Article by  Giovanni Forero, Konica Minolta Australia's senior intelligent information management (IIM) consultant

The next wave of automation is being shaped by agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI models across systems, data sources, and business environments. 

These capabilities can support the automation of routine tasks and more complex end-to-end processes, often alongside technologies across such as robotic process automation (RPA) and large language models (LLMs). As this approach gains traction, organisations will need to prepare for changes in how work is coordinated, how information is managed, and how regulatory obligations are met. As organisations meet the new wave of automation, information governance will play an important role in helping organisations adopt these technologies in a way that is effective, accountable, sustainable and well managed.

Automation readiness depends on the quality, accuracy and integrity of the information environment into which these technologies are introduced. For many organisations across all sectors, the question remains the same: it’s not about when automation will be adopted, but whether the organisation is ready to support it. Information sits at the centre of this shift. Every operational process relies on how information is captured, organised, and accessed. If information is inconsistent or difficult to locate, automation inherits those problems and makes them more visible. That is why organisations must first examine must first examine how information and data is maintained, organised, and transported across teams and systems, and whether those pathways are structured enough for intelligent tools to use reliably, according to Konica Minolta Australia.

Giovanni Forero, Senior Intelligent Information Management (IIM) Consultant, Konica Minolta Australia, said, “Every organisation operates through the exchange of information. Company records, production data, supplier documentation, financial reports, internal knowledge, and correspondence all form part of that environment. Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI models, automating technologies and environments do not change this dynamic; however, it increases the need for understanding on how information flows through the organisation, how it is captured, stored, indexed, classified, how long it is kept, and how it is accessed. The organisations that prepare well are the ones that recognise information quality is the foundation on which automation must sit.”

Aligning technology with an information framework

Many organisations have trialled automation in isolated parts of its workflows; however, these efforts often take place without a broader plan. Without alignment between technology and the organisation’s information framework, automated tools improve specific tasks while leaving systemic issues unaddressed, or worse, increasing the risk and exposure of the organisation. A strategic approach around governance ensures automation not only introduces efficiencies but strengthens the underlying environment by adhering to information governance rather than bypassing it.

Organisations in Australia are also facing the impact of talent losses and skills gaps following long-serving staff, whose knowledge has guided processes for decades, retiring or changing industries. As this happens, organisations risk losing context, history, and decision-making insight that cannot be easily reconstructed from formal documents alone. A well-defined information governance and a thorough strategy for knowledge transfer that involves AI codifying and categorising dark data and tacit knowledge, in combination with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance the output and context of LLMs, can be an extremely beneficial strategy to reuse knowledge that is traditionally lost to an organisation.

Giovanni Forero said, “Much of an organisation’s valuable knowledge resides within individuals or scattered in informal files that are difficult to locate or interpret. When the key individuals holding this information leave, the organisation risks losing more than just documents; it loses critical context and expertise. AI, RAG and a succession plan can help recover this material by identifying links between information, interpreting meaning, and making content searchable and usable. However, to gain this benefit, organisations need to manage the information lifecycle from ingestion to disposition, ensuring it can be processed reliably.”

Guidance concerning the use of AI is still developing. However, privacy obligations, safety considerations, and reporting standards are already well-established in many industries. Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple agents automating cross-functional technologies and environments will eventually fall under more specific regulatory scrutiny; however, current legislation, such as the Privacy Act 1988 and ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 frameworks, provide constraints on how information is secured and managed. Organisations that have prioritised robust information governance will be well-placed to be compliant with future standards.

Agentic AI systems can review large volumes of data for irregularities, flag potential issues, and support decision-making when human oversight is required. This is particularly relevant in settings where early identification of risk is critical, such as monitoring patterns in student behaviour or identifying production anomalies in manufacturing environments.

Preparing for agentic AI and orchestration

Preparing for agentic AI and orchestration also requires cultural alignment, with clear communication about responsibilities, access, and oversight across the whole organisation. In other words, a proper information management framework. When people understand how information should be handled and why consistency matters, the introduction of agentic AI becomes more reliable and predictable.

Giovanni Forero said, “Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple agents automating cross-functional technologies and environments is beginning to operate in areas that were previously handled entirely by humans. That shift requires careful planning. Organisations need controlled testing environments, detailed evaluation of high-risk scenarios, and transparency around how automated decisions are produced. Human oversight or a human in the loop (HITL) is essential. It is not about replacing judgement but ensuring that AI agents follow defined boundaries and produce results that can be accounted for.”

