Melbourne Based Nexobot Wins Australia's First Ever Robotics Sprint

BRISBANE/MELBOURNE - August 7, 2025 - Melbourne-based Nexobot has been named winner of Australia's inaugural Propel-AIR accelerator, earning founder Dominic Lindsay an exclusive international residency at MassRobotics, the world's largest independent robotics hub in Boston.

Seascape Autonomy, developing next-generation underwater robots that capture detailed ocean floor imagery, finished as runner-up in the competition that showcased Australia's emerging AI and robotics ecosystem.

Democratising Automation for Regional Australia

Nexobot is building the world's lowest-cost parcel sorting solution, enabling regional and small-scale logistics operators to automate for the first time. The robotics platform cuts walking time, boosts accuracy, and improves safety at a fraction of traditional system costs.

"This is a critical next step for Nexobot in putting our vision of low-cost flexible automation into the hands of small-to-medium sized operations," said founder Dominic Lindsay. "I have spent the last decade contributing to supply chains and realised we needed to build automation available to thousands of small-to-medium Australian businesses without the capital or skills to deploy current market offerings."

Below - Nexobot CEO Dom Lindsay

Lindsay's solution operates on a Robotics-as-a-Service model where customers pay a low per-carton fee instead of investing millions in infrastructure. The first live deployment in Warragul, regional Victoria, has delivered measurable improvements in productivity, safety, and sorting accuracy.

Above: the award-winning Nexobot system in action

Global Recognition and Opportunity

As Propel-AIR's grand prize winner, Lindsay gains unparalleled access to the MassRobotics network, connecting with global robotics firms, venture capital, and US supply chain partners to scale internationally while contributing to Australia's sovereign manufacturing capability.

Tom Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics, praised the Australian cohort's calibre. "I was impressed with all the start-ups that presented, which shows the strength of the robotics ecosystem in Australia," Ryden said. "We look forward to hosting the winning team at MassRobotics and helping them make connections that will accelerate their growth."

Brisbane-based investor and judge Brian Cooke highlighted the national significance. "The overall event showed there are smart people and innovation in this country. By supporting those people, Australia will be a stronger country overall. The winning product demonstrates exceptional innovation and a clear pathway to scalability, addressing a critical market need."

Building Australia's Robotics Future

ARM Hub founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart emphasised the program's broader impact. "This program captures the essence of *Future Made in Australia*—ensuring that the economic value of Australian innovation is developed here in Australia and scaled for a global market. By supporting robotics companies like Nexobot and Seascape Autonomy, we're building the nation's industrial capability, creating skilled jobs, and securing Australia's place in valuable global supply chains."

Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr. Andrew Charlton highlighted the government's commitment to the sector. "Innovation is one of Australia's greatest strengths. Programs like this help showcase how we can harness our tremendous robotics and AI know-how to drive our national productivity, and I congratulate the winner and all the finalists," said Dr. Charlton.

"From helping businesses in regional Australia to understanding more about the world around us, backing this kind of cutting-edge AI and robotics helps us create more opportunities for Australians and our economy to grow. That's why the Government is proud to support the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre through our $17 million AI Adopt Program."

The Propel-AIR Accelerator, delivered by ARM Hub's AI Adopt Centre, fast-tracks Australia's most promising robotics ventures by supporting commercial readiness of AI-integrated hardware. Six high-potential startups worked with industry experts and investors to refine business models, prepare for global scaling, and deepen technology readiness.

Johan Barthelemy, Senior Developer Relations Manager at NVIDIA and program judge, noted: "It was inspiring to witness innovative ideas and solutions from participants, combining cutting-edge AI and robotics to address real-world challenges."

The program was supported by key partners including NVIDIA, MassRobotics, and the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

ENDS

About Nexobot: Australian robotics company transforming last-mile logistics through low-cost, modular sorting systems powered by autonomous mobile robots. The platform enables parcel operators to automate sorting without prohibitive upfront investment through lightweight robots and flexible table systems.

About Seascape Autonomy: Australian deep-tech robotics company developing underwater robots for marine environment monitoring, offshore energy projects, and defence operations. Founded by Professor Stefan Williams and Dr Jackson Shields from the University of Sydney.

Media Contact: Prof. Cori Stewart, CEO ARM Hub

E: cori.stewart@armhub.com.au