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From the CMO’s Desk April 2026
Every now and then, you step back and realise just how much is happening. This is one of those moments.
In April alone, we attended the Robotics Australia Expo and Awards Night, hosted Kobe's Mayor and Kawasaki Heavy Industries as part of Brisbane's Sister City relationship, ran multiple information sessions on our MassRobotics Propel-AIR collaboration, and expanded into new premises across the road. And now:
Suitcase Records is joining us to bring AI into physical record production, and ProTx have a major launch coming in June (that we can't wait to share!) |
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A wise man once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
If you want to see it up close, come find us at Manufacturing Week in Brisbane. We'll be on the Queensland Government stand at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 12-14 May 2026. Can't wait to meet you.
Mike Woodcock Communications Director, ARM Hub |
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| | | | Kawasaki Heavy Industries visit ARM Hub |
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ARM Hub Welcomes Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe City Delegation to Brisbane
A senior delegation from Japan has visited ARM Hub's Brisbane headquarters, as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe City Government deepened their engagement with Australia's advanced manufacturing and MedTech sectors.
The delegation, led by Kobe Vice Mayor Masao Imanishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries President and CEO Yasuhiko Hashimoto, joined ARM Hub CEO Professor Cori Stewart for a site visit and discussions covering robotics, MedTech, and the opportunities emerging across South East Queensland.
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Kawasaki CEO and President Yasuhiko Hashimoto, observing Verton’s load control technology |
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The visit reflects growing momentum in the collaboration between Australia's and Japan's innovation ecosystems. Kawasaki Heavy Industries has more than five decades of robotics leadership, beginning with the production of Japan's first domestically manufactured industrial robot in 1969. Kobe City is home to one of Asia's major biomedical precincts, the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster, which brings together industry, government, academia and healthcare institutions focused on medical device innovation and bio-manufacturing.
CEO Hashimoto sees robotics as a major growth area, and as Japan and Australia both have business ecosystems dominated by SMEs in volume, data integration and platform-based collaboration are a shared challenge. |
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On the question of robotics adoption in sectors like aged care, Hashimoto's view was pragmatic: the technology has long been capable, but market readiness is determined by social acceptance, not engineering. "The opportunity," he said, "is now."
The discussions included a focus on MedTech, with both delegations exploring opportunities connected to activity on the Gold Coast, where new capability is being developed in clinical translation and health innovation.
"Our work with MassRobotics in Boston shows what's possible when Australian innovation connects to the right global networks. That's exactly the kind of pathway we want to build with Kawasaki and Kobe," said ARM Hub CEO Professor Cori Stewart.
ARM Hub operates as one of four Australian Government-backed AI Adopt Centres, connecting manufacturers, researchers and technology partners around commercial problems in robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing.
The visit builds on an established relationship between Brisbane and Kobe, which have maintained a sister-city partnership since 1985. |
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| | Left to Right: ARM Hub CCO Samuel Jesuadian, Kawasaki CEO and President Yasuhiko Hashimoto, ARM Hub CEO Prof Cori Stewart FTSE. Photo credit: Zeth Green |
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| | | Our journey at 53 Holland Street, a site that previously housed National Steel Nails, began in 2020. Verton Pty Ltd, ARM Hub’s first tenants, began with their remote load control technology to transform lifting operations. Over the next few years, we welcomed countless innovations to our factory floor—Stratoship, ADR, Vaulta, ProTx, Wisk Aero, the Banana Project and more. Six years later, we are opening the doors again. This time, just across the street. We are thrilled to announce our expansion to a brand-new facility at 40 Holland Street, with a range of new projects set to commence soon. New projects include a next-generation rotorcraft by Burl Aerospace and a kitchen robot. Sharing the space with our fantastic long-time partners, Lilypad Espresso Bar, the ARM Hub family (and their coffee order) is growing. |
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| | | | The Queensland Government’s 2025 and 2026 Digital Graduate Program cohorts paid a visit to ARM Hub and UAP for their first-ever digital safari.
Revered as one of the best graduate programs in Australia, the Digital Graduate Program offers recent graduates the opportunity to get a head start on their careers. Graduates help the government deliver public services while pursuing exciting and innovative digital and IT projects.