Long-term preparation requires ongoing assessment rather than a single project. As agentic AI capabilities expand, organisations must routinely review their information structures, update governance practices, and refine the way information is shared across teams. This continuous approach helps prevent outdated processes and data from undermining emerging technologies. 

The next wave of automation driven by agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI agents across technologies and environments will reward organisations that approach information management with intent and discipline, placing the discipline at the centre of the information ecosystem. When information is reliable and well-governed, intelligent systems become more effective and people can work with greater confidence. This combination of structured information and responsible AI initiatives will set the direction for how Australian organisations progress successfully in the years ahead.

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Global tech manufacturer TCL has opened a new air conditioner smart factory in Guangzhou, China, as the company celebrates its 100 millionth unit milestone.

The new factory, which represents an investment worth RMB 2 billion (AUD 414.2 million), is expected to have a production capacity of 8 million units per year – roughly one air conditioner every seven seconds.

The complex spans 303 acres and features three fully automated “lights-out” factories that operate 24 hours a day without human intervention, TCL said in its media release.

The site features 15 advanced laboratories and 10 intelligent production lines. At its core, an AI supercomputing centre manages over 2,000 AI agents and numerous industrial robots, enabling fully automated production of key components. The factory’s high-precision heat exchanger production line uses AI to boost efficiency by 41.7%.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the factory is equipped with 50,000 sqm of solar panels and uses an AI-driven energy management system. These features help create a production process that produces almost no waste or emissions, according to the tech company.

“Producing 100 million units is a landmark achievement that reflects the trust of customers worldwide,” said Du Juan, CEO of TCL Industries Holdings. “By using AI and smart technology, we remain committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life while also contributing to a more sustainable future through energy-saving solutions and eco-friendly design.”

TCL currently maintains 47 research and development centres along with 40 manufacturing bases globally, with operations spanning more than 160 countries and regions. The company currently holds third place globally in air conditioner sales volume.

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BAE Systems Australia, working with BMT, has been awarded the Anzac Class Designer Support Contract (DSC-West) to sustain and enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class fleet under a $163 million, seven-year agreement.

The engineering design contract will see the two organisations deliver ongoing support for the fleet, with DSC-West centred on the Henderson maritime precinct in Western Australia, which is closely associated with the Anzac class and its long-term sustainment activities. 

According to the companies, the arrangement draws on decades of warship sustainment experience at the site and is intended to strengthen Australia’s sovereign maritime capability.

The partnership, referred to as DSC-West, brings together platform expertise, design authority access and integrated support capabilities following BMT’s acquisition of Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), which has heritage links to the original Anzac class design. 

The organisations said this combination is intended to support the Commonwealth’s requirements for continued operational effectiveness and future upgrades.

BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Managing Director, Surface Ships, David Shepherd, said the contract represents an important development in the ongoing sustainment of the class.

“This award marks a new chapter in Anzac class sustainment. As the company that constructed the Anzac fleet, and successfully helped deliver two major upgrade programs across the class, we’re proud to combine our experience with the expanded capabilities of BMT to deliver safe, efficient and reliable outcomes for the Commonwealth,” Shepherd said.

BMT Managing Director Graeme Nayler said the selection of the DSC-West team reflects the depth of experience brought together through the partnership.

“We are delighted the Commonwealth has selected the DSC-West team. With AMT now part of BMT, we bring together decades of Anzac class knowledge, ensuring we can continue delivering operational excellence for the Anzac class fleet,” Nayler said.

He added that the work will be delivered from the Henderson shipyard in Perth, as well as from offices in Melbourne, Sydney and other locations, supported by what the companies describe as deep platform knowledge and sovereign capability intended to maintain fleet availability and support future upgrades.

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Manufacturing activity within the additive manufacturing (AM) sector continued to expand in 2025, with the global 3D printing and AM market reaching $16.0 billion, according to Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research), which said the industry is showing signs of renewed growth momentum across key manufacturing segments.

In its “Q4 2025 3DP/AM Market Data and Forecast” and accompanying “3DP/AM Market Insights: Q4 2025” report, AM Research said total manufacturing-linked AM markets – including metal, polymer, ceramic 3D printers, materials, and services – grew 10.2% year over year, compared with 8.3% in 2024. 

The firm also reported sequential growth from $4.0 billion in Q3 2025 to $4.26 billion in Q4 2025.

AM Research Executive Vice President Scott Dunham said 2025 reflected shifting conditions across manufacturing demand and supply dynamics in the sector.

“2025 was a story of two markets, with the first half of the year largely in line with the tougher times of the last two years, but in the second half of 2025 we saw what we believe is the start of a significant turnaround for AM,” Dunham said. 

He added that while competitive pressures remain, “it’s become clear we’re at a point where growth is flowing back into the market.”

The report showed the metal AM segment reached $1.67 billion in Q4 2025 and $6.27 billion for the full year, while the polymer AM market recorded $2.59 billion in Q4 and $9.79 billion annually. 

AM services, which AM Research described as a growing share of manufacturing activity in the sector, totaled $2.21 billion in Q4 and $8.53 billion for 2025.

According to AM Research, manufacturing demand across AM applications in 2025 remained strongly linked to sectors including medical, space, and defense and maritime. 

The company noted that rocket engines are expected to become one of the most significant applications for metal AM in terms of manufacturing value created through 2034.

The report also highlighted ongoing changes in the AM print services market, which AM Research said is expected to generate tens of billions in revenue over the next decade as the largest segment of the industry. 

It noted a resurgence in integrated manufacturing approaches, with companies such as Fabric8Labs, Seurat, and Velo3D operating in an environment where demand for AM is increasing but implementation challenges persist.

For more information AM Research’s market data services, visit: https://additivemanufacturingresearch.com/data-services/

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Ipswich City Council says the city’s manufacturing sector is central to its ambition to become Queensland’s manufacturing and defence capital, supported by a large pipeline of industrial land and targeted investment efforts.

In a media release, the council said Ipswich has about 8,000 hectares of future industrial land supply, positioning it as a key location for manufacturing, defence, logistics and related industries in South East Queensland.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s manufacturing base and available land give it a competitive edge in attracting new investment.

“Ipswich is in a prime position to help bring manufacturing back to Queensland and Australia,” Harding said.

The council outlined its case in an investment prospectus titled The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow, which highlights land availability, workforce capacity and geographic location as factors supporting further industrial development.

Harding said manufacturing and defence are already major contributors to the local economy, accounting for about 60 per cent of Ipswich’s $8 billion in annual exports.

“Manufacturing and defence are our city’s biggest industries, and we are hungry for more of this type of investment,” she said.

The council noted that Ipswich’s potential industrial land supply of 7,923 hectares exceeds that of other local government areas in the region combined, at a time when broader South East Queensland is facing constraints.

“The region overall is facing challenges when it comes to industrial land supply, with Brisbane predicted to run out in a matter of a few years,” Harding said. “Ipswich stands ready to cater for the land requirements of a range of industries.”

She added that the city’s existing industrial base and workforce continue to support manufacturing as a major employer.

“We want to ensure Ipswich is the manufacturing and defence capital of Queensland, so that investment flows through our economy and leads to job opportunities for our residents,” Harding said.

The prospectus also highlights population growth, with Ipswich’s population of about 270,000 projected to exceed 500,000 by 2046, alongside a relatively young workforce and access to surrounding regions.

Harding said the city’s economic output of $15 billion, annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent, and more than 13,000 businesses underpin its investment case.

“Through our Economic Development Incentive Policy, we will continue to attract high value projects to Ipswich that drive job creation, capital investment and support the growth of our local industries,” she said.

Private sector stakeholders also pointed to the city’s advantages. Officeworks Managing Director John Gualtieri said the company selected Ipswich for its new Omnichannel Distribution Centre due to its location and workforce.

“Located in Redbank, with strong access to key transport links and a growing local workforce, this highly automated, future-ready facility will help simplify our operations, create hundreds of local jobs, and support our team with a safer and more modern workplace,” Gualtieri said.

Property Council of Australia Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire said Ipswich’s capacity for large-scale projects is significant as industrial land becomes scarcer across the region.

“Ipswich’s scale, land availability and industrial capability position it as a natural home for Queensland’s next phase of manufacturing and defence investment,” Caire said.

