Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 highlighted innovation, talent and technology

02 July, 2025

More than just a showcase of products and services, the event was defined by its ambition to push the boundaries of what a manufacturing exhibition can deliver. With a focus on rich technical content, forward-looking innovation, and the sector’s most pressing priorities, Smart Manufacturing Week offered a comprehensive platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration.

Live technology demonstrations were at the heart of the event. The Technology Showcase Arena featured working examples of robotics, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and connected industrial devices. One of the standout attractions was T-1-FNY, an eight-foot-tall, 300- kilogram robot built from reclaimed parts. Originally designed for fictional destruction, the robot now performs domestic tasks, demonstrating object recognition and adaptive automation with surprising dexterity and a touch of personality.

Elsewhere, Fracture Reality’s JoinXR platform was demonstrated in a series of exclusive VIP sessions. The technology, which enhances design workflows, technical training and team collaboration, offered visitors a glimpse into how extended reality is being used to streamline complex industrial projects and reduce error rates.

For those looking towards the future of industrial innovation, Innovation Alley provided a compelling mix of early-stage companies and university spinouts. These participants, many of them actively shaping the next generation of industrial tools and systems, added a valuable entrepreneurial edge to the event.

Smart Manufacturing Week also placed significant emphasis on the workforce of tomorrow. The Manufacturers and Engineers of the Future programme provided school and college students with hands-on workshops, practical demonstrations and the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in the field. The aim was to move beyond raising awareness and create tangible experiences that could inspire long-term interest in the sector.

The speaker programme spanned seven dedicated theatres and brought together senior figures from leading companies including BMW, Airbus and Mars. Discussions ranged from the scalable application of artificial intelligence and the adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, to emerging strategies for strengthening supply chain resilience.

Adding a lighter touch, the popular Guitar Legends contest returned, inviting visitors to display their musical talents. Winners each day were awarded custom 3D-printed guitars, combining creativity with engineering flair in a way that underscored the event’s spirit of innovation and playfulness

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