Let's talk robotics with Dr Michael Lucas

Joining me in today’s episode is Dr Michael Lucas. Michael is an Engineering leader with a passion for sustainability and creative problem solving. Comfortable working from factory (or warehouse) floor through to the board room, he automates and optimises manufacturing processes, material flows and supply chains.

HIs holistic approach has been developed over 25+ years as a Professional Engineer. Across four continents, he has led the design and implementation of several large, automated manufacturing and material flow systems for a range of industries: automotive, clean energy technology, food & beverage, grocery, agriculture, furniture, transport, retail, and others.

An inventor on several patents (agricultural products, beverage trays, software, robotics, materials handling, oil processing), he has a PhD in Mechatronics Engineering (modular mobile robotics + anthropology of designers designing), an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering (product and systems design & manufacture), and qualifications in computer graphics, animation, and IT. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia.

Most recently accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy and building the machines that build the machines at Tesla, he has previously contributed to Woolworths' landmark MSRDC automated grocery distribution centre, led Hydrodec’s global engineering team, worked with manufacturing industry clients at Dematic and led the development of robotics, computer vision and AI systems for CHEP/Brambles in addition to other bespoke projects.

He enjoys mentoring others and helping them to achieve their best through turning challenges and problems into strategic opportunities to be creative and innovative. He is passionate about using robotics and automation to enable a sustainable manufacturing industry in Australia and encouraging a diversity of young Australians to follow that as a career path.

Contact Michael at michael@mechatronics.design