ROKLive 2026 to spotlight Adelaide manufacturing push
Mon, 22nd Jun 2026 (Today)
Rockwell Automation will hold ROKLive 2026 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with a focus on manufacturing innovation and industrial automation.
Billed as the South Pacific's largest event dedicated to industrial automation, ROKLive will bring together industry leaders, engineers, manufacturers, technology specialists and policymakers from across Australia and New Zealand.
Business Events Adelaide has joined as a key sponsor, reflecting Adelaide's push to strengthen its standing as a centre for advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation.
The programme will centre on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and the future of industrial automation. Keynote speakers are set to include South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton and futurist, author and innovation strategist Anders Sörman-Nilsson, founder of trend analysis firm Thinque.
Australian manufacturers are under pressure to lift productivity, improve resilience and meet sustainability goals while adapting to new technology and changing workforce needs. The agenda is designed to offer practical strategies and operational insights for attendees.
Programme focus
Conference sessions are expected to cover industrial AI, smart manufacturing, connected operations, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Interactive hands-on labs will allow attendees to test automation technologies and software in simulated real-world settings.
A technology showcase will feature systems from Rockwell and partner companies. The event will also include networking sessions for manufacturers, engineers, plant managers, system integrators and business leaders.
Hosting the event aligns with broader efforts by South Australia to build its industrial base. Adelaide has sought to attract manufacturing, defence and technology investment, and organisers are positioning the conference within that push.
"Adelaide has become one of Australia's most dynamic centres for advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation. ROKLive 2026 provides a valuable opportunity to bring together local and international expertise to help manufacturers tackle productivity, sustainability and workforce challenges," said Adrian Giecco, Regional Vice President, South Pacific, Rockwell Automation.
He also linked the event to the company's partnership with the local sponsor. "We're pleased to partner with Business Events Adelaide and showcase South Australia's capabilities while connecting industry leaders from across the region," Giecco said.
Industry pressures
The conference themes reflect broader shifts across manufacturing. Companies are dealing with more connected production environments, greater use of data in operations, and rising concern over system security as digital tools spread across factories and supply chains.
At the same time, employers continue to face skills shortages in technical and engineering roles. That has sharpened interest in training, upskilling and the practical use of automation where labour supply remains tight.
These issues will shape discussion throughout the event. Beyond keynote speeches and conference sessions, the programme is intended to create space for companies and specialists to exchange ideas and examine how new tools are being adopted on the factory floor.
Sörman-Nilsson's keynote is expected to address how manufacturers and industrial organisations are responding to rapid technological change and the growth of artificial intelligence in business operations. Organisers say his presentation will explore how companies can build adaptability in a more digital economy.
For Adelaide, hosting a large industrial technology event offers a chance to highlight local manufacturing and innovation. For Rockwell, it provides a regional platform to engage customers and partners on automation, software and industrial systems.
The event is also intended to support collaboration across the industrial community as businesses adapt to more data-driven operating environments. "As industrial environments become more connected and data-driven, the need for skilled professionals and resilient systems has never been greater. ROKLive 2026 is designed to support this evolution by fostering knowledge sharing, practical upskilling and collaboration across the industrial community," Giecco said.