Innovative Queensland businesses and schools at World Robot Summit in Japan

19 October, 2018

Two innovative local businesses, three tech-savvy schools and six QUT bluebox Robotics Accelerator teams are representing Queensland on an international stage at the World Robot Summit (WRS) in Japan this week.

Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said the summit was great exposure for Queensland’s robotics sector and brought together leaders in robotics excellence from around the world to exhibit cutting-edge technologies.

“Taking part in the World Robot Summit gives Queensland participants the chance to see the latest developments and trends in robotics and allows us to show the world Queensland’s leading role in the development of robotics and automation technologies,” the Premier said.

“The state’s academic researchers, coders and developers are collaborating to deliver intelligent, innovative and inspiring robotics and their attendance at this summit helps Queensland to build on its already strong relationship with Japan’s robotics sector.

“We recently welcomed Japanese company SoftBank to Brisbane’s start-up hub, The Precinct, and I’m excited to see this robotics giant collaborate with local institutions and start-ups to further advance robotics application and programming in our State.”

Exhibitors at this year’s summit include Brisbane-based tech companies Freelance Robotics and DiGeronTex, with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and QUT bluebox sharing a booth.

QUT bluebox runs its successful Robotics Accelerator Program in partnership with ST Solutions Australia – a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp – and with the support of the Queensland Government’s $650 million Advance Queensland initiative.

As part of the Robotics Accelerator Program, QUT bluebox teams work with SoftBank Robotics’ humanoid robot Pepper and SoftBank Robotics’ other software applications to solve real-world problems.

TIQ Trade and Investment Commissioner to Japan, Tak Adachi, said the success of the Robotics Accelerator Program was further proof Queensland had innovation talent of a global standard.

“Japanese companies have traditionally undertaken research internally but in order to keep up with fast moving global competitors, they are now actively seeking opportunities to collaborate, and they welcome open innovation,” Mr Adachi said.

The 2018 World Robot Summit is also welcoming teams from three Queensland schools – Calamvale Community College, Merrimac State High School and St Peters Lutheran College – to compete in the World Robot Challenge - Junior Category.

Merrimac State High School previously won first place in the World Robot Competition Junior Challenge Trial Competition in 2017.

The 2018 World Robot Summit is hosted by the Japanese Government with a view to building Japan’s presence in the global robotics industry ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The summit is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors and runs until 21 October 2018.

ENDS 

Media Contact: Premier's office - Chris O'Brien 0419 774 004