Six AI & robotics startups named as finalists for Propel-AIR

Six companies have been announced as finalists for the Propel-AIR program, the first dedicated accelerator focused on artificial intelligence and robotics in Australia.

The Propel-AIR program is supported by the Australian Government through the AI Adopt Centre program, with ARM Hub delivering the program. Additional support comes from MassRobotics, NVIDIA and Solidworks, which are offering training and materials to participants.

Finalist cohort

"Propel-AIR's finalist cohort shows the world Australia isn't just dreaming of a robotics future, we're building it right now," said ARM Hub CEO Professor Cori Stewart. "Every team will get the runway to scale fast, and the ultimate winner will plug straight into MassRobotics in Boston, taking Aussie ingenuity to the heart of global innovation."

The Propel-AIR program has attracted strong participation from across Australia's AI and robotics sector. The six finalists demonstrate the application of these technologies across various sectors, including oceanography, space exploration, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and wearable robotics.

Representing the ocean technology field, Seascape Autonomy has developed an autonomous underwater robot that photographs the ocean floor, providing images that are used to create landscape models.

Supporting the space industry, Element Robotics has created Lunarsim, a digital twin environment designed to test and train robots specifically for Lunar missions. The software acts as a simulated environment where teams can assess and optimise robotic performance in lunar conditions before deployment. According to the company, this reduces time and costs while increasing the likelihood of mission success. Element Robotics recognises the potential of the technology in high-risk industries beyond space, including mining and remote operations.

Within logistics, Nexobot is building a robotics platform for parcel sorting, aiming to reduce barriers to automation for regional and small-scale operators. By streamlining the sorting process and reducing manual movement, Nexobot seeks to make automation feasible where it was previously unaffordable.

J Robotics is targeting the agriculture industry through smart machinery to help vineyards reduce their chemical use. The company's first product utilises ultraviolet light to treat grapevines for powdery mildew, a disease that affects wine production in Australia. The method does not use chemicals, supporting organic certification and more sustainable farming practices.

Inneurva addresses tactile interaction with its Robotic AI Skin—a soft, sensor-equipped patch that endows robots with a sense of touch. It can capture and process complex tactile signals from robotic grippers, humanoid suits, and smart clothing, enabling real-time adjustments to facilitate safer and more intuitive interactions between people and machines.

Traversal Labs has developed MotionLogic, an AI analytics platform that turns video from industrial settings into data-driven insights. The platform helps to reduce waste, improve ergonomics, and optimise production, with data potentially used to train robots for industrial tasks.

Opportunity and support

The Propel-AIR accelerator will culminate in a competitive pitch event, with the winner receiving a one-month residency at MassRobotics in Boston. This opportunity enables access to a network of international robotics and AI companies, such as Boston Dynamics and iRobot, as well as nearby academic institutions, including MIT and Harvard.

All program participants are eligible for business development support, including access to venture capital assistance and media exposure through ARM Hub's AI Adopt Centre.

The program aims to provide valuable experience and connections to Australian AI and robotics startups, supporting their growth in both domestic and international markets. The selection of the Propel-AIR finalists highlights the range of technology development occurring within Australia's robotics and AI ecosystem.

Program organisers have acknowledged all applicants for their participation and have encouraged ongoing engagement with the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre, with plans for future iterations of the Propel-AIR program.