77. Practical Robotics Playbook for Growth, Sovereign Capability, & AI Readiness with Nicci Rossouw

Nicci Rossouw, CEO of Robotics Australia Group, joins us again to unpack how Australia’s robotics ecosystem is evolving, and what’s changed since our last conversation.

We talk about the growth and momentum across the sector, the National Robotics Strategy, and why funding is only part of the story when the real challenge for Australian robotics companies is scaling.

We dig into what’s driving the most investable robotics businesses right now, including the common thread behind companies gaining traction: solving real problems with measurable outcomes. Nicci also shares why field robotics is accelerating, how physical AI is reshaping capability, and what Australian manufacturers should do first if they want to adopt robotics this year.

We also explore sovereign capability, keeping IP onshore, and why collaboration across startups, universities, and industry is essential in a market as small as Australia’s.