Agenda
20th January 2026
Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry
9:00am – 10:00am
Registration, Coffee and Networking
10:00am – 10:10am
Welcome and Opening Address
10:10am – 10:20am
Through the Eye: Engineering Insight for a New Era
Tom Flude
Engineers Insight
As UK manufacturing faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the ability to see beyond the surface, to understand trends, technologies, and talent is critical. In this 15-minute session, Tom Flude, co-organiser of MT2Day and founder of Engineers Insight, will share a unique perspective on how storytelling and visual thinking is shaping the future of engineering.
10:20am – 10:40am
Robotics at the MTC: Driving Innovation and Integration in 2026
Mike Wilson
Manufacturing Technology Centre
UK manufacturing is entering a critical phase where automation and robotics will define competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability.
In this 15-minute update, Mike Wilson will share how the Manufacturing Technology Centre is leading this transformation and what lies ahead for 2026 and beyond.
10:40am – 10:55am
ABB Robotics: Global Expertise Solving UK Automation Challanges
As a world leader in robotics and automation, ABB brings decades of experience to help UK manufacturers compete globally.
In this 15-minute update, ABB Robotics will share how its technologies are solving real-world challenges boosting productivity, enabling flexible production, and supporting sustainability goals.
10:55am – 11:10am
Digital Manufacturing at the MTC: Accelerating Transformation for 2026
As UK manufacturing moves toward a digitally connected future, technologies like data analytics, AI, and smart systems are redefining how we design, produce, and deliver.
In this 15-minute update, we will outline how the Manufacturing Technology Centre is driving digital innovation and what’s next for 2026 and beyond.
11:10am – 11:30am
Supply Chain Transition: Empowering West Midlands SMEs for Growth
Andy Davis
Strategy and Analytics Executive
The manufacturing landscape is rapidly evolving, with emerging sectors like health tech, smart energy, aerospace, and EVs offering significant opportunities. In this 15-minute update, Andy Davis will outline how the Supply Chain Transition Programme, backed by the West Midlands Investment Zone is enabling SMEs to navigate this change and thrive in 2026.