Founded in 2018, Autônomo specialises in integrating advanced autonomous and digital technologies into mobile plant for industries including mining, oil and gas, transport, healthcare, and construction.
From full autonomy to tyre monitoring, fatigue detection and dispatch systems, the Perth-based business delivers the full suite of engineering, integration, labour and maintenance required to make autonomy technology operational at scale.
Managing Director Gerard McNamara explains how Autônomo was founded to bridge a gap in an industry hungry for technology but short on practical integration expertise:
There’s no one in the market that does the end-to-end service we do, delivering the whole suite of technology support from start to finish.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
End-to-end Integration Partnership
Autônomo has grown to employ around 150 technicians across Australia.
With expertise spanning auto-electrics, heavy-duty mechanical work, instrumentation, wiring harnesses, fabrication, engineering, consulting and project management, they are heavily invested in training and development;
We’ve invested heavily in training. Our employees are better trained, well-versed and more knowledgeable across all of the technology on mine sites. Whether it’s working with BHP, Fortescue or another mining company, our teams understand the technology suite and can integrate it efficiently.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
Headquartered in a facility in Perth with branches in Mackay, the company also offers in-house manufacturing, including custom fabrication boom gate / communication trailers and skid systems.
While technology partners like Hexagon provide the systems, integration and execution remain firmly in Autônomo’s domain.
National Footprint & Scale
Although WA remains its largest market, Autônomo has rapidly expanded into the eastern states.
Furthermore, understanding regional differences has been central to that expansion, with their sights set on further growth;
WA is a FIFO model; Queensland is drive-in, drive-out. That changes cost structures, logistics, and pricing.
Over the next five years we’ll continue to grow. Expanding our presence allows us to support local communities, build regional capability and strengthen our clients supply chain.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
Scaling at Speed with Ledge Finance
Neil Ferguson & Gerard McNamara. Picture by John Koh.
Scaling at pace demands sophisticated financial planning, strong cashflow management and the ability to mobilise quickly.
Mr McNamara explains how Ledge Finance has played a pivotal role in their five-year partnership, enabling the business to expand sustainably:
Ledge has been instrumental in our growth, particularly with the financial planning needed for large-scale projects and overdraft facilities. As a fast-growing company, we needed support navigating the banks and understanding what’s required behind the scenes. That’s not my skill set, but it’s Ledge’s.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
The partnership has given the company financial structure, foresight and confidence during periods of rapid expansion.
Having good people to call on who understand what growing businesses need has been fantastic. Ledge helped provide comfort around our cashflow, they negotiated with banks on our behalf, and they supported us through rapid growth.
They’ve helped us scale and expand in a way that’s strategic, not reactive. Their understanding of the financial side to scaling a business and negotiating with the banks has been essential.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
Automation & Expansion
Autônomo sees opportunity as automation uptake expands across Australia.
While mining remains the core market, the company expects growing demand across transport, utilities, emergency services, construction and other heavy-industry sectors.
The autonomy journey is still in its early stages. Every sector operating heavy mobile assets will increasingly require smarter, safer and more efficient systems. Our role is to make that transition possible.
I can’t stress enough how good Ledge have been in their support. They’ve allowed us to be the best in the market as we grow and expand, which has been invaluable.
Gerard McNamara, Managing Director – Autônomo
As the company prepares for its next phase, Ledge Finance will remain central to its growth readiness.
With strong capability, national reach and a trusted financial partner behind it, Autônomo is positioning itself not just as a beneficiary of the autonomous mining revolution, but as one of the companies powering it.
To explore how the team from Ledge Finance can support your business growth with equipment financing solutions, reach out to us today.
*This article was previously published in Business News Book of Lists 2026. Click here to get your copy.
