In this episode, I speak with Peter Terrett, an accomplished business owner with nearly 35 years of experience in the geospatial technology industry. Before founding his own company, Peter worked as a Geodetic and Topographic Surveyor for the state government, where he developed a deep interest in GPS technology.
Recognising an opportunity during the Victorian government’s downsizing in 1991, Peter launched his own business providing GPS hardware, software, consultancy, and training for land-based professionals. His company has since earned multiple awards, including the Robert Hoddle Award, an AiiA Award, an IPWEA Award, and 15 Spatial Excellence Awards, reflecting its innovation and industry leadership.
Peter holds a master’s degree from Swinburne University and completed the VCAP program at Berkeley University. A respected academic and thought leader, he has contributed articles to industry publications and regularly speaks at conferences.
Outside of work, Peter is a passionate traveller, private pilot, and skier. He enjoys spending time with his wife Lyn—his business partner—and their two children and four grandchildren.
Tune in to hear Peter’s remarkable journey and insights from decades of innovation in the geospatial and GPS technology space.
In this episode, I speak with Jai Ranganathan, the CEO and Founder of our sponsor, 3VIMA Pty Ltd, an Australian deep-tech company at the forefront of 3D concrete printing and the future of construction.
Jai began his career in construction, gaining hands-on experience and developing a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Over the next 35 years, he built an extensive corporate career, combining engineering, management, and innovation, and earned an honorary doctorate in Mechatronics in Construction.
Driven by a vision to transform how buildings are designed and constructed, Jai founded 3VIMA to harness the power of advanced 3D concrete printing technology. Under his leadership, 3VIMA has pioneered solutions that make construction faster, more sustainable, and more precise, bridging the gap between digital design and physical construction. With a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and visionary thinking, Jai is helping shape the next era of the built environment.
3VIMA exemplifies how innovation and deep tech are driving real change in industries that touch every part of our lives.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics, I chat with Scott Wiltshire, General Manager for ANZ at Oracle NetSuite. With more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Scott has worked across organisations large and small, with a focus on enterprise and midmarket business application software.
Scott is passionate about helping customers and employees identify and solve business challenges that deliver real value. We also dive into his role in driving Oracle NetSuite’s growth in the ANZ region, where he has led both direct and channel business with consistent year-on-year success.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I speak with David Fletcher Ly from Infotech People, a network member of ours. David is a Melbourne-based business owner of a specialist recruitment firm connecting top talent with companies at the forefront of AI, Automation, and Robotics. With a sharp eye for both technical depth and human potential, he thrives on building bridges between groundbreaking ideas and the people who bring them to life.
David shares his inspiring journey — from arriving in Australia as a refugee at just nine months old to becoming a leader passionate about fostering connections between technology and the people behind it. His story is shaped by resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for opportunity. He believes that success is about lifting others as you rise, mentoring candidates, supporting innovation in Australia's tech ecosystem, and giving back through charitable initiatives.
Now, as he prepares to enter the exciting chapter of fatherhood, David’s passion for building a better future has taken on even deeper meaning. Away from the office, you’ll likely find him chasing a laugh with friends on the tennis courts or wandering overseas down streets he swears he knows — though he usually gets lost along the way.
At his core, David believes the future isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. With his first child on the way, he’s more committed than ever to connecting talent with the innovations that will shape tomorrow.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I speak with Rob Sutton, Managing Director and Founder of Mirragin RAS Consulting and the Mirragin Australian Drone Ecosystem—one of our valued network members.
A former Aviation Engineer with the Australian Army, Rob is now leading the charge in helping organisations maximise the potential of drone technology. Together with his team, he supports clients across defence, government, mining, and agriculture to implement drone solutions that enhance safety, optimise operations, and drive innovation.
Rob also brings extensive professional credentials, including:
Fellow (FIEAust) and Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Engineers Australia
Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ)
National Engineering Register (NER) certifications in Aerospace Engineering & Leadership and Management
Registered Project Manager (RegPM) and Certified Practicing Project Director (CPPD)
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Pivac, Executive Director & Chief Technical Officer of our network member, FBR, and the primary inventor of FBR’s world-leading automated bricklaying technology.