“As pressure builds on industrial land supply across South East Queensland, Ipswich stands out as one of the few locations able to accommodate major employers at the scale they need,” she added, noting such investment is important for productivity, supply chains and economic resilience.

Ipswich City Council said it will continue promoting the prospectus to attract further investment into manufacturing and related sectors.

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Amaero Ltd said it has secured a new manufacturing agreement that includes a A$7.8 million purchase order for titanium alloy powders, with shipments scheduled across fiscal year 2027. 

In a media release, the company stated that the agreement contains a minimum commitment valued at A$7.8 million, reflecting equal quarterly shipments from July 2026 through June 2027. 

The customer, described as a private equity-backed manufacturing technology and advanced materials business, may increase orders beyond the minimum by submitting additional purchase orders. Amaero added that the customer expects total orders in FY2027 to exceed the initial commitment.

Amaero said it plans to expand its manufacturing capacity, targeting an approximately 100% increase in titanium powder production in FY2027 compared with FY2026. 

The company attributed rising demand to the growing adoption of additive manufacturing technologies across defense, aerospace, medical, consumer, and civilian firearms markets.

“Commercial activity across both segments of Amaero’s business is strong,” said Hank J. Holland, Amaero’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are excited to secure a contract for titanium powder shipments in FY2027 that approximates total titanium powder sales in FY2026.”

The company noted that demand for powders used in laser powder bed fusion manufacturing is centered on gas atomized and plasma atomized production methods. 

Amaero said it has commissioned two EIGA Premium atomizers, with a third expected to be operational in June, positioning it to deliver what it describes as the largest capacity and lowest unit cost domestic production in the United States for refractory and titanium alloy spherical powders.

Amaero also reported ongoing manufacturing activity involving high-value refractory alloys, with five such alloys scheduled for atomization in the current quarter. 

The company added that applications in defense, space, and nuclear sectors are contributing to demand growth for these materials.

Holland said the company has been progressing multiple opportunities in titanium powders over the past six to twelve months, “with several opportunities potentially exceeding 100 tonnes of annual demand.”

He added that Amaero is advancing a strategic contract for refractory powder development expected to be finalized by the end of the fiscal year, alongside continued momentum in its PMHIP manufacturing segment.

The company did not disclose the identity of the customer, stating that it does not consider the specific counterparty information to be material to the valuation of its securities.

 Amaero also said it is satisfied with the customer’s standing and capacity to meet its obligations under the agreement.

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Manufacturers from Vietnam and across Asia are set to showcase over 40,000 export-ready products at the Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam on April 22 to 24 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Set to be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event will feature over 500 exhibitors representing factories in Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, and South Korea.

Global Sources, the event’s organiser, said the fair aims to help global companies seeking manufacturing partners that offer reliability, adaptability, and production efficiency across the global supply chain.

Buyers will have the opportunity to meet directly with manufacturers, examine products firsthand, and secure supplies for upcoming production cycles.

The fair’s 2026 edition expects to attract more than 12,000 buyers. Products will span four sectors: Fashion and Accessories, Home and Gifts, Electronics and Home Appliances, and Printing and Packaging. These categories include apparel, footwear, furniture, home décor, consumer electronics, and packaging solutions.

One of the fair’s notable features is the ASEAN Pavilion, which will showcase manufacturers from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, and highlight the region’s growing manufacturing capabilities.

Meanwhile, the E-Commerce Pavilion will support online sellers looking to expand into Vietnam and Southeast Asia, covering everything from product sourcing to logistics.

Beyond the exhibition floor, the fair offers several special programs that aim to optimise sourcing efficiency and deliver deeper industry insights.

According to Global Sources, a Sourcing Summit will host a discussion among global experts about challenges and strategies in the international supply chain.

An e-commerce-focused seminar will also be held, covering topics like platform trends, cross-border strategies and performance-driven growth in digital commerce.

New additions to the 2026 event include a Dynamic Fashion Runway with four live product showcases on the exhibition floor, allowing buyers to see current trends and materials. Attendees can also participate in cultural activities through DIY workshops where they can customise traditional Vietnamese conical hats and create decorative items.

For more information and to register, visit globalsources.com.

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The Western Australian Government is investing in the Pilbara’s economic diversification and manufacturing capacity, awarding $846,700 to five regional projects through Round 8 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.

