n NEWS THREE UK-BASED COMPANIES – Siemens, the robotics technology provider, Expert Technologies Group (ETG), and the robotics integrator, RMGroup – have joined forces to produce the UK’s first customisable AMRs (autonomous mobile robots). They say that the collaboration represents a strategically important milestone for UK industrial automation, creating the first comprehensive end-to-end manufacturing capability for AMRs that will enable users to boost productivity and efficiency at their sites. The robots have been designed to help factories and warehouses to move materials around more easily, without needing fixed tracks or heavy infrastructure. The AMRs can be adapted to suit different tasks, industries and environments, giving users a flexible, scalable way to boost productivity. “This partnership demonstrates how UK-led innovation can deliver the advanced manufacturing technology our industry desperately needs,” says Brian Holliday, Siemens’ managing director for the UK & Ireland. “By supporting UK manufacturers with locally developed, fully customisable solutions, we're showing that collaboration is essential to driving the digitalisation of British industry. “Together with RM Group and Expert Technology Group, we’re building the foundation for intelligent, autonomous operations that will help businesses be more productive through better, more reliable factory logistics, and help keep UK manufacturing competitive on the global stage." The AMR is based on ETG’s FlexDrive platform and uses Siemens Simove control systems and laser-based navigation software to deliver both track-based and free navigation capabilities. The vehicles have wireless safety on-board with real-time location-based safety zones. Their navigation options include path planning, obstacle avoidance and real-time dynamic positioning. The scalable, flexible AMRs can be modified to adapt to the needs of a facility. They can be used for autonomous logistics and warehouse management, as well as real-time data collection for digital twin simulations. Paul Fletcher, senior manager at Coventrybased ETG, says the new AMR “ represents a fundamental shift in how UK manufacturers can approach autonomous mobile robotics. Rather than forcing businesses to adapt to rigid, offthe-shelf solutions, we're creating hyperflexible platforms that adapt to their needs. This partnership gives us the scalability and technical foundation to support everything from small-scale deployments to enterprise fleets of one hundred plus robots.” “We've seen too many AGV and AMR implementations fail due to inadequate support or integration issues with overseas engineering teams,” adds RMGroup’s operations and commercial director, James Nicholls. “This collaboration tackles that problem head-on by creating a truly UK-made, UK-supported end-toend solution that our customers can rely on.” April 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 UK trio joins forces to create Britain’s first customisable AMRs The couplings, brakes and hydraulic components supplier, KTR UK, has appointed David Smith (left) as its new managing director, succeeding Geoff Ancliff, who has retired after was 27 years with the company. Smith brings more than 16 years of experience with KTR. For the past 13 years, he served as sales manager and off-highway specialist for the construction sector. Gary Doyle is the new UK managing director of the power supply specialist, Puls. Doyle has nearly 20 years of experience with industrial companies including Lapp, PP Electrical Systems and Harting, where he worked for more than 11 years, most recently as UK and Ireland sales and distribution manager for more than a year. The systems integrator, ITI Group, has appointed Nick Leeder as a strategic advisor. Leeder, who has previously worked for Dyson, Philips, SKF and PTC, is an authority on manufacturing transformation and an advisor on advanced manufacturing to the World Economic Forum. His appointment follows ITI’s acquisition of the AssetMinder condition-monitoring technology. The companies behind the new AMRs say the development represents “a strategically important milestone for UK industrial automation” EVENTS MACH 2026 20–24 April, 2026 NEC, Birmingham The manufacturing technologies event, organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), has sold more than 90% of its floorspace. More than 30,000 members of the UK manufacturing community are expected to attend. Spread across five halls will be a series of interactive Knowledge Hubs providing visitors with impartial advice. One Hub will be dedicated to Automation and Robotics; another will focus on Data and AI. https://www.machexhibition.com Hannover Messe 2026 20-24 April, 2026 Hannover, Germany The industrial mega-show returns to its North German venue and is expected to attract around 4,000 exhibitors (including more than 300 start-ups) from the engineering and digital industries, as well as the energy sector. AI will be a common thread. There will be three main exhibition areas: Automation & Digitalisation; Energy & Industrial Infrastructure; and Research & Technology Transfer. The partner country for 2026 is Brazil. www.hannovermesse.de/en CWIEME Berlin / EEMODS 26 19-21 May, 2026 Berlin, Germany The world’s largest coil-winding and electrical manufacturing exhibition will host the biennial EEMODS (energy efficiency in motor-driven systems) conference for the first time in 2026. The conference is expected to attract experts and policymakers from around the world to discuss efficiency and regulatory issues regarding motors, pumps and compressors. 2026 also marks CWIEME Berlin’s 30th anniversary. https://berlin.cwiemeevents.com/home Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 3–4 June, 2026 NEC, Birmingham Smart Manufacturing Week (SMW), described as the UK’s biggest festival of advanced manufacturing and engineering, will have a fresh look and new features for 2026. It includes Drives & Controls, Smart Factory Expo, Maintec, Design & Engineering Expo, the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and The Manufacturer Top 100 Awards. New attractions for 2026 include fighting robots, extra showfloor theatres, and Future Stage – a window into the future of industry. www.smartmanufacturingweek.com Hillhead 2026 23-25 June, 2026 Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire The UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition takes place every two years in a working Derbyshire quarry. It includes live demonstrations of quarrying equipment. Across its three days, the show is expected to attract around 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors. Hillhead 2026 is on course to be the largest event in the show’s 44-year history. www.hillhead.com
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