North East Manufacturing Innovation Forum
Automation Experts to Explore Past Successes and Future Innovation at Regional Industry Forum
On the 21st of October 2026, the North East Manufacturing Innovation Forum – Then, Now & Next will be coming to MADE NE’s Sunderland facility. Manufacturers, engineers, technology specialists and industry leaders will gather to discuss the evolution of manufacturing automation and the opportunities shaping the sector's future.
The regional forum will bring together professionals from across the manufacturing community for, a collaborative event focused on sharing experiences, building connections and exploring the future direction of the industry.
Representatives from across the automation industry, including equipment manufacturers, vision specialists, distributors, safety professionals and finance experts will contribute to a panel discussion on “Robots, Cobots and The Truth Behind Them… with a Fresh Perspective”. The session will cover topics from past automation success stories to the technologies and practices driving change today, as well as the trends that will shape the next generation of industrial growth.
Topics expected to feature throughout the event include:
- Manufacturing innovation and digital transformation
- Combating workforce challenges and skills gaps
- Automation and robotics
- Safety requirements and common misconceptions
- Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and humanoid robots
- Overcoming barriers to technology investment
There will be a range of live demonstrations including collaborative robots across a range of industrial applications, AI vision, AMRs and a mobile manipulator robot.
"The North East has a proud manufacturing heritage and continues to be one of the UK's most innovative industrial regions. This forum is about bringing people together to share experiences, learn from each other and build relationships that support the future success of our sector.” – David Brooksbank, Robotics Sales Engineer (North East).
As manufacturing continues to navigate cybersecurity concerns, skills challenges and evolving market demands, the event provides a timely opportunity for industry professionals to connect with peers and contribute to conversations about the future of the sector.
Registrations are now open. For more information and ticket bookings, visit: