Executive summary 

We are pleased to share this paper, a collaboration between the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC). Our goal is to explore how Australian businesses are embracing and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their daily operations, and to highlight how AI is positive for companies, their people and for Australian industry. 

We have delved into the experiences of six diverse companies, each at different stages of their AI journey. These case studies are packed with insights and serve as a blueprint for anyone looking to start or advance their own AI adventure. We hope you'll find valuable lessons to guide your path. 

AI isn't some far-off concept anymore, it's here, reshaping how businesses operate, innovate, and care for their people. From streamlining supply chains to boosting workplace safety, AI is unlocking new levels of productivity and resilience. But with great power comes great responsibility. Leading Australian companies are showing us how to adopt AI thoughtfully, ethically, and in partnership with their people. 

AI is positive for companies and their people as it is transforming workplaces by making them more inclusive, safer, and empowering. For instance, Blackmores uses AI-generated feedback to help workers improve their posture and movement in real-time, reducing injuries and making physically demanding jobs more accessible. George Weston Foods (GWF) uses AI to improve standard operating procedures, forecast client orders, and make training materials more accessible, especially for staff with English as a second language. InfraBuild's Bundle Tagging Machine (BTM) automates the tagging of steel bundles, making operations safer and more reliable. ANCA's AI translation platform for product manuals maintains a 99% word accuracy rate. Dux introduced an AI voice agent that has elevated the standard of their support to customers outside normal business hours across Australia and New Zealand’s vast geography and time zones. ISS Health Services (ISS) has integrated AI into its catering operations to monitor and manage food waste allowing staff to focus on more critical jobs. 

These examples demonstrate how AI can be embedded into core manufacturing processes to support, not replace human expertise. AI tools reduce physical strain on workers and enhance machine reliability, showing a commitment to creating safer working environments. By leveraging AI, companies like Blackmores, GWF, InfraBuild, ANCA, Dux, and ISS Health Services are not only boosting operational efficiency but also ensuring the safety and well-being of their workforce.  

This approach highlights the potential of AI to create a more inclusive and empowering workplace, where technology works for people, not the other way around. 

From our discussions with these companies, we've made three key observations about AI: 

• AI creates opportunities for people - it is making workplaces more inclusive and physically demanding jobs safer and more accessible. 

• AI works for people and enhances human capability - AI is a tool to solve real problems and is only as good as the people who use it. 

• AI strategy is best implemented top down - leadership drives the adoption of AI across the organisation, ensuring alignment with business goals, effective change management, and strong governance frameworks. 

The key learnings from our case study participants (from their AI journey so far) include: 

• Start with Real Problems: Focus AI initiatives on solving specific, measurable business needs. 

• Engage and Support Staff: Involve employees early and transparently to build trust and address concerns. 

• Define AI Clearly: Establish a shared, practical definition of AI within the business to align expectations. 

• Ensure Data Quality and Readiness: Assess, clean, and organise data assets to ensure reliability and accuracy for AI projects. 

• Prioritise Targeted Training: Invest in role-specific training and ongoing education to increase engagement and reduce resistance. 

• Embrace Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and adapt AI strategies to capture new opportunities and ensure ongoing value. 

• Strengthen Governance and Collaboration: Implement robust frameworks for data security, ethics, and cross-functional teamwork. 

The following case studies were based on interviews and consultations conducted between May and October 2025. 

We trust that this report (that has been written with the assistance of AI) will be useful in inspiring you on your AI journey.