Perth, March 31: Strategic investment in robotics could add up to A$201 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2040, according to new research commissioned by Amazon Australia.
The report by ACIL Allen found the sector could also lift annual incomes by A$6,500 per person and create an average of 128,900 new jobs each year, highlighting the economic potential of increased adoption and production.
The modelling showed that doubling Australia’s industrial robot density and increasing service robot adoption by 15 per cent in non-manufacturing sectors could deliver significant productivity gains across the economy.
Despite strong research capabilities, the report said Australia remains behind global peers in robotics production, adoption and employment, with industries such as mining and agriculture currently leading the way.
Industry leaders warned that Australia is at a critical point and must act to translate its research strengths into real-world applications through stronger collaboration between universities and industry.
Alex Gash, Executive Director at ACIL Allen, said: “Our analysis reveals that even relatively modest improvements to Australia’s robotics sector could deliver substantial productivity benefits across the entire economy.”
“The modelling shows how strengthening both adoption and production of robotics can generate measurable gains in GDP, real wages, and employment. What’s striking is the scaling effect: increases in robotics don’t just benefit individual firms or sectors, they lift productivity economy-wide.”
The report also pointed to the need for improved infrastructure, including testing facilities, demonstration spaces and stronger industry partnerships to support innovation and scale.
Amazon said its own use of robotics and AI in Australia is already improving workplace safety and efficiency, while creating new roles in technical support and systems operations.
The company has deployed technologies such as Hercules mobile robots, capable of lifting up to 500 kilograms, and DeepFleet, a generative AI model that improves robot fleet efficiency by 10 per cent.
Amazon said these tools help reduce physical strain on workers while enabling employees to focus on more complex tasks.
The company has also committed to supporting innovation through its US$1 billion Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, which is open to Australian entrepreneurs.
The full report, Securing Prosperity: Unlocking Australia’s Robotics Potential, outlines pathways for government, industry and businesses to strengthen adoption and capture long-term economic gains.
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