takes to start building smarter, more connected operations. John shares lessons from decades in the field, along with success stories from companies that have embraced automation and seen real results.

We also dive into leadership, data readiness, continuous improvement, and why the conversation needs to shift from shiny tech to long-term strategy. If you're serious about manufacturing transformation, this episode is full of practical insight.

🎙️ Catch John and MTA at CeMAT Australia 2025 in Sydney this July.

In this episode we chat with Nelson Bruton from Interchanges in the US to explore the modernization of sales channels in the manufacturing industry.

We discuss the benefits of digital transformation, specificallyfocusing on the integration of live chat for customer interaction. The conversation highlights the growing importance of combining human touch with digital tools for effective customer engagement and lead generation.

Nelson presents practical advice on implementing live chat and its significant impact on boosting conversion rates compared to automated chatbots. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of quick response times and the hybrid model of human and AI interaction to meet customer preferences and enhance the overall sales process.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-bruton/

Part 2 of our AMW 2025 series dives into the digital backbone of manufacturing - from product design and simulation to warehouse intelligence and additive manufacturing.

This episode highlights how Australian manufacturers are embracing software, data, and next-gen production tools to stay competitive.

Hear from:

• Matt Schimmelbusch from Emona on the full spectrum of 3D printing—from entry-level FDM to industrial metal and carbon fiber solutions

• Bob Bentley from Core Additive on cost-effective pellet-based 3D printing and the evolution of production-ready additive use

• Mark from Central Innovation on cloud PDM, DriveWorks, and Max Link integration for design-to-ERP connectivity

• Bruce Pollock from Aspect PT on bridging ERP and the shop floor with real-time MES and OEE insights

• Gernot Keckeis from CAD-IT Australia on the Tulip no-code platform enabling frontline operations and digital work instructions

• Keanan Granland from Monash Innovation Labs on student-driven industrial R&D and Australia’s first university-based train tech team

• Sebastien Bouthillette from 3DLogistiX on a 3D warehouse management system with a digital twin UI for smarter pick, pack, and ship

• Amit, Sean & Lenny from Hexagon on end-to-end quality control, reverse engineering, and global digital twin innovation

Explore how digitisation is reshaping everything from prototyping and planning to production and performance - and why Australia’s manufacturing future is smart, connected, and ready to scale.

Part 1 of our two-part series Live from Australian Manufacturing Week 2025, showcasing how automation, workforce development, cutting-edge machinery, and diverse talent are transforming the face of Australian manufacturing.

Hear firsthand from:

• Sam Nothnagel from Automated Solutions Australia on affordable, high-volume machine tending robots and the Teammate Tower & Maxi systems

• Mark Luft from Trotec Laser on mobile laser marking, cobot integration, and compliance marking

• Paul Gekas from Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions on active force compliance robotics for sanding and polishing, Bosch’s startup collaborations, and sustainable manufacturing

• Latinka Cubitt from Catten Industries, winner of the 2024 Victorian Female Manufacturer of the Year Award, on workforce diversity, youth engagement, and reshaping manufacturing careers

• Manny Valenza from Sandvik Coromant on their holistic Manufacturing Wellness framework, toolpath optimisation with Mastercam, and data-driven vending machines

• Samuel Kaladari from Colbotic Automation on their UR10-based cobot welding system that enables unskilled operators to produce quality welds

• Matthew Parsons from PlanIT on the HxGN Machine Trainer, a CNC simulator helping trainees learn safely using Siemens, Fanuc, and Heidenhain controllers

• Greg Hebble from Wheelchairs for Kids Australia on manufacturing fully adjustable all-terrain wheelchairs with the help of 250+ Perth-based volunteers

It’s one of our most packed episodes yet—covering the innovations and people powering Australia's industrial future.

We're joined by Stacey Lismore from Microsoft and Wesley Nelson from HSO to explore how generative AI, co-pilots, and digital twins are reshaping Australia's manufacturing landscape. From predictive maintenance and quality control to supply chain resilience and upskilling the workforce, we unpack real-world applications and the practical steps manufacturers can take today to start their AI journey.

If you're curious about how AI is actually being deployed in Australian factories, or what ethical and strategic leadership looks like in this space, you won’t want to miss this one.

This special episode is part of our partnership with AMTIL as the official podcast of Australian Manufacturing Week 2025.

In this episode we are joined by Sharon Robertson, CEO of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, to explore how Australia can close the skills gap in manufacturing and build a resilient future. Sharon unpacks the four transformational pillars reshaping the industry - clean manufacturing, circular economy, digital transformation, and sovereign capability. From mentoring programs to career perception shifts, Sharon shares how the Alliance is helping employers, educators, and the next generation navigate change, capture knowledge, and elevate the sector. Whether you're battling skills shortages, planning for succession, or curious how to engage Gen Z in manufacturing careers, this one's for you.

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.