Member Login

Category: News

Australian Cobotics Centre Annual Symposium 2025: A Celebration of Collaboration and Impact

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

Australian Cobotics Centre Annual Symposium 2025: A Celebration of Collaboration and Impact

The Australian Cobotics Centre’s annual symposium brought together researchers, HDRs, postdocs, and industry partners for three dynamic days of reflection, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on learning. This year’s event highlighted the incredible progress made in 2025 and set the stage for an impactful final year in 2026.

Day 1: Reflection and Connection

We kicked off the symposium by welcoming teams from QUT, Swinburne University of Technology, and University of Technology Sydney to Brisbane. Day 1 focused on reviewing achievements and planning for the future.

Each of our five research programs—presented by postdocs Sheila Sutjipto, Dr Valeria Macalupú, Alan Burden, Mariadas Capsran Roshan, and Melinda Laundon—shared key milestones from 2025 and outlined priorities for the Centre’s final year. Annual program reviews followed, providing a valuable opportunity to:

  • Highlight areas of excellence
  • Share good practices
  • Identify opportunities to enhance impact

The conversations reinforced the strength of our research programs and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Day 2: Cobots in Action – Industry Workshops

Day 2 shifted the spotlight to industry, with five hands-on workshops designed to connect research outcomes with real-world applications. Read more here: Cobots in Action Workshops – 27th November 

These workshops were a fantastic opportunity to translate research into practical tools for industry. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! We’re already planning more workshops for 2026—stay tuned.

Day 3: Sharing Expertise and Building Connections

The final day celebrated the incredible contributions of our HDRs and postdocs through skill-building, discussion, and collaboration.

Skill-Building Workshop
Dr Valeria Macalupú delivered an inspiring session on visually presenting research positioning, equipping participants with tools to map and communicate their research focus.

Panel Discussions
Postdocs facilitated thought-provoking conversations with HDRs on topics such as:

  • What impact has the ACC made?
  • Is the human-robot workforce ready?
  • The HDR journey
  • Should we call robots collaborative?

BarCamp Conversations
Dynamic, informal discussions enabled participants to explore shared interests and plan collaborations for 2026 and beyond.

🤝 HDR Forum
A dedicated space for HDRs to connect, share experiences, and discuss what they need for the next 12 months.

Day 3 truly showcased the power of collaboration and the depth of expertise within our group. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Looking Ahead

2026 marks the final year of the Australian Cobotics Centre, and we won’t be slowing down. Expect more workshops, research showcases, and opportunities to engage with our work as we continue to shape the future of collaborative robotics.

2025 OzCHI Conference

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

Many of our team were in Sydney last week for OzCHI: Australian Conference on Computer-Human Interaction.

Our Deputy Director, Prof Glenda Caldwell, delivered a thought-provoking Provocation Talk titled: Beyond the Lab: Preparing HCI for Real-World Human-Robot Collaboration.

The group had several papers accepted for Late Breaking Work:

Success at the QUT Vice Chancellors Awards for Excellence

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

We’re thrilled for Professor Jonathan Roberts, Director of the Australian Cobotics Centre and Professor in Robotics at QUT (Queensland University of Technology), who has been awarded the QUT Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Leadership!

These awards recognise staff who deliver exceptional outcomes, and Jon exemplifies this through his inclusive, supportive leadership. As well as leading the Australian Cobotics Centre, Jon goes above and beyond to mentor Engineering students, foster cross-disciplinary and cross-university collaborations, and has championed humanoid robotics research at QUT. He promotes an atmosphere where people feel confident to try new approaches, knowing that every experience whether a success or setback, drives growth, creativity and new opportunities.

A special mention also goes to others in our QUT ACC Team for their wins:

Read more about the 2025 winners here: QUT – Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

 

oplus_32

 

27th Australian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA)

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

The 27th Australian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA) was held at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia from 1-3rd December, bringing together leading researchers and industry innovators. The Australian Cobotics Centre proudly contributed five accepted papers, highlighting advances in collaborative robotics, humanoid systems, and AI-driven decision-making:

  • Solomonoff-Inspired Hypothesis Ranking with LLMs for Prediction Under Uncertainty
    Authors: Josh Barber, Rourke Young, Cameron Coombe, Will Browne (QUT)
  • User Preference for Handle Force Transformation for Quadruped Guide Robot
    Authors: Luke Bouttell, Marc Carmichael, Sarath Kodagoda (UTS)
  • Robots Watching Robots – Pose Estimation Applied to Humanoid Robots
    Authors: James Matthew Young, Jonathan Roberts (QUT)
  • Big Robots, Small Tasks – Task Scale Reduction Using a Simple Pantograph Mechanism
    Authors: Sean Burgess, Braydon Pithie, Jonathan Roberts (QUT)
  • Training Humanoid Robots to Walk in Lunar Gravity Using Reinforcement Learning
    Authors: Benjamin Klein, Jonathan Roberts (QUT)

The conference concluded with a highlight for the Centre: Professor Will Browne was announced as the new President of the Australian Robotics and Automation (ARAA) Association.

