In this special bonus episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, Shane sits down with Natalie Green and Mike Nissen from Hannover Fairs to preview CeMAT 2025 and the inaugural Industrial Transformation Australia conference. Shane explores what's new this year, including the integration of processing, packaging, and manufacturing automation under one massive roof.

Mike explains why this unified approach reflects how automation is blurring industry lines, while Natalie shares insights on keynote speakers, site tours, and major partnerships like the one with GSMA around 5G and IoT. Shane also covers the return of the fan-favourite Forklift Championships, sustainability initiatives, and how attendees can get maximum value - whether they're from an SME or a global operation.

Shane also previews the two live podcast panels he'll be hosting during the event. From digital supply chains to scalable automation and future-focused manufacturing, this episode offers a front-row look at one of the most anticipated events in the industrial tech calendar.

In collaboration with CeMAT and Industrial Transformation Australia 2025, we bring you a conversation with the man who coined the term “Industry 4.0”—Professor Henrik von Scheel.

Henrik shares insights from decades of advising Fortune 500s and governments around the world, and lays out the eight evolutionary stages of industrial transformation.

We dig into:

• Where Australia sits on the Industry 4.0 maturity curve

• How 77 mega trends are converging to reshape manufacturing

• Why most manufacturers already have enough technology—but lack a strategy

• The real value in sustainability and how to profit from it

• How AI, trust, and bioengineering will redefine what comes next

Henrik also previews his two keynote sessions at Industrial Transformation Australia 2025 in Sydney, and explains why now is Australia’s opportunity to lead.

In this special episode, produced in partnership with CeMAT Australia 2025 and the Industrial Transformation Conference, we welcome back automation and digital transformation expert John Broadbent for a clear-eyed look at the current state of Australian manufacturing.

We unpack why so many businesses are still stuck at Industry 3.0, what’s holding them back, and what it really takes to start building smarter, more connected operations. John shares lessons from decades in the field, along with success stories from companies that have embraced automation and seen real results.

We also dive into leadership, data readiness, continuous improvement, and why the conversation needs to shift from shiny tech to long-term strategy. If you're serious about manufacturing transformation, this episode is full of practical insight.

🎙️ Catch John and MTA at CeMAT Australia 2025 in Sydney this July.