Led by ARM Hub’s Executive Manager Allison Bambrick and Industry Programs Coordinator Lewie Wilson, the digital ecosystem safari went through each project, diving into SEQ’s innovation ecosystem.
Through the safari, graduates gained a first-hand look at how advanced robotics, AI and manufacturing are solving industry challenges.
“It’s encouraging to think about the connections these graduates may draw on as they take this experience into future government roles,” said Allison Bambrick.
“I get a particular kick out of showing people around the projects and hearing what surprises or excites people who are experiencing our industrial precinct for the first time. The curiosity and energy they brought to the visit were delightful.”
The work that happens at ARM Hub can be hugely complex and varied, but it comes to life through collaboration across industry, research and government.
“Seeing the massive-scale creative fabrication at UAP reminded us that innovation is as much about art and craftsmanship as it is about code,” said Hindun Hamilton, Program Manager of the Digital Graduate Program.
“The gap between research and commercialisation is actively being closed locally, and it was seriously inspiring to see,” said Luke Hewitt, graduate software developer. |
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| | Photo credit: Hindun Hamilton, Program Manager of Queensland Government’s Digital Graduate Program |
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Female Founders Scaleup Manufacturing Program
This four-month program is designed to implement a technology adoption plan tailored to your business. The offer? Matched funding worth $25-50k to boost productivity, capability and capacity.
If your concept is ready to scale, get in touch with us!
Include updates |
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| | Propel-AIR 2.0
Australia’s Leading AI and robotics sprint CLOSES JUNE 12th!
Entries are filling fast, so fast-track your business and Register! |
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| | | | ARM Hub at the Endeavour Awards |
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ARM Hub CEO Prof Cori Stewart FTSE has been nominated as a finalist for ‘Leader of the Year’ at the 2026 Endeavour Awards.
Presented by Manufacturer’s Monthly, the annual event brings together leaders in the manufacturing sector to celebrate achievements and milestones.
Catch Cori and the ARM Hub team at the awards!
Date: 13th May 2026 Venue: The Westin Brisbane Grab your tickets here!
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| | | Orica expands into copper mining |
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| Orica, a global leader in commercial explosives and blasting systems for mining, is set to expand into copper processing chemistry.
The move comes after the MNC acquired the Danafloat product range from FMC Corporation, an American chemical manufacturing company. The product range comprises specialised collectors used in the flotation of copper and other materials.
Orica said the acquisition will advance its customer offering to the mining sector, while creating potential cross-selling opportunities given its existing exposure to copper through its blasting and digital solutions businesses. Learn more. |
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| | | $1B Economic Resilience Program announced |
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The Australian Government has announced a $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, drawn from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund. The program will provide zero-interest loans to eligible Australian businesses to support industries affected by market disruptions, helping maintain and build national strategic and economic resilience. Support includes assistance for logistics and manufacturing businesses in areas like freight, fuel, plastics and fertiliser. Learn more about the program |
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| | | Left to right: Kym Baker General Manager at Patheon; Carl Martin |
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| Carl Martin bags Patheon award |
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| Carl Martin, business support officer at ARM Hub, was recently awarded Patheon's ‘Healthier World Delivered’ Prize at QUT’s Faculty of Health Student Awards Ceremony.
The award recognised Carl’s idea that tackles an important regional challenge—heat stress in mining—with a smart upper-arm wearable that tracks skin temperature, heart rate variability and sweat biomarkers, giving miners real-time alerts.
The prize is awarded to final year Bachelor of Biomedical Science students who present an innovative bio-technology-based solution for rural Australians.
Learn more |
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Renee Stark, Executive Coordinator
Renee's professional background has involved working closely with people in a variety of ways. She spent nearly 20 years assessing individuals for passport eligibility and security clearances, which involved detailed background checks, identity verification, and facial recognition processes. Throughout this time, Renee managed high-pressure situations and crises. At the heart of her career and personal journey is a strong desire to help others.
What made you choose ARM Hub?
A friend of mine who is familiar with the ARM Hub, its role within our community, and the incredible work the organisation delivers, came across the Executive Coordinator role. They strongly encouraged me to apply, noting that ARM Hub, as an active enabler of innovation and progress, aligns closely with my values and interests.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I learnt how to drive a bus—12.5 metres long and weighing approximately 12,000 kilograms—well outside my comfort zone! Ironically, it turned out to be another role centred on assisting and supporting people. |
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