SPECIAL REPORTS 44 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk On October 30 and 31, 2024, the NEC in Birmingham welcomed over 9800 engineering and manufacturing professionals for the 15th edition of Advanced Engineering. Across two days, attendees had the opportunity to discover the latest innovations within the industry, with more than 400 exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge technologies. Exhibitors ranged from wellestablished companies like Atlas Copco, Optimas, Airtech Advanced Materials, and RS Group to influential industry bodies such as Composites UK, Innovate UK, the GTMA, and the National Composites Centre. The event also featured Lab Innovations, a co-located show with an additional 200 exhibitors representing the scientific community, offering an even broader range of expertise and insights. James Watson, Regional Director for Make UK Defence, spoke about his organisation’s first-time participation: “The response has been overwhelming. We didn’t know what to expect, but the interest has been remarkable. Our stand has been busy from the start, with existing members and many new contacts. In just one morning, we’ve already gathered numerous actionable leads.” The event attracted a diverse group of visitors, including representatives from major organisations such as Airbus, Dyson, JLR, McLaren, and Rolls-Royce. Among the highlights was the return of the Enabling Innovation zone, dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements from start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). On the second day, exhibitors in this zone pitched their innovations to a panel of judges, which included representatives from Innovation DB and Innovate UK. The winning entry was Dream Big Composites, with its composite smart vacuum system – an IoT solution designed to automate the monitoring and control of vacuum pumps to prevent leaks and thermal runaway in composite manufacturing. Mark Prince, Founder of Dream Big Composites, reflected on the experience: “It’s been fantastic to showcase our technology and connect with businesses who share our commitment to innovation. There isn’t a company here today that isn’t pushing boundaries in some way, and it’s inspiring to be part of this environment.” The event also featured the Meet the Advanced Engineering 2024 showcases innovations and industry collaboration Over 9800 professionals gathered at Advanced Engineering 2024 in Birmingham, exploring cutting-edge innovations from over 400 exhibitors, with highlights including new technologies, expert talks, and industry-leading collaborations across multiple sectors. H&P reports.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=