Made Smarter will highlight the potential of digital technologies at its flagship
Factories of the Future conference taking place at
Cranfield University later this week. The one-day event on 20 November will bring together manufacturers, technology experts and academics to demonstrate how robotics, automation, data, sensors and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping UK industry. The agenda includes keynotes, live demonstrations and interactive sessions designed to give manufacturers practical insights for their own digital journey.
The event is co-organised by the Government-backed Made Smarter Adoption programmes in the East of England and the South East, which are working with hundreds of SME manufacturers to improve efficiency and resilience through expert advice, match-funded technology grants, leadership training and funded internships. Toby Bennett, programme lead for Made Smarter East of England, said: “This is about showing manufacturers the art of the possible. Many firms in our region are still at the early stages of digitalisation. This event is a chance to see technologies in action, hear real success stories, and understand how Made Smarter can make digital adoption achievable, affordable, and genuinely valuable.”
Speakers include Andrea Wilson, director of
Hone-All Precision and member of Make UK’s Eastern Regional Advisory Board, who will share her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in SME manufacturing. Dr Gilbert Tang, industrial robotics expert at Cranfield University, will discuss the future of automation and innovation in industry. Experts from
Cambridge Kinetics and
Oxford Innovation Advice will lead a panel on building smarter factories.
The technology exhibition will feature companies demonstrating the latest digital tools and systems driving smarter manufacturing, including Jaltek, The Validation Centre, Total Control Pro, igus, NewTechm, Poka-Yoke UK, Odoo, Seiki Systems, XD Innovation and Keyence. They will be joined by business support organisations and industry networks showcasing the full spectrum of expertise available to manufacturers looking to adopt digital technology.
Bryan Vint, programme manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “
Factories of the Future is designed to inspire, inform, and connect manufacturers who want to take the next step in their digital journey. Delegates will see what is already being achieved through digital transformation and understand how collaboration between academia, technology providers and SMEs is accelerating progress across the sector.”
Andrea Wilson added: “As manufacturers, we are facing a period of rapid change, but also immense opportunity. Digital technology isn’t about replacing people, it is about empowering them, giving our teams better tools, better data, and the confidence to make smarter decisions every day. Events like this are so valuable because they turn the theory into something tangible. You can see what is possible, talk to people who have done it, and realise that digital transformation is achievable no matter the size of your business.”
Dr Gilbert Tang said: “Cranfield is proud to host an event that brings together innovators, manufacturers, and technology providers to explore the future of industry. Our university is dedicated to developing breakthrough technologies and applying them in partnership with business, ensuring that innovation translates into real-world impact. By working alongside programmes like Made Smarter, we can help manufacturers of all sizes harness automation, robotics, and digital systems to improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.”
Following successful pilot years, Made Smarter East of England and Made Smarter South East are gearing up for year two of delivery. The UK Government has confirmed its continued commitment to the Made Smarter Adoption programme in England, ensuring more manufacturers can access expert advice, leadership development and match-funded technology grants to drive growth and innovation.