In this episode we sit down with Mark Graban—Lean expert, award-winning author, and host of My Favorite Mistake—to explore how technology is reshaping Lean and continuous improvement.

Lean isn’t just about Kanban boards and 5S anymore. With AI, automation, and real-time analytics, businesses now have more data than ever—but are they using it effectively? Mark shares why psychological safety, leadership, and culture remain critical, even as we embrace Industry 5.0.

We dive into:
The risks of “dashboard overload”—why more data isn’t always better
How AI & automation can support (not replace) human problem-solving
Why psychological safety is the missing link in digital transformation
The shift from traditional Lean tools to tech-enabled continuous improvement

Mark is touring Australia in March for a Lean & Tech roadshow with AME, visiting Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. If you want to see where Lean is heading next, check out AME’s event page.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to future-proof your Lean strategy!

As global trade tensions rise and tariffs shift, what does it all mean for Australian manufacturers? We sit down with Lawrence Christoffelsz, an expert in trade and logistics, to unpack the latest disruptions and the ripple effects on local businesses.

Lawrence share his perspective on:
- The real impact of U.S. tariffs on Australian steel & aluminium
- Supply chain shocks & what manufacturers need to watch for
- How to leverage trade zones and global partnerships for growth
- The growing importance of ESG compliance in international markets
- The hidden opportunities in emerging markets & free trade agreements

It’s not all doom and gloom - uncertainty creates opportunity. Whether you’re an exporter, importer, or SME in manufacturing, this episode offers practical strategies to navigate the shifting global trade landscape.

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Shane and Paul kick off the season with an in-depth discussion on the emerging trends in manufacturing, from AI-driven automation to the convergence of IoT and edge computing. They’re joined by Jannat Maqbool from ARM Hub, who shares her insights on Industry 4.0, digital twins, and the shift towards Industry 5.0—where human expertise and AI-powered technology go hand in hand.

Jannat also breaks down real-world examples of how manufacturers are leveraging collaborative robotics, machine vision, and AI-driven supply chain management to stay competitive and drive sustainable growth. If you're a manufacturer looking to navigate digital transformation without disrupting daily operations, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Discover how AI adoption frameworks, government support programs, and industry partnerships are making advanced tech more accessible than ever.

For help with AI adoption in your manufacturing business, visit:aiadopt.ai

Rob Fisher (CEO & Co-Founder) and John Lake (Technical Lead) of BODD share their incredible journey in bringing world-class 3D body scanning technology to life. Proudly Australian-designed and manufactured, BODD's innovation has transformed how industries—from emergency services to defense forces—approach uniform sizing with accuracy, efficiency, and privacy.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How BODD’s technology captures high-quality human body data in just 60 seconds

• The "aha moments" that propelled their shift from mobile scanning to fixed-array systems

• Collaborations with Bosch, Deakin University, and more to create scalable solutions

• Applications beyond apparel, including wellness, posture tracking, and health insights

• Key lessons for startups: from building solid foundations to balancing technical perfection with market readiness

This conversation highlights how a clear vision, collaboration, and Australian ingenuity have enabled BODD to solve real-world challenges on a global scale.

Brad Trewin from Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) takes us on a journey through the transformative world of robotics, automation, and manufacturing expertise.

In this episode, we explore:

• Bosch’s role in empowering startups and SMEs, with examples like RayGen’s solar arrays and 3RT’s sustainable wood products.

• The impact of digital twins, AI, and augmented reality in optimizing production.

• The importance of early collaboration, design-for-manufacture, and scalable automation.

Jake Hall, a trailblazer in manufacturing automation and robotics, joins Manufacturing Tech Australia to explore the cutting edge of technological advancements shaping the industry.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of robotics, AI, and digital tools, including:

• How AI-driven, no-code solutions are simplifying robotics programming.

• The rise of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and its implications for manufacturers.

• Strategies for bridging the talent gap using digital work instructions and capturing tribal knowledge.

Jake shares insights from his global experience, discussing how these innovations can empower small and medium-sized manufacturers to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that offers actionable advice for businesses ready to embrace the future of manufacturing.

In this episode, Marie Penny from Project Flock and Simon Marriott from Formero dive into the transformative world of 3D printing and its revolutionary impact on product development.

Marie and Simon bring a wealth of knowledge on additive manufacturing, from streamlining prototyping and reducing supply chains to enabling new levels of product customisation. Together, they discuss the realities of using 3D printing for production, sharing valuable lessons on achieving speed, adaptability, and high standards in design and durability.

This engaging conversation highlights how additive manufacturing is reshaping the journey from concept to market, offering actionable insights and inspiration to harness this powerful technology in your own manufacturing processes.

Shane reports live from the All-Energy Australia Conference & Waste Management Expo, where we explore some of Australia’s most cutting-edge advancements in renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing. In this episode, we hear from leaders of Aussie companies driving innovation with products and solutions tailored to Australia’s unique environment and needs.

Highlights include:

• Tindo: Manufacturing durable solar panels designed for harsh Australian conditions

• Power Plus Energy: Reliable 48V modular battery storage systems ideal for various industrial uses

• Evo Power: Scalable battery solutions offering behind-the-meter energy management flexibility

• Mastec: Innovations in wheelie bin design for residential and commercial waste management

• Kinder Australia: Conveyor systems enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime across multiple industries

Discover how Australian manufacturing is leading the way in renewable energy, sustainability, and sovereign capability—empowering a future that’s resilient, reliable, and proudly Australian-made.