Mark is an aeronautical and mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience developing advanced equipment—from lightweight aircraft to heavy off-road machinery. With 20 years of expertise in 3D CAD design and a deep background in high-level mathematics, robotics, and motion control, he has pioneered innovations that push the boundaries of automation. His extensive work in designing and commissioning servo-controlled motion systems has achieved world-class levels of dynamic performance.
In our conversation, Mark shares how the heavy fabrication sector brought their challenges to him, why cobots are simply too small for industrial-scale workflows, and how FBR’s Dynamic Stabilisation Technology is being leveraged into new applications through Mantis.
Tune in to hear Mark’s journey of innovation, problem-solving, and the exciting future of robotics in heavy industry.
#robotics #automation #engineering #constructiontech #innovation #manufacturing #roboticsinaustralia
Our network member, STEM Incubators, and its founder Karthikeyan Kameswaran are featured in the latest episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, joined by young innovators Aneka, Sri Karthikeyan, and Rehaan Salil.
Karthikeyan is a senior healthcare IT professional, innovator, and founder of charity STEM Incubators Inc., empowering young Australians with an innovation framework. He has led volunteer teams, mentored through In2science, promoted diversity in technology, and was a 2025 Kingston Citizen of the Year finalist.
Aneka, a Year 11 student at Huntingtower School, is passionate about environmental sustainability and youth advocacy, bringing design skills and team experience from programs such as sheCommerce, Kingston Hackathon, and the Victorian Youth Parliament.
Vishnu is a dynamic Year 10 student from Melbourne High School with a passion for tech, community, and the arts. He was part of the Kingston Hackathon-winning team representing council with Microsoft, and has led sustainability initiatives like a food waste app.
Sri Karthikeyan, a Year 11 student at Melbourne High School, developed backend infrastructure for their prototype, leveraging experience from AI workshops, coding mentorship, and Youth Parliament.
Rehaan Salil, also from Melbourne High, focuses on using AI for social impact, combining technical expertise with community-driven projects.
Together, they share how STEM Incubators is fostering creativity, problem-solving, and leadership in the next generation of innovators.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable engineers from Motion Solutions Australia—Gautam Manoharan and Matthew Dorhauer—each bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the world of motion control and industrial robotics.
Gautam Manoharan is a Senior Controls Engineer with over 10 years of experience in electric control systems and industrial robotics. His deep expertise in Digital Signal Processing and Mathematics fuels his drive to integrate cutting-edge technologies into modern manufacturing and industrial applications. From optimising motion control systems to developing advanced robotics solutions, Gautam thrives on solving complex challenges that deliver real-world impact and innovation.
Matthew Dorhauer, Manager at Motion Solutions Australia, brings over 35 years of hands-on experience in the industrial sector. He began his journey as a 17-year-old apprentice Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and developed a deep, self-taught passion for Motion Control and Robotics. Throughout his career, he has designed and engineered advanced solutions across industries including Food and Beverage, Defence, Medical, Nuclear Medicine, and Packaging. Known for transforming complex engineering problems into practical, reliable systems, Matthew combines deep technical insight with a lifelong curiosity and a commitment to learning.
Tune in to hear how Gautam and Matthew are helping shape the future of motion and automation in Australia—driven by innovation, curiosity, and a shared pursuit of engineering excellence.
In this episode, I speak with Andrew Prolov, Head of Australia Go-To-Market at Pano AI, the global leader in early bushfire detection and situational intelligence. Andrew shares how his decade-long career investing in technology and healthcare companies led him to focus on solutions that strengthen safety and resilience through innovation.
We explore how Pano AI is using real-time data and artificial intelligence to revolutionize emergency response and bushfire management in Australia. Andrew also opens up about leading strategic programs for global organizations and what it takes to bring transformative technologies to market.
If you’re curious about how AI is being applied to climate resilience—or want a behind-the-scenes look at building a mission-driven tech company—this episode is for you.
In this episode of Lets talk robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with Manglesh Jain, a passionate technology leader spearheading the expansion of Konica Minolta Australia's Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) offerings.