 

Cobots in Action Workshops – 27th November

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

On 27 November, the Australian Cobotics Centre welcomed over 20 industry attendees for a full-day event focused on practical strategies for implementing collaborative robots. Participants rotated through five interactive workshops, covering topics from foundational concepts and safety to advanced applications like no-code vision quality assurance, human-centred design, and strategic workforce planning. The sessions provided hands-on experience and actionable insights to help businesses integrate cobots effectively and prepare for future workforce needs.

All participants could attend one, two, three, four or all five interactive workshops designed to explore different aspects of collaborative robotics — from technical integration and no-code machine learning to human-centred design and workforce readiness. 

Each workshop was led by Research Programs and tailored for engineers, managers, and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of cobot adoption and innovation.

Workshop 1: Getting Started with Cobots

  • Focus: programming, cobot terminology, safety
  • A foundational introduction to collaborative robots, covering technical concepts, safety, and ethical considerations.

Workshop 2: No-Code Vision Quality Assurance: Train, Test, Deploy with Cobots

  • Focus: Inspection, traceability, ergonomic efficiency
  • A practical session on using no-code machine learning tools and cobots for automated visual inspection.

Workshop 3: Demystifying Cobots – XR, Human Factors, and Planning Tools

  • Focus: Simulation, human factors, planning tools
  • This session will showcase human-centred design strategies and tools for planning cobot integration.

Workshop 4: A Framework for Understanding, Evaluating, and Designing Cobot Solutions

  • Focus: Strategic alignment, design-led evaluation, planning
  • A hands-on session exploring frameworks for designing, evaluating, and implementing cobot solutions.

Workshop 5: Introducing New Technology: Workforce Implications

  • Focus: Change management, skills gaps, workforce engagement
  • A strategic session focused on preparing teams for cobot adoption through work design and future skills planning.

All resources from the workshop can be found here: Cobots in Action Workshop resources 

2025 Annual ACC Awards

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

ACC Annual Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence and Collaboration

The Australian Cobotics Centre proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of our researchers, collaborators, and supporters at the 2025 Annual Symposium. These awards highlight the dedication, creativity, and impact of our community.

Research Achievement

  • Munia Ahamed – For high-quality publications and impactful industry outcomes, including award-winning work on defect management and leading the Cook Medical quality framework validation project.
  • Jagannatha Pyaraka – For multiple first-author papers on human-object interaction and humanoid navigation, alongside significant contributions to industry projects and workshops.

Best Collaborative Research Output

  • InfraBuild Coil Raking Project Team
    Andrew (InfraBuild), Jagannatha Pyaraka, Danial Rizvi, Nadimul Haque, Sheila Sutjipto, Mariadas Roshan, Michelle Dunn, Chris McCarthy, Gavin Paul, Mats Isaksson, John McCormick, Teresa Vidal-Calleja, Jonathan Roberts.
    This team delivered an innovative coil-stack quality monitoring framework through multi-node collaboration, integrating robotics, computer vision, and manufacturing expertise for direct industry impact.

Industry Champion

  • James Dwyer – For exceptional industry engagement and design-led innovation, including a rapid prototype for Cook Medical and tools that advance teaching and collaborative projects.

Industry-Research Collaboration

  • Cook Medical Quality Framework Project Team
    Munia Ahamed, Mariadas Roshan, Nathalie Sick, Michelle Dunn, Matthias Guertler, Lee Clemon, Kettina Materna, Gareth Keen.
    Recognized for developing a systematic methodology to improve quality control in precision manufacturing, with strong multi-node collaboration and direct operational value for industry.

Contribution to Public Debate

  • Jasper Vermeulen – For thought leadership and active engagement in public discussions, enriching societal understanding of ACC-related research.

Emerging Leader

  • Mariadas Roshan – For transforming Program 4 from “surviving” to “thriving” through new research projects, mentoring HDRs, and driving publications—all while meeting every deadline and seeking new opportunities.

Quiet Achievers

  • Valeria Macalupu – For stepping into Project 2.6 with Stryker, supporting HDRs, and initiating new research within her first year.
  • Nisar – For joining an editorial board, publishing a journal paper, and winning two best poster awards at ANZAM.
  • Zongyuan – For developing a robotic battery sanding proof-of-concept with Vaulta and supporting industry engagement for humanoid robotics.

Epic Centre Citizens

  • Müge Belek Fialho Teixeira – For championing HDR experience, promoting collaboration, and supporting cross-university engagement.
  • Mariadas Roshan – For embodying the Centre’s spirit through exceptional research, industry collaboration, and cross-program leadership.

Whoopsie Daisy

  • Jagannatha Pyaraka – For resilience in turning multiple journal rejections into high-impact publications and attracting industry interest through persistence and innovation.

Thought Leader

  • Penny Williams – For shaping conversations on ethical technology and future-of-work, regularly presenting at industry forums and panels.

Centre Supporter

  • Jasper Vermeulen – For being a KPI champion, sharing updates across programs, and fostering community within the Centre.

