NEWS 14 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk software solutions that address today’s industrial challenges. Design & Engineering Expo is also part of Smart Manufacturing Week, bringing component suppliers together with design engineers to discuss challenging applications and innovative solutions. With a focus on practical applications, it offers workshops and talks from key industry figures, helping visitors stay ahead of trends in design engineering. Lastly, Smart Manufacturing Week is also home to Maintec which focuses on the maintenance solutions crucial for enhancing uptime and operational efficiency. This event offers insight into predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and automation technologies, all of which directly support fluid power and pneumatic systems. It’s an ideal opportunity for visitors to explore how maintenance innovations can improve system reliability, reduce downtime, and optimise performance. Educational Content Smart Manufacturing Week’s rich educational programme is a major draw with seven free-to-attend ‘solutions theatres’ running during the event. Covering a breadth of topics across smart manufacturing and engineering, these theatres will offer deep insights into emerging technologies, industry challenges, and practical solutions for manufacturers. A standout session for 2025 is by Professor Henrik von Scheel who is widely recognised as 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 4th of June (Day 1) to present a talk on The Future of Manufacturing: Megatrends that Shape the Next Decade. In this session, 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. Going onto discuss how manufacturers can capitalise on these shifts to boost productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth. His insights offer a valuable look at the forces that will transform the industry, making this a must-attend for those looking to stay ahead in the fastevolving manufacturing landscape. Bridging the Skills Gap One of the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing and engineering today is the shortage of skilled workers. Research from 2024 found that 97% of manufacturers recognise that hiring and retaining skilled labour presents a challenge to the growth of their business, with 80% citing that they are struggling to find digital skills. The skills gap is a major focus for Smart Manufacturing Week, so much so that ‘People and Skills’ is one of the five pillars around which the event is organised. The event will explore strategies for attracting and retaining talent, alongside partnerships with organisations driving change. One such partnership is with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES). Susan Robson MBE, Interim CEO of WES, underscores the importance of connecting talent with opportunity: “We know that the engineering sector faces a significant skills gap and fostering innovation is crucial to tackling global challenges like climate change and productivity. Through Smart Manufacturing Week, we aim to bridge the gap between industry and female talent, ensuring that women not only enter engineering careers but also thrive in inclusive workspaces.” Additionally, Smart Manufacturing Week’s collaboration with Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) will focus on broadening the talent pipeline, engaging school-age students and industry leaders alike. Both WISE and WES will be on hand to have these important discussions, offering insights for businesses looking to futureproof their workforce. Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 is a key date in the event calendar for just about anyone involved in any area of the UK manufacturing and engineering sector. With its focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and workforce development, Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape. From supply chain resilience to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies to the maintenance of existing systems, Smart Manufacturing Week will explore the critical trends and solutions shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering as well as some more niche topics that are rarely covered. Visitors benefit from the sheer range of activities available at the event. From education to commercial discussions, networking and the ability to get up close to the technology of the future all surrounded by a fun, exciting and creative atmosphere. With all this under one roof it’s a time efficient way to tick off so many of the ‘to do’ list actions all in an enjoyable, upbeat environment. To find out more or to register to visit Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 please visit: https://www.smartmanufacturingweek. com/
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