Manglesh has successfully deployed over 40 AMRs across more than 15 projects around Australia. With a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and extensive experience in the technology and manufacturing sectors, he excels at identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, building strong business cases, and delivering cost-effective automation solutions.
He also holds an MBA with academic excellence from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and a B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from VNIT, one of India’s top engineering institutes.
Tune in to hear how Manglesh is helping shape the future of robotics in Australia through innovation and strategic insight.
#robotics #automation #AMR #autonomousmobilerobots #technology #innovation #manufacturing
I'm joined by Jessica Olivier, Partner at RSM Australia and Chair of RSM’s Global Incentives Group. With nearly 20 years of experience in R&D tax and government incentives, Jessica shares insights on how businesses, from start-ups to large manufacturers, can unlock growth through strategic access to innovation funding and international incentive programs.
This episode is packed with value for business leaders, CFOs, and innovation managers navigating the evolving landscape of government support and R&D funding.
Follow RSM Australia for more information.
Follow us for regular updates about the robotics industry and community in Australia – thanks for your support!
#robotics#innovation#automation#supportroboticsinaustralia
In this episode, I speak with Adrian Krop, Partner and Director at AUTONOMA, one of our valued network members. Based in Perth, AUTONOMA is focused on making industrial process and laboratory automation more accessible through practical robotics and intuitive software.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Adrian brings hands-on experience in engineering and product development, having worked across R&D, sales, and product design before founding AUTONOMA. His work centres on helping clients automate repetitive or complex tasks through tailored, process-specific automation solutions.
Beyond AUTONOMA, Adrian supports fellow founders, explores emerging technologies, and actively contributes to the broader automation and robotics community.
Tune in to Episode 171 to hear Adrian’s journey and insights into the future of practical automation.
Follow AUTONOMA for more information.
Follow us for regular updates on the robotics industry and community in Australia – thanks for your support!
#robotics #innovation #automation #supportroboticsinaustralia
This week, we’re joined by Markham Johnson from Automaate, one of our valued network members. In this episode, we explore Automaate’s cutting-edge contributions to automation, insights into industry challenges, and what lies ahead for robotics in Australia.
It’s a great chat about how far cleaning robots have come in Australia and how the future is shaping up!
Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that highlights the innovation driving our community forward.
#robotics #innovation #automation #supportroboticsinaustralia #LetsTalkRobotics #Automaate
In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics, we’re joined by Mitchell Dinham, Director of Infinite Robotics—one of our valued network members—and a leading authority in robotic welding and industrial automation. With close to 20 years of experience, Mitchell has been at the forefront of integrating advanced robotic systems that are transforming the manufacturing landscape.
Armed with a PhD and Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics from Western Sydney University, Chartered Engineer status, and certification as a Functional Safety Engineer, Mitchell’s career includes over a decade at Lincoln Electric and a pivotal role in launching a cutting-edge robotic plasma beam line with a tech startup.
Now, as the Director of Infinite Robotics, he leads a company committed to delivering world-class robotic welding and cutting solutions with expert local support and service. Tune in as Mitchell shares insights into the future of automation, and how Infinite Robotics is helping Australian industries boost efficiency, safety, and precision.
In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouse leaders from Applied Robotics, a company at the cutting edge of automation and innovation in Australia.
Isaac Roach, Chief Operating Officer, brings over 15 years of leadership experience across engineering, operations, sales, and customer service. Passionate about shaping the future of Australian industry, Isaac is driving advancements in autonomous operations and digital transformation. With a people-first approach and a talent for turning bold concepts into engineered solutions, he’s a firm believer in the power of collective innovation and strategic collaboration.
Joining him is Andrew Hambly, General Manager of Solutions, who has spent more than a decade delivering complex automation projects for manufacturing clients. At Applied Robotics, Andrew plays a critical role in developing high-performance automation technologies that solve real-world challenges. His deep technical expertise, combined with a passion for innovation and team leadership, positions him at the forefront of the automation landscape.
Together, Isaac and Andrew offer rich insights into the evolving world of robotics, the future of smart manufacturing, and how innovation is transforming industries from the ground up.
🎙️ Tune in now to hear their stories, strategies, and vision for a more automated and intelligent future.
Will did his undergraduate degrees in mechatronics and computer science at the University of Melbourne, followed by a PhD in control engineering at Cambridge University. He worked in industry in Japan for a few years and then returned to academia. He is now a senior lecturer in robotics and mechatronics at UNSW Sydney. He teaches several undergraduate and postgraduate courses in robotics. His research focuses on underwater robotics and integrating reinforcement learning with mobile robotic systems.
With a strong foundation in Health Economics and Accounting, Suresan is committed
to developing innovative systems and processes that support the healthcare
workforce and enhance patient care. As the global head of the Robotics and Incident
Management division at Omni-Health (www.omnihealth.com), he leads a team
dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive solutions, including workflow
studies, solution selection advisory, streamlined implementation, system integration,
staff training, maintenance, and after-sales support.
Suresan's entrepreneurial journey as the founder and developer of the QUOVO
range of dental products and the complementary supply management systems, has
showcased his ability to start and grow new business units from scratch. This
experience has equipped him with the skills to drive innovation and efficiency in the
healthcare sector.
Passionate about the robotics industry, Suresan believes it is essential for improving
the quality of care for the elderly. His vision is to see robots automating lower-skilled
tasks, allowing humans to focus on high-skill tasks and meaningful interactions.
In addition to his professional achievements, Suresan has recently finished
leadership terms as the Vice Curator of the Adelaide Global Shapers Hub and the
President of the Singapore Business and Social Association (South Australia). His
past involvement with the committees for the University of Adelaide Young Alumni
and the Ceylon Tamil Association (SA) has further enriched his leadership and
community engagement experience.
Brett Longhurst, Founder & managing director for Bremar Automotion, a lean and flexible engineering design company specialising in the latest computer simulation techniques including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) and design optimization.
"Our range of Markforged industrial 3D printers also allows us to provide high strength, end-use parts from carbon fibre reinforced composites and metals, enabling a full end-to-end product development solution - design, engineer & manufacture. All in-house.
We work with clients big and small across a range of industries and help them save time and money by testing, validating and optimizing their designs using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) & manufacturing using the latest additive technologies. The results? Lighter. Stronger. Better."
Passionate about creating value through innovative solutions in remote data acquisition and advanced robotics. As the Chief Product Officer at ADR, Dr Dawid Preller led the development of intelligent data capture systems that empower the mining industry to achieve greater production efficiency, reliable real-time insights, and enhanced safety through remote operations.
With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Dr Dawid's background includes multidisciplinary optimisation of tightly integrated systems. This foundation has shaped his approach to building solutions seamlessly across complex environments. His focus is on delivering products that make a tangible impact for our clients, supported by third-party integrations and strong industry partnerships.
Mikhil Kotak's journey began in Palghar, Mumbai, India, before he moved to Australia in 1998 with limited English skills and no connections. Armed with determination, he earned his Private Pilot License by 2000, fulfilling a lifelong dream. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to explore various ventures while building a career in banking. In 2007, he entered Melbourne’s food industry with "Tiffins," a venture that appeared successful but faced hidden financial challenges. Learning from this, Mikhil transitioned into the cleaning industry, founding "High Clean" in 2013, which evolved into "FAMASO" in 2019.
Today, FAMASO stands as one of Australia's leading periodical services companies, known for its innovative approach to maintenance and cleaning across high-profile sites nationwide. Its success stems from a commitment to unique health and safety processes, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering dedication to professionalism.
In 2022, KTV Working Drone Norway launched the world’s first drone cleaning technology, revolutionizing the high-risk cleaning industry much like Uber did for transportation. Mikhil secured the rights to bring KTV Working Drones to Australia, making it one of the first countries outside Norway to adopt this groundbreaking technology. In July 2023, he further expanded the venture by securing the rights for KTV Working Drones in India. The introduction of this technology in Australia marks a significant milestone, as KTV Working Drones has become the first company to successfully commercialize drone cleaning across multiple industries.
Looking ahead, KTV Working Drones India is set to launch in 2025, bringing this technology to the world's largest democracy with a vision to make a substantial impact.
