Events

Associate Professor Scott Barnett is Deputy Head, Translational Research and Commercialisation at Deakin University’s Applied AI Institute ( A2I2 .) He’s also the lead on the ForgeX.ai factory management project, supported by the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC (ACM CRC.) In this interview, Barnett shares some insights about his work ahead of his appearance at ACM CRC’s annual partner meeting, to be held on August 19–20. ACM CRC: What does your career path look like? SB: I did my undergrad and then I did a PhD in software engineering and robotics. I joined Deakin’s AI initiative, A2I2, to help companies use AI on contract research and development projects for the last nine years. And over the last couple of years I've shifted to helping manufacturing companies quite a bit. And that's how I got involved with the ACM CRC. ACM CRC: Why is applied research something that you apparently like doing? SB: I think it's because it helps companies adapt and solve their problems with new technology. So you're constantly helping someone and have different problems each day. I've done projects across telecommunications, finance, education, and manufacturing. A wide spectrum and range. It keeps things interesting. ACM CRC: Part of your recent manufacturing work includes on alloys, but you're doing lots of other work as well. What are some R&D efforts within manufacturing? SB: I'm part of the circAlloy Training Centre, which is more on the research side and is looking at how to recycle alloy materials. There I'm playing a role where I'm using AI and software to help augment researchers to make them more productive and more effective, helping push the circular economy forward. I do stuff with generative AI, with quite a lot for a small startup at the moment, Red Velvet AI. That's building new technology for reviewing applications with a human in the loop. And then there's the work with the Overseer platform, which was supported by an Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant. That was with Carbon Revolution, as well as starting to look at ways in which we could help make software more affordable and more effective for SMEs. ACM CRC: How did the ForgeX.ai - AI factory management project with us come about, and what does it aim to achieve? SB: As I mentioned, we started with an AEA grant from the Australian Government to build a platform and to help do defect detection. That grant scheme was shut down recently, but we saw value in continuing that type of work for manufacturers. So we linked up with the ACM CRC and another partner to build a small project to help run and track experiments. It’s basically designed for micro-sized manufacturers. It can help companies optimise what they do. We have been testing it at an artificial leather company. And then from that project we looked at a couple of other use cases, such as searching for and retrieving information using AI, basically helping manufacturers converse with their factory in natural language. From that, we realised that there are many other use cases where AI could come in. For example, manufacturers generally don't have in-house software engineering capabilities, yet they all rely on software. So we're looking at ways to build tools that can empower people who are not qualified software engineers, using AI to bridge the gap as far as we can. ACM CRC: Tell us about the different components to ForgeX.ai SB: There's a couple of parts. There's an underlying platform that can be hosted completely on-premise or in the cloud, depending on what the providers need. It's then got a set of apps that are available for people to use. Currently the key apps that we have are the experiment platform that I was talking about where you can track those, Optilab, find related experiments and basically help optimise and find the best possible process. The other app is about searching and analysing the data that you've got. So it’s an agent that does basic data science, handles your queries, does analysis for you, and creates a report from natural language. The third one is designed to help people migrate or integrate between ERP systems. ACM CRC: What sort of efficiency improvements can be delivered through these AI-powered apps? SB: Perhaps a 30 - 50 per cent efficiency gain if a company doesn’t have an existing data system currently in use. They help save on time and the need for software help outside of the organisation. A lot more can be done with your existing teams and people. Using AI agents and new technology reduces the need for custom-built software. And an organisation can structure and better use the content that's available. So in the experimentation example, there's already an existing database in this company, but it's not readily structured and able to be interrogated. It might be in Excel spreadsheets, documents, images and is harder to maintain and support. We put something over the top of that to make it more reliable and robust, which cuts administration work, basically. ACM CRC: What does the development timeline look like? SB: ForgeX.ai’s future is dependent on partners. Our approach is to really work closely with the partner to make sure that what they need is done. From a technology perspective, we've done some iterations with the client. They're working with it and we're just waiting for more feedback from them. Our centre has a collaborative-type nature where we work with partners and it's dependent on their timelines and their priorities as well. ACM CRC: What would you say about developing quality assurance software for smaller-sized manufacturers and how you approach that? SB: There's a lot of active solutions off the shelf that are available for defect prediction, especially vision-type solutions. Typically, they have a lot of vendor lock-in, where they want to provide the whole thing and they have different scale up operations, which may not be viable for micro or small companies. What we're trying to do is look at a low-cost way to set something up quickly that does a good enough job. And then we're looking for integration with the other systems. With the Overseer platform, it's worth saying that we're designing it to sit across existing platforms within a company. We're not trying to replicate everything that's out there, but to add an intelligence layer over the top of what a company already uses. Rather than just have a bunch of bespoke things that don't connect or don't integrate well. ACM CRC: What’s your point of view on how generative AI and agentic AI could reshape manufacturing? Are there any trends we should watch? SB: It can do a lot more than what people are thinking. There's a lot more reasoning, surfacing up data and automation that can be done. I think a lot of it's going to be in the mundane and places where people aren't necessarily looking to put AI. There’s a lot in the way of migration problems, backend or back of house workflows that AI can come in and sort out. I think that once people have figured out how to glue things together and deal with interoperability and data, I think agents will be able to do a lot more on top and surface up a lot more insights. They'll be able to monitor, and ultimately what our collaboration with ACM CRC would like to show is that it can optimise processes and better keep track of data that manufacturers are already creating. A lot of software systems I've seen are kind of “push”. A company will set them up, configure them, and then the system does what they want. With the agentic AI, I think things will be more “pull”. The system will be able to recommend options based on knowledge pulled in from a manufacturer, helping the company predict scenarios and operate better. ACM CRC: Is there anything else worth mentioning? SB: A2I2 has a desire to work more closely with companies. We have plenty of capability, and would like to see more direction from companies. What we’ve talked about above is available to all manufacturers. The ACM CRC funding comes with a requirement that the results of the project are open source, so everybody benefits from the advancements, not just the companies that are getting involved. Picture: Scott Barnett (credit Deakin University) ACM CRC’s annual Partner Meeting will be held on August 19 and 20 at Level 3, Salesforce Tower, Sydney. Barnett will present on an agentic AI solution for manufacturers, followed by a breakout session where partners can explore what it could mean for their organisation. More on A2I2 at this link, Barnett’s projects here , and the Partner Meeting here .

