With artificial intelligence (AI) gaining traction among more businesses, a new initiative to help small businesses harness the capabilities of AI was launched by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, Australia’s prominent provider of AI, robotics, and design-for-manufacture innovation services.
The Government-backed ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is envisioned to not only provide practical guidance for SMEs on utilising AI, but also foster a collaborative, industry-led network with a focus on ethical and safe AI practices to ensure sustainable business growth.
The Centre was unveiled during the recent South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney as part of the Australian Government’s AI Month celebrations. Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart shared that it would be a ‘front door’ to expertise, support and services that will foster AI-driven business growth.
“Many businesses feel uncertain about where to start with AI. The common barriers include a lack of data readiness, a skills gap, or simply not knowing which AI applications are relevant to their business. The Centre is offering access to practical solutions to help businesses move forward with AI,” Stewart said.
Stewart said that the Centre will be able to engage with up to 30,000 SMEs on their digital transformation journeys over the next three years as it would help them scale their innovative solutions. She added that participating SMEs will be able to tap into expertise from international companies such as Microsoft and Databricks, as well as local AI SMEs Data and Knowledge Enterprise and Raytracer.
“Australian industry is ready to invest in AI and robotics to increase its productivity and competitiveness. We’ve designed this Centre to provide practical pathways to de-risk the adoption and use of AI and Generative AI, helping businesses to make the most of this fast-moving frontier of technology,” Stewart said.
“Research shows AI and automation are expected to increase Australia’s productivity by up to 150 per cent. We want industries to be transforming their operations for long-term success by having their data organised, structured and ready for AI,” she added.
The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will complement the initiative of the Australian government to establish four centres under its AI Adopt Program to facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by SMEs.
“The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is here to make businesses better using the benefits of AI and Generative AI. Our collaboration of 28 partners includes AI and robotics experts across Australia, which ensures we are delivering the best skillsets into all corners of the country,” Stewart concluded.
