The one-day event, taking place on Thursday, November 20, 2025 will bring together manufacturers, technology experts and academics to illustrate how robotics, automation, data, sensors and virtual reality are reshaping UK industry.
Made Smarter: Factories of the Future will feature keynotes, live demonstrations and interactive sessions designed to equip manufacturers with 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 South East, which work with hundreds of SME manufacturers to improve efficiency and resilience through expert advice, match-funded technology grants, leadership training and funded internships.
“This is about showing manufacturers the art of the possible,” Toby Bennett, Programme Lead for Made Smarter East of England, said in a statement. “Many firms in our region are still at the early stages of digitisation. 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 (Leighton Buzzard) and member of Make UK’s Eastern Regional Advisory Board, sharing her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in SME manufacturing.
Dr. Gilbert Tang, Industrial Robotics expert at Cranfield University, will be discussing the future of automation and innovation in industry, while experts from AI and software consultancy Cambridge Kinetics and Oxford Innovation Advice will be leading a panel on 'Building a Smarter Factory Today.'
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The technology exhibition will also feature a diverse line-up of companies demonstrating the latest digital tools and systems driving smarter manufacturing. Exhibitors include Jaltek, The Validation Centre, Total Control Pro, igus, NewTechm, Poka-Yoke UK, Odoo, Seiki Systems, XD Innovation, and Keyence.
The companies will be joined by business support organisations and industry networks showcasing the full spectrum of expertise available to manufacturers looking to adopt digital technology.
“Factories of the Future is designed to inspire, inform, and connect manufacturers who want to take the next step in their digital journey,” said Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East. “Delegates will see what’s already being achieved through digital transformation and understand how collaboration between academia, technology providers and SMEs is accelerating progress across the sector.”
Andrea Wilson, Director of Hone-All Precision, added: “As manufacturers, we’re facing a period of immense change, but also immense opportunity. Digital technology isn’t about replacing people, it’s 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’s possible, talk to people who’ve done it, and realise that digital transformation is achievable no matter the size of your business.”
Following successful pilot years, Made Smarter East of England and Made Smarter South East are now preparing for year two of delivery. The UK Government has confirmed its continued commitment to the Made Smarter Adoption programme in England, aiming to allow more manufacturers to access expert advice, leadership development and match-funded technology grants to drive growth and innovation.
Manufacturers can register here.