Ahead of her keynote address at ACM CRC’s Partner Meeting on August 19, adventurer Lisa Blair shares a little about her sailing adventures and the Sustainable Composites for Next Gen Boat Hulls project with Steber International, University of NSW Sydney and SOENECS.

The ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2026 brings together partners, researchers, industry leaders and academia for two days of keynotes, collaborative sessions and strategic discussion in Sydney. This year's program features: Lisa Blair OAM - world record-holding solo sailor and climate activist, partnering with ACM CRC on sustainable composites with Steber International and UNSW Sydney AI in Advanced Manufacturing - keynotes and hands-on breakout sessions exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming composites research and industry Strategic and Research Program updates RISE Fellowship Awards and the award for Best HDR Presentation This is an opportunity for the ACM CRC network to connect, celebrate achievements and shape the future direction of Australia's composites manufacturing sector. DATE: Wednesday 19 August and Thursday 20 August 2026 VENUE: Greenhouse Tech Hub. Level 3, 180 George Street Sydney REGISTRATION : https://events.humanitix.com/acm-crc-partner-meeting-2026

Collaborate Innovate is Cooperative Research Australia's annual conference held at a different theme and location each year. The purpose of the conference is to connect members of the wide community engaged in industry-research collaborative entities and all other stakeholders. The Collaborate Innovate Conference is the premier annual gathering dedicated to driving excellence in industry-research collaboration across Australia. Each year, we convene at a unique location under a fresh theme, bringing together the full spectrum of stakeholders – from CRCs and research hubs to government, industry and professional service partners. Designed for board members, CEOs, COOs, research leads, commercialisation executives, government decision- makers, industry participants and emerging scholars, this event provides unparalleled opportunities to build new partnerships, share best practices, explore cutting-edge research outcomes and chart pathways to real-world impact. Whether you’re leading a CRC, advising on growth centres, engaging with rural R&D, or enabling the next wave of innovation-driven entrepreneurs, the Collaborate Innovate Conference invites you to join the conversation, expand your network and help shape Australia’s collaborative research future.