The funding will support initiatives across hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, and mining services, with a particular focus on strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, the government said in a news release.  

Port Hedland company Inline Engineering Services Pty Ltd, for example, will use its grant to deliver an integrated polyurethane conveyor component processing and curing upgrade, enhancing local manufacturing capacity and supply chain efficiency for the Pilbara’s resources sector.

Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said the RED Grants program was central to supporting long-term community benefits. 

“These RED Grants are supporting local businesses and organisations to diversify the economy, create employment opportunities and deliver long-term benefits for their communities,” he said. 

“It’s particularly encouraging to see projects that support advanced manufacturing, tourism and Aboriginal economic participation, all of which are key to building a more resilient and sustainable Pilbara.”

Other recipients include Karratha-based Kaos Holding WA Pty Ltd, which will establish an upmarket café in Karratha’s CBD; Tjamu Tjamu (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC, which will launch a civil contracting social enterprise in Kiwirrkurra; East-West Pilbara Rubber Recycling Pty Ltd, which will develop a high-value rubber export industry through mining tyre recycling; and Gumala Investments Pty Ltd, expanding accommodation at Karijini Eco Retreat to support sustainable tourism.

Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the program’s role in promoting locally driven economic initiatives. 

“The RED Grants program continues to unlock opportunities across the Pilbara by supporting innovative, locally driven projects that contribute to economic diversification and regional resilience,” she said.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the funding represented a meaningful investment in the region’s future. “Each initiative contributes to broader efforts to diversify employment, improve quality of life and drive long-term economic growth across the region,” he said.

The Round 8 RED Grants reflect the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to building sustainable, vibrant, and diverse regional economies in Western Australia.

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The Australian Government has announced the first pilot projects under its Investor Front Door initiative, aimed at supporting investment in fuel security, supply chain resilience and critical minerals.

In a joint media release, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King, and Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres said the initiative is intended to streamline how businesses and project developers engage with government, particularly in navigating regulatory approvals and processes.

According to the government, four projects have been selected for the initial pilot, with the potential to contribute up to $20 billion in investment. 

These include HAMR Energy’s Renewable Fuel Project across Victoria and South Australia, Ardea Resources’ Kalgoorlie Nickel Project in Western Australia, New Energy Transport’s Wilton Project in New South Wales, and the Murchison Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia.

The government stated that the projects are focused on strengthening domestic fuel production, supporting supply chain resilience, and contributing to the development of clean energy industries. 

It also noted that the initiatives could generate employment during both construction and operational phases, while supporting regional economic activity.

Under the pilot program, participating projects will be assigned a dedicated engagement manager to assist with regulatory requirements, approvals, and access to existing government financing options. 

The government described the selected projects as “pioneering and experimental,” adding that the initiative is designed to provide support to improve their chances of success.

The announcement also referenced broader economic conditions, including ongoing global supply chain disruptions, as a factor in prioritising domestic capability in key sectors.

The Investor Front Door pilot is scheduled to run until mid-2027, with further details available through official government channels.

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Researchers at La Trobe University have developed a portable biosensor designed to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on site, offering a potential alternative to laboratory-based testing methods.

The device targets a group of more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in products such as firefighting foams, food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics, the university said in a news release.  

These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer. The biosensor specifically detects perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the most regulated PFAS compounds.

The research, led by PhD student Henry Bellette and Saimon Moraes Silva, Director of the Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology (BEST) Research Centre, has been published in ACS Sensors.

Bellette said existing PFAS testing methods can restrict how frequently and widely water monitoring is conducted.

“Most PFAS testing relies on expensive laboratory equipment and specialist analysis, which makes regular monitoring difficult,” he said.

“This biosensor could be used on site and provides a simple yes or no result, allowing water to be screened quickly and easily.”

PFAS contamination has been identified across Australia, particularly at locations where firefighting foams were historically used, including airports, military bases and fire stations.

Dr Moraes Silva said portable screening tools could support ongoing efforts to manage contamination.

“PFAS do not break down in the environment, so monitoring is an ongoing challenge,” he said.

“A portable screening tool could allow more frequent testing, particularly in regional and remote areas, and help identify where more detailed laboratory analysis is needed.”

According to the researchers, the technology may eventually be incorporated into a hand-held device for environmental monitoring and water screening, although further development would be required before broader deployment.

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