National Robotics Strategy calls for primary schools to deliver robotics-related Australian Curriculum content

Australia’s National Robotics Strategy was released by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in May 2024, with a vision for Australian industries to responsibly develop and use robotics and automation technologies to strengthen competitiveness, boost productivity and support local communities.

The strategy has four themes:

1.     National capability

2.     Increasing adoption

3.     Trust, inclusion and responsible development and use

4.     Skills and diversity.

It is in Theme 4, Skills and diversity, that schools play a crucial role in strengthening pathways for their students into robotics-related careers by building sustainable educational pathways:

While Australia has a highly skilled workforce, the growth of our robotics and broader technology ecosystem will benefit from an increase in STEM graduates at tertiary levels. To achieve this, we need to support quality STEM education at all levels of schooling. This would include fostering digital literacy and interest in STEM for children in early learning environments and primary school.

Many primary schools offer robotics as part of their curriculum as an engaging way to generate student interest in problem-solving and other STEM skills. Using robots in classrooms can help to foster critical thinking, coding, engineering, mathematics and design skills. Engaging early is important for the future robotics and automation workforce to be representative of Australia’s diverse population. It is also important to provide support to schools and teachers so they have the knowledge and capacity to deliver robotics‑related Australian Curriculum content.

(National Robotics Strategy, Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. p55)

Professor Bronwyn Fox, CSIRO Chief Scientist, and Chair of the National Robotics Strategy Advisory Committee, has stated that the responsible adoption of robotics and automation technologies will be transformative for Australia:

The recent, rapid advances in artificial intelligence are allowing robots to perform complex tasks and solve problems in almost every industry in collaboration with people. We are seeing more sophisticated and user‑friendly robots being used in Australia, making robots more practical and efficient than ever. ……

Australia already has enormous capabilities in robotics and automation, a deep expertise and experience accrued over decades. This strategy celebrates that, including through diverse case studies that showcase Australia’s know-how, strengths and success in robotics and automation. The time to systematically and strategically build on this know-how and use the experiences of what we can learn from other countries and address the gaps and opportunities at home, is now.

It is critical for Australia’s future that we get this right. The National Robotics Strategy is about creating a clear and shared vision so that we can work at pace with what is a truly transformative technology.

(National Robotics Strategy, Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. p7)