NORTH Link recently hosted a tour of businesses in conjunction with Regional Development Australia (RDA) and Regional Development Victoria (RDV). This initiative brought together regional manufacturers across the Central Highlands and Wimmera Southern Mallee to explore how Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, automation and AI, are being applied in real-world manufacturing environments.

The tour connected businesses directly with leading research and industry practitioners, providing practical exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and facilitating peer-to-peer learning and industry collaboration.

Participants visited three key sites:

• Swinburne University of Technology – Factory of the Future
• Sutton Tools – Advanced manufacturing and smart production
• Amiga Engineering – Precision fabrication and engineering

Across the day, participants experienced:

• Live demonstrations of Industry 4.0 technologies in action
• Practical applications of AI, automation and digital manufacturing
• Insights into workforce capability and skills required for future manufacturing
• Direct engagement with industry leaders and peers

The tour provided participants with the opportunity to network, share ideas and gain firsthand exposure to leading manufacturing technologies and practices being implemented across Victoria.

Tour Photos: