Melbourne-based robotic technology company Nexobot has won a national competition for a cost-effective portable parcel sorting robot designed to assist businesses involved in last mile deliveries.
Nexobot was recently names at the winner of the inaugural Propel-AIR Robotics accelerator program, 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.
Nexobot’s aim is to build 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,” Lindsay says.
“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.”
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.
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 of the program
“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.”
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.”
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.