From sensor to solution: How AI brings IO-Link to life

Presented by Charlie Walker, digital solutions consultant, SICK UK

Discover how AI-enabled software in conjunction with IO-Link gateways are transforming sensor integration. This workshop will show how AI can interpret your written requirements and automatically build device user interfaces - with no prior experience needed. The result is faster commissioning, easier fault finding and smarter automation. The system also suggests improvements based on sensor capabilities, even across devices from different manufacturers. Whether you are new to IO-Link or looking to scale intelligent sensing, this session reveals how AI bridges the gap from sensor data to real-world solutions.

By attending this session you will learn:

1. How AI interprets written requirements to configure sensor interfaces

2. Discover faster commissioning and troubleshooting - no technical experience needed

3. Explore how AI recommends enhancements based on sensor capabilities

4. See how sensor data is turned into working solutions

5. See how it is even possible to easily work with sensors that you have no prior experience of

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The new Machinery Regulation is coming, and Industrial Security is key

Presented by Jason Reed, sales manager, Pilz Automation Technology

Industrial Security not only includes the protection of data, but at the same time also guarantees the integrity of safety functions and measures. With the new Machinery Regulation, Industrial Security measures will become obligatory from 2027. But already today, companies are facing the real threats from external attacks and potential manipulation that come with connected automation and control systems. Machine builders, integrators and users need to understand and implement Industrial Security starting now.

This workshop will cover risks, legislation and real-world solutions and will tell you what you need to know to get started on the journey to safe and secure machinery.

By attending this session you will learn:

1. The risks that come with connectivity

2. The link between security and safety integrity

3. The upcoming legislative measures you must comply with

4. How to get started with implementing security

5. Which solutions are available right now

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Getting your business ready for US market entry

Presented by Ian Collins, founder, Allentra

For ambitious UK businesses, the US market presents immense opportunities, but also a complex set of challenges. This short session offers a glimpse into what a successful US market entry truly requires. Drawing on over a decade of hands-on experience supporting 3,500+ companies, the workshop will highlight the critical areas you must consider to de-risk your expansion, from navigating legal compliance and market localisation to building the right partnerships and accessing state aid.

By attending this session, you will learn:

1. The US is not a single market - successful entry requires a tailored go-to-market strategy with regional targeting and localised value propositions aligned with American buyer expectations.

2. Your home-market sales approach won't work in the US - adapt your sales motion and demand generation for American business culture while budgeting realistically for higher staff and living costs.

3. Protect your business foundations - address IP protection, corporate structuring, sales taxes, cross-border considerations and sector-specific regulations including product certifications.

4. Local presence matters - invest in US-based leadership and support while considering production partnerships or facilities to ensure supply chain resilience.

5. Build credibility strategically - leverage EDO support, tax benefits and grants while establishing partnerships, certifications, and demonstration capabilities relevant to your industry.

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Mechatronics - the integration of automation, robots, and software technologies

Presented by Jason Johnson, Sales Manager UK and IRE, B&R Industrial Automation

Mechatronics solutions combine products to design and create flexible and intelligent machines and systems. Mechatronics focuses on integrating these areas to improve the functionality and efficiency of manufacturing processes that are essential in meeting rapidly changing demands on machine builders.

By attending this session you will learn:

1. Global mega-trends are driving rapid and unpredictably changing manufacturing and consumer demands

2. Machine builders must deliver machine and lines to meet these demands to compete in their own market space

3. Mechatronics combines many product types and engineering disciplines to create a complete solution

4. These solutions are flexible and intelligent, capable of manufacturing different product types

5. That IT/OT and cyber-security are also important to realise a digitally connected machine

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Less complexity, more control

Presented by Bradley McEwan, business development manager, Beckhoff UK

Beckhoff’s compact automation platform delivers integrated motion and real time data in one system - no extra PCs required. Designed for small OEMs, with reduced wiring and components, it simplifies control while boosting performance, reliability, and insight. Build smarter, connected machines that stand out from the competition - right from the start.

By attending this session you will learn:

1. Integrated intelligence without extra hardware: Discover how Beckhoff’s compact controllers, with reduced wiring and components, provide built-in connectivity and data access - removing the need for an external PC and reducing system complexity.

2. High-performance automation, scaled for smaller OEMs: Learn how Beckhoff’s latest offerings deliver advanced motion and control capabilities in a size and scope that fits smaller machine builders - without compromise.

3. Differentiate through data, reliability and uptime: Learn how OEMs can stand out by building machines that offer real-time insight, improve OEE and deliver consistent, reliable performance.

4. Smart machines that scale with your business: Beckhoff’s modular approach lets OEMs start small and grow seamlessly, using the same technology foundation from prototype to production scale.

5. Simplified deployment with technical depth: OEMs will gain confidence in deploying Beckhoff solutions that are easy to adopt and support - empowering them to move faster while still delivering sophisticated machine functionality.

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dryspin lead screw technology

Presented by Rob Day, dryspin product manager, igus

Gain an insight into what the dryspin product range offers along with how this technology can improve applications with increased reliability and efficiency while also eradicating the need for lubrication.

By attending this session, you will learn:

1. What dryspin lead screw technology is

2. Benefits of dryspin thread form

3. Benefits of igus materials as lead screw nuts

4. Manufacturing methods

5. Online tools igus offers

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Practical top tips to ensure successful energy reduction projects in industry

Presented by Bill Killick, account manager, Lenze

Reducing energy consumption in industrial environments is today strategic imperative. Whether driven by cost, compliance, or climate goals, energy efficiency projects can deliver substantial returns. This workshop zooms in 10 top tips to ensure your next energy reduction initiative is a success.

By attending this session, you will learn:

1. Energy analysis help identify inefficiencies and prioritise improvements

2. Decentralising reduces energy losses and supports modular designs

3. Train staff to understand how to use efficient technologies correctly in a total system

4. Partnering with the right experts about functionality; get consultative support of solution, not of products.

5. Energy efficiency is not a one-time project. Optimise continuously to improve your product-life-cycle, gross margins and market position.

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How to implement predictive maintenance with AI

Presented by Josh Roberts, field line manager, Festo

Exploring the various stages of maintenance and tools available to both end users and OEMs to leverage AI to increase their OEE.

By attending this session, you will learn:

1. Understand the different forms of maintenance

2. Demystify Industrial AI

3. How to increase your productivity

4. Real world applications of AI increasing OEE

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Plug, Play, Perform: Modular OEM Machines with Automation Playback and EtherCAT

Presented by Dave Breckell, market development manager, Omron

OMRON's SYSMAC platform empowers OEMs to build modular machines faster with its all-in-one IDE, extensive function block library, and high-speed EtherCAT control. This automation playback tool simplifies fault diagnostics, while built-in cybersecurity certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ensures secure-by-design operation. Whether you're integrating control, motion, safety, vision or robotics, SYSMAC delivers plug-and-play scalability, reduced downtime, and faster time to market.

By attending this session, you will learn:

1. Faster machine development - Build and deploy machines quickly using SYSMAC's all-in-one IDE and function block library.

2. Scalable high-speed control - EtherCAT delivers fast, reliable communication for modular machine design.

3. Simplified troubleshooting - Automation playback helps identify and resolve faults quickly.

4. Cybersecurity built-in - IEC 62443-4-1 compliance ensures secure-by-design machine control.

5. One platform, full control - Integrate control, motion, safety, vision and robotics in a single environment.

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