Smart Manufacturing Week

Published 10th June 2026

Thousands of visitors gathered at the NEC Birmingham on 3 and 4 June for Smart Manufacturing Week 2026, one of the UK's largest events dedicated to manufacturing, engineering and industrial innovation.

Bringing together manufacturers, engineers, designers and technology providers, the event offered valuable insight into how ideas move from concept through to large-scale production. For design and technology teachers, it provided a useful opportunity to explore the technologies, processes and skills shaping the future of manufacturing and consider how these can be reflected in classroom practice.

Learning with Industry

At the heart of the event was the Design & Engineering Expo, which showcased innovations from across the manufacturing supply chain. Visitors were able to explore developments in materials, components, product development and digital technologies, helping to demonstrate how the principles taught in schools are applied in professional practice. Many of the exhibits included additive manufacturing, smart materials, rapid prototyping and sustainable design. 

Design Thinking in Practice

Throughout the event, speakers and exhibitors demonstrated how successful products evolve through research, testing, iteration and refinement. Presentations within the Product Innovation & Design Theatre explored the challenges of developing products that meet user needs while balancing commercial, technical and environmental considerations.

For teachers, these examples offered valuable case studies that can help students understand how design decisions are made in industry and why evaluation and continuous improvement remain central to the design process.

Exploring Emerging Technologies

A key theme across Smart Manufacturing Week was the increasing use of additive manufacturing, automation and data-driven technologies within production environments.

Exhibitors demonstrated how 3D printing is now being used to create tooling, prototypes and production-ready components, providing strong links to classroom learning around CAD/CAM and digital manufacturing. Visitors also explored how automation and smart factory technologies are helping manufacturers improve efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The second day of the event welcomed secondary school students, apprentices and university students, providing opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals and learn about potential career pathways.

Through workshops, panel discussions and employer engagement activities, young people were able to gain insight into the skills, qualifications and attributes needed for careers in engineering, manufacturing and design.

Bringing New Ideas Back to the Classroom

Smart Manufacturing Week highlighted the importance of helping students understand the wider systems that sit behind product design, from engineering and manufacturing to supply chains and innovation.

The event brought together multiple exhibitions under one roof, including Smart Factory Expo, Maintec and Drives & Controls, alongside co-located events such as Interplas and TCT 360.

For educators, the technologies, case studies and industry examples on display provide valuable inspiration for future design briefs, classroom discussions and careers education, helping students better understand the exciting opportunities available within modern manufacturing and engineering.

Smart Manufacturing Week will be returning to the NEC, 09-10 June 2027. You can register your interest here to get the latest news and be the first to know when registration opens.