Australia’s Leading Composites Conference Save the Date: Wednesday 17 – Thursday 18 June 2026 Hosted by ACM CRC partner Composites Australia, this annual conference brings together leaders, innovators and practitioners from across the composites sector. Mark your calendars for two action-packed days - Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June 2026 - featuring industry insights, technical presentations and interactive displays. The conference delivers valuable strategic perspectives on operating and growing a composites business, alongside practical insights into successful collaboration across the composites industry. The program is carefully curated to showcase leading composites practitioners and thought leaders through engaging presentations exploring diverse industry and technology case studies. Whether you’re looking to gain fresh insights, sharpen your skills, expand your network or spark new ideas, this event offers it all. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, informed and connected. We look forward to seeing you there. Buy tickets here: COMPOSITES CONFERENCE | Composites Conference Australia 2026 Composites Industry Awards - Open for Nominations The Composites Industry Awards 2026 serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements within the composites sector. Acknowledging the importance of excellence, commitment and ingenuity, these awards honour both individuals and organisations that form the sector. Nominations are open for achievement of organisations, apprentices, staff, associates and innovative products that signify progress and achievement in the industry. Composites Australia extends an invitation to all its members to nominate deserving candidates for the 2026 awards nominations are now officially open. Awards will be presented on June 17 at the 2026 Composites Conference dinner. Visit this link to submit your nominations: Industry Awards – Composites Australia

Join ACM CRC Partner Composites Australia, and Biesse for a half-day TECH and networking event at the company’s Australian headquarters in Wetherill Park, NSW. Biesse is a global leader in machinery and integrated solutions for processing composites, plastics, wood, glass, stone and metal. DELEGATES WILL SEE: Live demonstrations of advanced materials equipment designed to streamline workflows and improve production efficiency, including: CNC machining centres for composite and polymer processing. Multi-axis routing and drilling systems. Integrated intralogistics and material sorting solutions. Advanced automation and digital controls in operation To register and learn more information, visit the Composites Australia website .

Join ACM CRC Partners Composites Australia and the AMRF for a half-day conference and networking event at the First Building in Bradfield City, including a guided tour of the brand new $60m+ advanced manufacturing facility. The program will cover the application of automation in composites production, the digitalisation of manufacturing workflows, and design for scalable manufacturing. The AMRF will also outline how it can help manufacturers de-risk the scale-up of production processes — effectively turbo-charging R&D. DELEGATES WILL SEE: Compression moulding, robotic filament winding, automated ply cutting and kitting, laser ply projection and metal and polymer 3D printing. To register and learn more information, visit the Composites Australia website .

The ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025 will explore the theme, Leveraging Enabling Technologies to Advance Australia’s Composites Manufacturing Sector . The event will be abuzz with topical keynotes, industry-led breakout sessions and insightful presentations across three supporting themes: Digital Transformation in Manufacturing : Harnessing data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise composite production and quality control. Automation & Advanced Robotics : Deploying intelligent automation systems to drive efficiency, precision, and scalability. Smart Factories & Connected Supply Chains : Integrating cyber-physical systems to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration across the composites value chain. There will also be plenty of time for discussions and networking. This is an exclusive opportunity for ACM CRC industry, academia and government experts to come together and review the challenges we’ve faced – and still face – and to celebrate the achievements we’ve accomplished. Collectively, we will determine the way forward, ensuring continued collaboration in achieving our milestones and advancing Australia’s composites manufacturing sector. DATE: Wednesday 22 October and Thursday 23 October 2025 VENUE: Greenhouse Tech Hub. Level 3, 180 George Street Sydney REGISTRATION : https://acm-crc-annual-partner-meeting-2025.eventbrite.com.au

Collaborate Innovate is Cooperative Research Australia's annual conference held at a different theme and location each year. The purpose of the conference is to connect members of the wide community engaged in industry-research collaborative entities and all other stakeholders. The Collaborate Innovate Conference is the premier annual gathering dedicated to driving excellence in industry-research collaboration across Australia. Each year, we convene at a unique location under a fresh theme, bringing together the full spectrum of stakeholders – from CRCs and research hubs to government, industry and professional service partners. Designed for board members, CEOs, COOs, research leads, commercialisation executives, government decision- makers, industry participants and emerging scholars, this event provides unparalleled opportunities to build new partnerships, share best practices, explore cutting-edge research outcomes and chart pathways to real-world impact. Whether you’re leading a CRC, advising on growth centres, engaging with rural R&D, or enabling the next wave of innovation-driven entrepreneurs, the Collaborate Innovate Conference invites you to join the conversation, expand your network and help shape Australia’s collaborative research future.