www.drivesncontrols.com May 2025 4 SMW PREVIEW n Automechanika, Med-Tech Innovation Expo, TCT 3Sixty and Subcon. With a single visitor badge granting access to all of these events, visitors will have unparalleled opportunities to stay ahead of the curve in multiple sectors. Educational agenda The Smart Manufacturing Week’s educational programme, shaped by extensive research, is tailored to address the challenges facing the sector. The event’s seven theatres each focus on an individual theme: Digital Transformation; Industrial Data & AI; IIoT & Connectivity; Design & Innovation; Automation & Robotics; Leadership & Strategy; and Maintenance. One session taking place in the Automation & Robotics theatre at 10.30am on 4 June will be of particular interest to readers of this magazine. Quentin Wylie, robotics and automation consultant for Schneider Electric, will host a session entitled Unlock a cost-e cient and sustainable future using robotics. He will discuss how robotics can be applied across the entire supply chain to both close the skills gap and help aid growth. Another highlight in this theatre will be the keynote session by the managing director at BMW Hams Hall, Dr Dirk Dreher. Entitled Shaping the future of smart manufacturing through advanced automation, AI-driven improvements and autonomous mobile robots, the session will explore how BMW is driving operational excellence by integrating intelligent systems and real-time data. Dr Dreyer will also explain how these technologies are optimising material ow, enhancing operational agility, and supporting continuous digital improvement across BMW’s production network. Discussion and debate will play a bigger role in this year’s educational programme. The panel session The innovation imperative: staying competitive in a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape, will oer a fresh perspective on fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Led by Nick Kemp, head of X50 design at Brompton Bicycles, the panel session will explore how manufacturers can adapt to evolving market demands and integrate emerging technologies to drive long-term success. Event director Grace Gilling says that balancing technical depth and leadership insight has been a key driver for the educational programme. “We've put a huge focus on curation, ensuring that manufacturing end-user keynotes are scheduled so they don’t compete with one another, and that there’s the right balance of leadership insights and technical deep dives,” she adds. “We’ve also introduced a brandnew panel format, allowing for a deeper exploration of key topics with multiple expert perspectives over an extended session.” Expert insights The Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) will be a key player at Smart Manufacturing Week 2025, hosting a series of masterclasses designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in the manufacturing sector. As the event’s knowledge partner, IfM will deliver expert-led sessions at the IfM Theatre, oering an opportunity for industry professionals to gain valuable insights and practical ideas in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, industrial safety, and diversity and inclusion. The masterclasses will cover critical topics such as navigating the journey to net-zero, enhancing industrial safety, developing digital skills in SMEs, and fostering inclusive leadership. These sessions are crafted to provide actionable strategies and frameworks, equipping attendees with the tools needed to tackle these complex issues head-on. IfM’s masterclasses will feature interactive discussions, with participants working through challenges in a collaborative environment, guided by experienced industrial practitioners. The IfM will also introduce the Global Industry Safety Manifesto, calling for a collective industry eort to enhance worker safety through technology and best practices. The IfM’s head, Professor Tim Minshall, will discuss insights from his new book Your Life is Manufactured, with an aim of inspiring manufacturers to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in innovation and sustainability. “The book has received excellent reviews, with The Times describing it as fascinating,” says David Lott, CEO of IfM Engage, the Institute’s knowledge transfer arm. “Tim is a fantastic speaker, so we expect the talk to be busy!” Places at the IfM free-to-attend masterclasses are limited, and pre-booking is advised. These sessions are an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the latest trends and best practices in manufacturing. Tomorrow’s talent Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 will again put the spotlight on the next generation of engineers and manufacturers. This year, the Manufacturers and Engineers of the Future initiative has been expanded to welcome school-age students, oering them a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world insights, students and apprentices will get a closer look at the advanced technologies driving modern manufacturing, helping to spark an interest in STEM careers and to broaden their understanding of the sector’s opportunities. Beyond encouraging new talent into the sector, the event is committed to making manufacturing more inclusive. It continues to partner with organisations such as Wise (Women into Science and Engineering) and WES (Women’s Engineering Society) to drive gender diversity in STEM careers. Their work is crucial in breaking down barriers and ensuring that manufacturing roles are accessible to a broader talent pool. Both organisations contribute to discussions on attracting and retaining diverse talent, creating inclusive workplaces, and ensuring that women and underrepresented groups are supported, and will be on hand to have these important conversations with visitors. Further reinforcing its commitment to expanding the industry’s talent pipeline, Smart Manufacturing Week is has partnered with the New Futures Network to explore recruitment strategies that tap into previously overlooked sources. Attendees interested in innovative approaches to
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