ARM Hub relaunches Propel-AIR to boost Aussie robotics

Australia's ARM Hub will relaunch its national AI and robotics sprint program, Propel-AIR, in 2026, expanding its ties with United States innovation centre MassRobotics as it seeks new growth for local robotics ventures.

The second iteration of the program, branded Propel-AIR 2.0, will open entries on 17 February 2026. Organisers expect interest from startups, scaleups and individual innovators working in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and aged care.

Propel-AIR first ran in 2025 and concluded with Melbourne-based Nexobot founder Dominic Lindsay named overall winner. The result gave Australian early-stage robotics firms a structured pathway into one of the most active robotics communities in the US.

Lindsay used his participation to explore opportunities in logistics and supply chain automation. Nexobot is developing robotics solutions aimed at warehouse and distribution environments.

"Propel-AIR and my time in the US gave a whole new perspective on the impact Nexobot can have in the supply chain and logistics world," said Nexobot CEO Dominic Lindsay. "I met potential customers, spoke to investors, and saw the latest technologies being developed by both existing players and startups in the field. What really stood out is how important it is to have ecosystems like ARM Hub... with this we can develop solutions that deliver for an Australian context."

The 2026 program will continue ARM Hub's collaboration with MassRobotics, which is based in Boston. MassRobotics operates in what is regarded as one of the most concentrated robotics and AI clusters globally, anchored by institutions such as MIT and a mix of established companies and startups.

ARM Hub is headquartered in Brisbane and is one of four Australian government-backed AI Adopt Centres.

It works with manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers and technology companies on automation and artificial intelligence projects.

"Developments in artificial intelligence are an enormous opportunity for Australia's highly skilled robotics industry," said ARM Hub CEO and Founder Professor Cori Stewart. "Propel-AIR will surface and support the best of these ideas and connect great Australian ideas to global market opportunities."

Roadshow and showcase

Propel-AIR 2.0 will launch with a national roadshow from February through April 2026. The organisers plan events in major Australian cities. These events will introduce the sprint structure, outline selection criteria and connect local founders with mentors and industry contacts.

ARM Hub will announce ten finalists in May 2026. Those teams will participate in a structured sprint phase and will prepare for a public Grand Showcase scheduled for July 2026.

The Grand Showcase will present the finalists' robotics and AI solutions to an audience of industry representatives, investors and policy stakeholders. Judges will name one winning team at the event.

Boston residency

The winning team will receive a one-month residency at MassRobotics in Boston. They will have scheduled visits to companies and institutions within the city's technology community, including Boston Dynamics and MIT.

MassRobotics experts will provide direct mentorship during the residency. Participants will gain exposure to product development practices, market expectations and partnership models in a large overseas robotics market.

MassRobotics has supported more than 200 startups in its Boston facility. Those companies have collectively raised over USD $1 billion in funding and created more than 600 jobs, according to the organisation.

ARM Hub positions Propel-AIR as a fast-track route for Australian robotics ventures seeking international validation and contacts. The residency offers access to a pool of potential customers, collaborators and investors that can be difficult for small Australian firms to reach independently.

Industry focus

The program targets robotics and AI solutions that address practical needs in sectors seen as priorities for Australia's economy. Organisers highlight advanced manufacturing, resources, agriculture, healthcare and aged care as core areas of interest.

Australia's robotics sector has grown around industrial automation, mining, logistics and agricultural technology.

Local firms now look for markets beyond Australia and seek partnerships with international manufacturers, logistics operators and healthcare providers.

ARM Hub states that structured exposure to overseas markets can shorten development cycles for robotics ventures. The organisation also points to the role of neutral testing and demonstration environments in building trust with potential adopters in conservative industries.

Propel-AIR 2.0 is open to Australian innovators, startups and entrepreneurs working in AI and robotics. Entry details will be released in early 2026 ahead of the formal opening date.

The organisers expect a broader field of applicants in the second year, as more robotics founders seek structured links between Australian research and overseas commercial ecosystems.

"Developments in artificial intelligence are an enormous opportunity for Australia's highly skilled robotics industry," said Stewart.