Laing O’Rourke and John Holland Join Forces with Robotics Australia Group to Propel Robotics in Construction
Leading constructors Laing O’Rourke and John Holland are set to advance the future of robotics by collaborating with local developers to enhance productivity and safety in the construction sector.
As sponsors of the Robotics Australia Group (RAG), these Tier 1 builders will support the growth of Australian-made robotics and automation products. They will adopt an open innovation model, partnering with local robotics developers and suppliers to test and integrate new solutions aimed at improving productivity, certainty, and safety in construction.
Dr. Sue Keay, Chair of RAG, emphasized the importance of industry involvement in the development of the Australian robotics supply chain. “It is critical for industry to support and participate in product development, refine and validate potential use cases, and raise awareness of the technology. Laing O’Rourke and John Holland exemplify this involvement, and we are excited to have them as our construction sponsors for the coming year,” she stated.
Dr. Regan Crookes, Director of Strategy, Transformation, and Innovation at Laing O’Rourke, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of RAG for the third consecutive year. Robotic and automation technologies hold the potential to significantly enhance the construction industry, making it more resilient and sustainable. We are committed to fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.”
Having been a consistent supporter of RAG since its inception, Laing O’Rourke has contributed to the development of industry roadmaps in 2018 and 2022, which laid the groundwork for the Australian National Robotics Strategy.
Ron Azzi, Group General Manager of Technology, Engineering & Knowledge (TEK) at John Holland, stated, “Delivering nation-shaping projects demands relentless innovation, technical excellence, and smart solutions. By collaborating with RAG, we can expedite the adoption of robotics in the construction industry, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.”
Since 2018, John Holland’s TEK team has focused on innovation and enablement to accelerate the discovery, testing, and scaling of smart solutions. The integration of robotics and automation, including drones and AI applications, is central to their vision of a smarter and more efficient future.
RAG continues to be instrumental in promoting the Australian robotics industry and is set to advance the sector through the creation of an upcoming industry roadmap. This roadmap will outline the next steps for robotics in Australia, following the recent publication of the National Robotics Strategy, providing vital guidance for the future.
