The AARP Hosts Global Robotics and Technology Showcase
Back for its second year, the AARP was proud to host the 2nd annual Global Robotics and
Automation Technology Showcase in December. A satellite event as part of West Tech Fest
2025, the AARP came alive to showcase the best in robotics and automation technologies.
Bigger, bolder, and more innovative than ever, the AARP continued to demonstrate its success
as Australia’s largest testing facility, welcoming delegates from across Australia and globally,
and showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities for companies looking for a test environment that
replicates real-world conditions.
With more than 150 attendees, the AARP once again demonstrated why it’s shaping the future
of robotics in Australia, bringing together ecosystem integration with industry-leading training
and research capabilities
With a cross section of industries involved, the event brought together exhibitors from
companies such as Switch Technologies, Hexagon, IMDEX, ECU Robotics, Jevons Robotics
and more to showcase their latest innovations.
“The AARP has continued to grow over the last three to four years,” said Zane Prickett, co-
founder of CORE Innovation Hub.
“It’s bigger, there’s lots and lots of great companies. A good cross section of industry – startups,
academia – all the key stakeholders involved.”
As always, economic impact was a hot topic, with discussions on the AARP and the role of
innovation infrastructure, and why it matters for Western Australia. There were also engaging
presentations on how we attract global talent and capability to key industry sectors.
“In the US, we do see a lot of these innovation and cluster hubs, they’re quite used to having
that environment,” said Brianna Peake, Investment and Trade Commissioner Americas.
“And being able to say ‘in Western Australia, we’ve got the AARP, you can come and test here,
set up – which are really tough things to do if you’re doing that yourself. But if you’ve got a
ready-made facility to come and do that…it makes the entry into market a lot easier, and they
can get connected to the ecosystem.”
The day wasn’t just limited to exhibitions and demonstrations, it also featured:
● A keynote presentation by Jack Withinshaw, Co-Founder of Airspeeder
● Panel discussions with engaging conversations on investing in the METS Sector
● Fireside chats on the state of global innovation in mining and building thriving
ecosystems and driving cross-border opportunities
The day ended with a Startup Blitz session where five companies had the opportunity to pitch
their technologies to an esteemed panel of judges. We then wrapped up the high-energy
afternoon with an informal networking sundowner.
As Mike O’Hanlon, CEO of Switch Technologies puts it: “If you’re doing this stuff anywhere in
the world, come to Western Australia and do it here instead!”
We couldn’t agree more.