Let's Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw!

• My guest today is Mark Pivac! (Episode 177)

  In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Pivac, Executive Director & Chief Technical Officer of our network member, FBR, and the primary inventor of FBR’s world-leading automated bricklaying technology.Mark is an aeronautical and mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience developing advanced equipment—from lightweight aircraft to heavy off-road machinery. With 20 years of expertise in 3D CAD design and a deep background in high-level mathematics, robotics, and motion control, he has pioneered innovations that push the boundaries of automation. His extensive work in designing and commissioning servo-controlled motion systems has achieved world-class levels of dynamic performance.In our conversation, Mark shares how the heavy fabrication sector brought their challenges to him, why cobots are simply too small for industrial-scale workflows, and how FBR’s Dynamic Stabilisation Technology is being leveraged into new applications through Mantis.Tune in to hear Mark’s journey of innovation, problem-solving, and the exciting future of robotics in heavy industry.#robotics #automation #engineering #constructiontech #innovation #manufacturing #roboticsinaustralia

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• My guest today is Mark Pivac! (Episode 177)

  In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Pivac, Executive Director & Chief Technical Officer of our network member, FBR, and the primary inventor of FBR’s world-leading automated bricklaying technology.Mark is an aeronautical and mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience developing advanced equipment—from lightweight aircraft to heavy off-road machinery. With 20 years of expertise in 3D CAD design and a deep background in high-level mathematics, robotics, and motion control, he has pioneered innovations that push the boundaries of automation. His extensive work in designing and commissioning servo-controlled motion systems has achieved world-class levels of dynamic performance.In our conversation, Mark shares how the heavy fabrication sector brought their challenges to him, why cobots are simply too small for industrial-scale workflows, and how FBR’s Dynamic Stabilisation Technology is being leveraged into new applications through Mantis.Tune in to hear Mark’s journey of innovation, problem-solving, and the exciting future of robotics in heavy industry.#robotics #automation #engineering #constructiontech #innovation #manufacturing #roboticsinaustralia

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• My guests today are Karthik, Aneka, Vishnu, Sri, and Rehaan! (Episode 176)

  Our network member, STEM Incubators, and its founder Karthikeyan Kameswaran are featured in the latest episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, joined by young innovators Aneka, Sri Karthikeyan, and Rehaan Salil.Karthikeyan is a senior healthcare IT professional, innovator, and founder of charity STEM Incubators Inc., empowering young Australians with an innovation framework. He has led volunteer teams, mentored through In2science, promoted diversity in technology, and was a 2025 Kingston Citizen of the Year finalist.Aneka, a Year 11 student at Huntingtower School, is passionate about environmental sustainability and youth advocacy, bringing design skills and team experience from programs such as sheCommerce, Kingston Hackathon, and the Victorian Youth Parliament. Vishnu is a dynamic Year 10 student from Melbourne High School with a passion for tech, community, and the arts. He was part of the Kingston Hackathon-winning team representing council with Microsoft, and has led sustainability initiatives like a food waste app.Sri Karthikeyan, a Year 11 student at Melbourne High School, developed backend infrastructure for their prototype, leveraging experience from AI workshops, coding mentorship, and Youth Parliament. Rehaan Salil, also from Melbourne High, focuses on using AI for social impact, combining technical expertise with community-driven projects.Together, they share how STEM Incubators is fostering creativity, problem-solving, and leadership in the next generation of innovators.

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• My guests today are Matthew and Gautam! (Episode 175)

  In this episode of Let’s Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw, I had the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable engineers from Motion Solutions Australia—Gautam Manoharan and Matthew Dorhauer—each bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the world of motion control and industrial robotics.Gautam Manoharan is a Senior Controls Engineer with over 10 years of experience in electric control systems and industrial robotics. His deep expertise in Digital Signal Processing and Mathematics fuels his drive to integrate cutting-edge technologies into modern manufacturing and industrial applications. From optimising motion control systems to developing advanced robotics solutions, Gautam thrives on solving complex challenges that deliver real-world impact and innovation.Matthew Dorhauer, Manager at Motion Solutions Australia, brings over 35 years of hands-on experience in the industrial sector. He began his journey as a 17-year-old apprentice Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and developed a deep, self-taught passion for Motion Control and Robotics. Throughout his career, he has designed and engineered advanced solutions across industries including Food and Beverage, Defence, Medical, Nuclear Medicine, and Packaging. Known for transforming complex engineering problems into practical, reliable systems, Matthew combines deep technical insight with a lifelong curiosity and a commitment to learning.Tune in to hear how Gautam and Matthew are helping shape the future of motion and automation in Australia—driven by innovation, curiosity, and a shared pursuit of engineering excellence.

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• My guest today is Andrew Prolov! (Episode 174)

  In this episode, I speak with Andrew Prolov, Head of Australia Go-To-Market at Pano AI, the global leader in early bushfire detection and situational intelligence. Andrew shares how his decade-long career investing in technology and healthcare companies led him to focus on solutions that strengthen safety and resilience through innovation.We explore how Pano AI is using real-time data and artificial intelligence to revolutionize emergency response and bushfire management in Australia. Andrew also opens up about leading strategic programs for global organizations and what it takes to bring transformative technologies to market.If you’re curious about how AI is being applied to climate resilience—or want a behind-the-scenes look at building a mission-driven tech company—this episode is for you.

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