44 n SMW PREVIEW April 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com Mind the skills gap at SMW 2025 Industry 4.0 technologies are continuing to drive a shift in manufacturing and engineering, and the Smart Manufacturing Week event, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC in June, is the perfect place to explore how automation, AI, and robotics are transforming the sector. Delivering a conference session on the topic is Professor Henrik Von Scheel who is widely regarded as being the father of Industry 4.0. Von Scheel, whose work has shaped modern industrial strategy, will take the stage in the Design & Innovation Theatre on the morning of the 4 June to make a presentation entitled The Future of Manufacturing: Megatrends that Shape the Next Decade. He will examine the key megatrends that will dominate the manufacturing landscape in the years ahead, including smart automation, AI integration and the evolving dynamics of the workforce. Von Scheel will also discuss how manufacturers can capitalise on these shifts to boost their productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth. His insights will oer a valuable look at the forces that are transforming industry, making this a mustattend for those looking to keep up in the fastevolving manufacturing landscape. As a key part of Smart Manufacturing Week, the Drives & Controls show is a must-visit for manufacturers and engineers looking to enhance automation, eciency, and reliability in their operations. With robotics and motor control playing an increasing role in modern manufacturing and engineering, the exhibition will oer valuable insights into the latest advances shaping the industry. Exhibitors taking part include Binder, Cembre, Charter Controls and Homan Group. Visitors will be able to explore innovations in motor control, robotics, and smart automation designed to boost productivity and cut costs. In addition, the event will host two specialised zones – Air-Tech and Fluid Power & Systems – that will showcase the latest developments in compressed air and hydraulics systems. By highlighting innovative technologies, Drives & Controls equips manufacturers and engineers with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly digitised and competitive landscape. Tackling the skills gap While Professor von Scheel’s talk addresses one end of the manufacturing and engineering spectrum, Smart Manufacturing Week will also focus on a fundamental problem at the other end – the shortage of skilled workers. Research shows that nearly 97% of manufacturers recognise the diculty in hiring and retaining skilled labour, with a particular need for digital skills. This challenge is compounded by the rapid pace of technological change, which requires a workforce that is constantly evolving. Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 addresses this head-on by providing ideas for bridging the skills gap. A key focus of the event is People and Skills. One example of this is a dedicated STEM programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators. Through this programme, Smart Manufacturing Week will oer young people and apprentices a handson introduction to advanced manufacturing and engineering – an essential part of ensuring the manufacturing sector has the talent it needs to thrive in the future. The event will include discussions on attracting and retaining talent, particularly among currently underrepresented groups in STEM elds. Partnerships with organisations such as WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) and WES (Women’s Engineering Society) will be a key part of this, with the goal of fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce. With these organisations’focus on broadening the talent pool and ensuring that opportunities in manufacturing and engineering are clearly accessible to a wider range of people, these collaborations are helping to future-proof the industry. Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 will be a pivotal event for UK manufacturers, oering not just a look at the latest technologies, but also tangible ideas for tackling workforce challenges head-on. n Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 taking place at the NEC in June will bring together some of the industry’s brightest minds and prospects. The event will shine a spotlight on advances in automation, AI, and robotics, while also addressing the most pressing challenge facing the sector today – the skills gap. SHOW FACTS SMART MANUFACTURING WEEK 2025 Where:NEC, Birmingham When: Wednesday, 4 June, 09.30-17.00, Thursday, 6 June, 09.30-16.00 Entry: Free. Register at https://bit.ly/4iy8LxT Web site: www.smartmanufacturingweek.com X: https://twitter.com/SmartMWeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/smart-manufacturing-engineering-week Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartmanufacturingweek
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