Tech-quity in action: NSW opens new hub for robotics, AI and digital health

NSW’s ambitions in robotic, AI, digital and remote healthcare have taken a major step forward with the launch of the world-class Perich Centre for Robotics and Health Technology in Liverpool.

Co-located with Liverpool Hospital and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, the Perich Centre will serve as a hub for more than 60 clinical scientists driving advances in robotics, medical AI, digital health, and remote diagnosis and intervention.

The initiative is backed by the NSW Government through its $160 million Medical Research Support Program, which strengthens the state’s research and innovation ecosystem and underpins the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025–2030. The Ingham Institute itself has received more than $24 million in government funding in recent years.

Dr Glen Schlaphoff, Clinical Lead at the Perich Centre, highlighted the importance of building equity into every innovation.

“Without ethical engagement, community design and strong clinical leadership, healthcare technologies can widen health gaps, rather than reducing them. At Ingham Institute, ‘tech-quity’ drives everything we do – from early-stage innovation to large-scale adoption – so that automation, robotics and digital tools are built and implemented with equity in mind,” he commented.

The establishment of the Centre reflects years of advocacy and vision from the Perich family, the Ingham Institute Board of Directors, and Institute Director Professor Les Bokey.

“South Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse communities, and it faces some of the country’s toughest health challenges,” said Mark Perich. “If we develop solutions that work here – that are inclusive, ethical, and evidence-based – we can make a difference globally.”

For Professor Bokey, the new centre represents the continuation of a legacy. He said he was proud to hand leadership of the Perich Centre to its clinical lead and ambassador, Dr Schlaphoff.

“The considered and correct adoption of automation in health is not just a moral imperative. It’s how we create sustainable health systems, improve outcomes across diverse populations, and unlock the full potential of technology for global health impact,” he stated.

Minister for Medical Research, David Harris MP, said the new centre would play a critical role in democratising healthcare innovation.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring access to life-changing innovation for everyone in the state and this new centre will enable researchers to pioneer new technologies to help ensure no matter where people live – including those in disadvantaged and regional, rural and remote communities – they can have the best possible care.

“The Ingham Institute has a strong focus on translating research from benchtop to bedside for the diverse local communities of South Western Sydney and beyond. This new centre will be the new physical home for that mission, and the NSW Government looks forward to supporting their efforts to ensure a world-class health system in NSW,” he said.

The Perich Centre will drive a range of cutting-edge projects, from remote sensing and wearable devices in midwifery, nursing and women’s health, to allied health-led rehabilitation robotics and gamified therapy for acquired brain injury. Researchers will also expand digital health solutions for diabetes prevention, child and adolescent wellbeing, and management of gastrointestinal disease.

In addition, the Centre will accelerate the use of AI and machine learning across cancer, cardiology, neurology and stroke treatment, while advancing cost-effectiveness studies of surgical robotics and creating immersive training environments to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.

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