 

Celebrating Together

To close out another successful year, our team swapped robots for lawn bowls and enjoyed a fun afternoon of barefoot bowls—a perfect way to celebrate collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2025 a year of impact and progress. Here’s to an even bigger and brighter 2026!

QUT Excolo! Grant for Prof Will Browne

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

Congratulations to Chief Investigator Professor Will Browne, whose project ASTRO has taken out the top spot as the 2025 Champion of QUT’s Excolo! pitching competition Grand Final, securing up to $100,000 in investment funding via the Industry Engagement Fund. ASTRO is an Upper Arm Active Stroke Rehabilitation Orthotic that aims to enhance post-stroke recovery while easing demand on healthcare systems.

QUT Excolo! is a pitching competition delivered by QUT’s Office of Industry Engagement: research teams are matched with a commercialisation coach, and participate in pitching workshops in collaboration with QUT Entrepreneurship.

Read more: QUT – News

ARC Discovery Project successes

Posted on by Merryn Ballantyne

We’re excited to celebrate three ARC Discovery Project successes! These groundbreaking projects will advance robotics in deformable and unstructured environments and co-design assistive technologies that promote independence and dignity.

Congratulations to all our researchers for securing over $2.1M in funding!

  • Navigating Deformable Spaces – How to Localise in a Shifting World. Led by Prof Will Browne, Prof Cameron Brown, Dr Maryam Haghighat, and Prof Ross Crawford (QUT), this project will develop novel methods for robotic systems to operate safely and precisely in deformable environments—from disaster recovery zones to robotic-assisted surgery. Funding: $755,357
  • Supporting Independent Living with “Seeing” Technologies. Led by A/Prof Laurianne Sitbon, Dr Jessica Korte, A/Prof Jared Donovan, and Prof Glenda Caldwell (QUT), this project will co-design next-generation assistive technologies with people with cognitive disabilities, promoting independence, dignity, and privacy. Funding: $747,855
  • Robotic Navigation in Unstructured Environments. Led by Prof Teresa Vidal Calleja and team (UTS), this project will advance robotic perception and navigation in dynamic, unknown environments, enabling autonomous systems to respond to challenges like crowds or fire spread. Funding: $686,776

 

Read the full project list: Discovery Projects 2026 | Australian Research Council

Meet our E.P.I.C. Researcher, Michelle Dunn

Posted on by Katherine Christensen

Michelle Dunn is a Research Program Co-lead in the Quality Assurance and Compliance Program where her research explores practical applications of robotics to improve everyday life. Her work spans manufacturing robotics and automation that make work easier, collaborative robotics that enable humans and robots to work safely side by side, and assistive technologies designed to support people in their daily activities.

We interviewed Michelle recently to find out more about why she does what she does.

Tell us a little about your role at the Australian Cobotics Centre.
What is your research focus and how does it contribute to the Centre’s mission?

I am the co-lead of Program 4 which looks at Quality Assurance and Compliance in Collaborative Robot scenarios. We focus on the outcomes of industrial and cobotic automation, ensuring that the solutions are working as intended.

What has been a highlight of your time with the Centre so far?
This could be a moment, a project, a collaboration, anything that stands out.

I particularly enjoyed the ACC 2024 Symposium in Brisbane. I think at the 3 year mark everyone in the centre was settled in, we knew each other, and we were showcasing some great solutions, so there was plenty of great conversations and ideas. I’m looking forward to the 2025 instalment.

What would you like your impact to be within the Centre and in the broader field of collaborative robotics?

Traditionally robots have focused on the three Ds – dirty, dangerous and dull jobs. Collaborative robots are designed to work with people, so we aren’t just looking at the 3-D jobs. Instead, we are looking at working with people in a broader variety of occupations. I’d like to see more cobots introduced into SMEs to assist with daily tasks and support small businesses – this is where we can make real impact.

What project or achievement are you most proud of in your career to date, and why?

What motivates me to do my job is having a direct impact on people’s lives – this is my goal in every project I’m part of. Some examples include: working as an automotive software engineer as my first job out of uni (there are cars in China that change gears based on the code that I wrote); my post-doc in vehicle crashworthiness (the value of which I unfortunately experienced firsthand); and educating literally thousands of students in Australia on how to design and build robots and become better engineers, which has flow-on effects to the whole community.

What do you find most rewarding about being part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

The ACC is full of some of the best roboticists, engineers and researchers in Australia. It has been very rewarding to work with all these people, seeing how they think and fostering the development of the next batch of robotics thinkers. Even though we are separated across different parts of Australia, we find a way to make it work. ACC researchers are EPIC (Excellent. People-Centric. Innovative. Collaborative.)

If you could give an impromptu 1-hour talk on any topic outside your research, what would it be?

I am an avid maker and creator. I focus on textiles and, being an engineer, my creations tend to be quite mathematical and “constructed” (you should see my kids’ costumes for Book Week!). I love pushing the boundaries of existing techniques, old and new. I could definitely talk about the technology and mathematics of textile creation for hours!