Propel-AIR applications closing this week

ARM Hub’s Propel-AIR completed the final week of its showcase tour with stops in Brisbane and Sydney last week.

Following the success of last year’s program, Propel-AIR 2.0 will once again partner with Boston’s MassRobotics to connect Australian innovators with global opportunities in one of the world’s leading robotics ecosystems.

The last showcases saw Sydney’s Stone & Chalk host a fireside chat on 4 June, focused on turning strong robotics and AI ideas into real businesses. Led by Stone & Chalk CEO Stela Solar, the discussion brought together ARM Hub’s Dr Troy Cordie and Nexobot founder Dominic Lindsay to unpack the opportunities and the practical realities of scaling applied robotics.

The winner of last year’s Propel-AIR AI & Robotics challenge, Lindsay has recently completed the delivery of his second deployment of NexoBot’s low-cost parcel sorting system, helping logistics operators automate a process that is often manual, labour-intensive and costly.

“The interesting thing about the logistics world is moving is between 50 and 60% of labour in any operation. So rather than trying to do things like manipulation that are really, really hard, let’s just solve moving first,” Lindsay said. “Most of the work in that kind of operation is literally people once they’ve got something in their hands, walking somewhere else and putting it down. That’s the bit that makes more sense to solve.”

The conversation surfaced what’s changing as AI becomes embedded in physical systems; where Australian founders can compete globally, and the commercial ingredients that matter most: clear customer problems, fast iteration and the right ecosystem support.

Lindsay shared how Nexobot has already deployed its low-cost parcel sorting system with customers in Victoria, while Cordie highlighted ARM Hub’s role in helping companies bridge the gap between promising prototypes and commercial deployment.

“Australia doesn’t lack innovation,” Cordie said. “The challenge is getting great ideas through the middle, where companies are trying to scale.”

On the opportunity ahead, Solar said the event reflected “the power of ecosystem collaboration” in helping founders go further, faster.

“Propel-AIR gave us exposure, momentum and most importantly, real customer interest. It helped turn a promising idea into a commercial opportunity,” Lindsay said.

Earlier in the week the University of Queensland hosted the Propel-AIR team for a robotics tour showcasing its latest research, followed by a valuable session on IP protection for robotics businesses, with Helen McFadzean leading the discussion.

Those interested in taking part in the Propel-AIR accelerator, to access expert support, industry exposure and the chance to win a one-month residency at Boston’s MassRobotics facility, can apply here by 12 June.

Image: Innovation behind the wheel at Propel-AIR X UQ. Photo credit: Jeanie Kumar