Meet the innovator teaching Logan's future roboticists

15 October 2026

For engineer and robotics specialist Alex Li, Logan is more than a place to do business, it's a place of possibility.

That's why he chose the city as the home of XROBOT Academy, where he's helping shape the next generation of innovators, engineers and technology leaders.

'People sometimes underestimate Logan,' Alex says. 'But when I look at this city, I see opportunity. I see talented young people, growing industries and a community that's ready to embrace innovation.'

From its Woodridge headquarters, XROBOT Academy is introducing students to technologies that once belonged only in science fiction. Inside the unassuming building, students are building robots, programming AI systems, flying drones and tackling real-world engineering challenges.

For Alex, however, the academy is about far more than technology.

He says its purpose is to help young people discover what they're capable of and give them the confidence to pursue careers in science, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

ABOVE: XROBOT Academy founder Alex Li with some of his robotic creations.

'I don't think there's a shortage of talent among young people,' Alex says. 'What they need is exposure to opportunities and an environment where they can experiment, solve problems and realise what they're capable of achieving.'

That philosophy drives the academy's hands-on approach. Rather than relying solely on textbooks, students learn by designing, creating and testing their own projects. They also get the chance to explore robotics, electronics, programming, aerospace technology and robot soccer.

'When students can see something come to life because of what they've built, that's when the learning really sticks,' Alex says. 'They're not just learning theory. They're learning how to think, create and innovate.'

One of the most impressive creations developed at the academy is Wanda, a humanoid robot built in-house. Wanda can speak, interact with students and help demonstrate the technology being taught throughout the academy.

Visitors are also greeted by an AI-powered robotic receptionist that answers questions and introduces people to the academy's programs.

While the robots often capture attention first, Alex says they're really a tool for sparking curiosity and inspiring bigger conversations about the future. Behind the scenes, the technology represents years of work, experimentation and refinement.

ABOVE: Some of the advanced technology being designed and created at XROBOT Academy in Woodridge.

Alex previously worked in engineering before pursuing robotics full time. Since then, he has spent countless hours designing and building increasingly sophisticated robots using technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting and artificial intelligence.

He still remembers the moment one of his creations spoke for the first time.

'After years of designing, rebuilding and solving problems, hearing the robot respond was an incredible moment,' Alex says. 'It reminded me that persistence and curiosity can turn an idea into something real.'

As technology continues to evolve, Alex believes it's important that young people understand not only how to use artificial intelligence but also how it works.

'AI is going to shape every industry and every career in some way,' he says. 'We need young people to understand it, question it and use it responsibly. Technology should empower people, not replace independent thinking.'

That focus on the future is one reason Alex believes Logan is the right place for his business.

With strong manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors already established across the city, he sees significant opportunities for robotics and automation to support local industries in the years ahead.

'Logan already has many of the ingredients needed for innovation,' Alex says. 'There are businesses here doing incredible things, and there are young people here with enormous potential. Bringing those two things together creates exciting opportunities.'

ABOVE: Engineer and robotics specialist Alex Li has designed and created this robot arm.

He hopes to strengthen connections between education, industry and emerging technologies, helping create pathways into future careers without young people needing to leave the city.

Ultimately, Alex wants local students to see that world-changing ideas can come from Logan.

'When people think about the future, I want them to think about what's possible here,' he says.

'The next engineer, inventor or technology leader could be sitting in a Logan classroom right now. If we give them the right opportunities, there's no limit to what they can achieve.'

For Alex, that's what possibility looks like: not just building robots but helping build a future where Logan's young people create the technology that shapes the world.

PHOTO AT TOP: XROBOT Academy founder Alex Li with his robotic receptionist.