News and Insights

From automation to the future workforce: our top takeaways from Smart Manufacturing Week 2026

July 16, 2026

In this blog, you will learn:

• The importance of Smart Manufacturing Week to the industry
• The key themes and coverage that came out of this year’s event
• How strategic communications can help organizations to unlock more value from industry events

June saw the return of Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 to Birmingham, an event that brings together the people, technologies and ideas shaping the future of engineering. As the UK’s largest manufacturing event, it showcases hardware, software and integrated solutions that address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Reportedly, 13,405 visitors attended Smart Manufacturing Week, making it one of the leading events on advanced manufacturing. With experts from a range of sectors, this event provides a moment to discuss key industry themes. Crucially, it also gives the media an opportunity to understand from industry professionals what the key announcements are, discuss innovative new technologies and examine the trends that will dominate the industry news cycle.

1. The “Factory of the Future”

The headline feature at the event was the launch of the “Factory of the Future” delivered in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC). It demonstrated what the next generation of connected, intelligent and secure manufacturing could look like. Visitors were able to see how robotics, AI, digital twins and predictive maintenance, and other industry 4.0 technologies work together in an immersive experience.

While this was the major showcase, other demonstrations covered similar topics. The Welding Institute (TWI) showcased how quality inspections could be transformed by using cobots to autonomously scan parts and reveal hidden defects in real-time and secured media coverage, showing how real-world examples of innovation provide a hook for media.

2. Automation & AI

Practical demonstrations are just one aspect of the event. Chris Dungey, who was appointed the National AI Champion for Advanced Manufacturing, led a panel that discussed why AI has rapidly become a boardroom priority and how manufacturers can move AI from an experiment to real-world impact. This narrative was reinforced by several speaker sessions, from industry leaders at BMW, Airbus and Mars who discussed the application of AI at scale.

The conversation on AI was continued throughout the event. Alibaba.com were the official agentic business partner, serving as a showcase for their AI platform, which is designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve operational efficiency and global sourcing. This high-profile collaboration further signifies a critical industry shift, moving AI from a tech ambition to a boardroom priority.

This focus on AI was also seen in editorial coverage. Notable examples included ByteSnap Design’s demonstration of its edge AI-vision system and Beckhoff UK’s showcase of its cabinet-free automation and advanced transport technologies for machine builders.

3. Workforce, skills and inspiring the future

However, the event’s focus extended beyond technical solutions to address the people who are required to support them. The industrial sector is currently facing an aging workforce and skills shortage. In fact, 97.5% of manufacturers agreed that hiring and retaining skilled labour poses a significant challenge to their business, as reported by Barclays.

To help tackle this, the event gave a spotlight to young talent on the second day with its Student STEM Programme, which opens doors and provides opportunities for activities, workshops and sessions – it also created an environment for networking. Graduates and apprentices attended panel discussions, and exhibitors with live vacancies were encouraged to connect with them. For exhibitors, supporting these initiatives allows them to address industry challenges while also helping to communicate that they are a reputable employer brand.

Looking ahead to 2027

With the dominant themes shaping Smart Manufacturing Week, ensuring your organization stands out isn’t easy. There are over 450+ exhibitors competing for attention and media coverage. Securing a slot on a panel discussion, launching technological demonstrations and hosting media briefings can form the basis of an event presence. However, to truly communicate a theme that journalists want to cover, organizations must ensure they have a strong, well-defined perspective.

By ensuring you have a strong opinion on major industry trends, you’ll ensure that your media briefings, panel sessions and demonstrations go beyond the usual product pitches and convey an innovative perspective that helps distinguish you from the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is Smart Manufacturing Week?
A: Smart Manufacturing Week is the UK’s largest manufacturing event, held annually in Birmingham. It brings together industry professionals, exhibitors and media to showcase the technologies, hardware and software shaping the future of engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Q: What were the main themes at Smart Manufacturing Week 2026?
A: The 2026 event centered on three key themes: the “Factory of the Future” showcase demonstrating connected and intelligent manufacturing technologies, the growing role of AI and automation in scaling operations and the manufacturing industry’s workforce and skills shortage.

Q: How many people attended Smart Manufacturing Week 2026?
A: Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 attracted a reported 13,405 visitors, alongside more than 450 exhibitors, making it one of the leading events in advanced manufacturing.

Q: How significant is the skills shortage in UK manufacturing?
A: It’s a major industry challenge. According to Barclays, 97.5% of manufacturers agree that hiring and retaining skilled labour poses a significant challenge to their business, which is why events like Smart Manufacturing Week are placing growing emphasis on STEM programs and early career development.