On 15 May 2026, the ARC Research Hub for Future Digital Manufacturing joined forces with the University of Queensland Centre for Enterprise AI to host a breakfast briefing exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Industrial AI and digital manufacturing. The event brought together industry leaders, researchers and government representatives to discuss how Australia can translate advances in AI into meaningful industrial outcomes.

Exploring the Future of Industrial AI

The morning combined research insights, industry perspectives and expert discussion, focusing on the practical application of AI within manufacturing environments. Topics ranged from digital twins and Physical AI to AI governance, workforce capability, trust, risk management and manufacturing productivity.

Research Driving Manufacturing Innovation

Professor Dimitrios Georgakopoulos, Director of the ARC Research Hub for Future Digital Manufacturing, presented the Hub’s work in advancing industrial productivity and resilience through digital twins, Physical AI and industry co-created research. His presentation highlighted how emerging digital technologies can help manufacturers improve productivity, quality and operational decision-making.

Professor Matt Dargusch shared examples of AI in advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how machine learning, computer vision and intelligent inspection systems are being applied to solve real-world manufacturing challenges. Case studies showcased the role of AI in improving manufacturing quality, efficiency and process optimisation.

Expert Panel Discussion

A panel moderated by Shazia Sadiq explored the opportunities and challenges associated with Industrial AI adoption across Australian industry. Panellists included Will Shrapnel (HeliMods), Yadan Luo (The University of Queensland) and Ida Someh (The University of Queensland).

Discussion focused on:

• Building trust in AI systems deployed in operational environments.
• Managing risk and governance in Industrial AI projects.
• Integrating AI with legacy manufacturing systems.
• The evolving role of digital twins in decision-making.
• Workforce capability and the future of human-AI collaboration.
• Organisational challenges impacting successful AI adoption.

Key Takeaways

Several themes emerged throughout the morning:

• Industrial AI must address genuine business and operational challenges.
• Trust, governance and risk management are critical for successful adoption.
• Digital twins are evolving from simulation tools to operational decision-support systems.
• Workforce capability and organisational readiness are just as important as technology.
• Strong collaboration between industry and researchers will be essential to accelerate adoption and maximise value from AI investments.

Dimitrios Georgakopoulos, Swinburne University of Technology and Director, ARC Research Hub for Future Digital Manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing: Advancing Industrial Productivity and Resilience via Digital Twins, Physical Dependency-Aware AI, and Co-Creation with Industry

Matt Dargusch, The University of Queensland
AI in Advanced Manufacturing

Shazia Sadiq, Director, Centre for Enterprise AI, The University of Queensland
Panel Moderator

Will Shrapnel, Founder and Managing Director, HeliMods
Panel Member

Yadan Luo, Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland
Panel Member

Ida Someh, Associate Professor, UQ Business School and CISR Research Affiliate, MIT Sloan School of Management
Panel Member