Advanced Engineering 2017 has announced its return to the NEC on 1& 2 November with the addition of an exciting new show zone – Connected Manufacturing – providing what is already the UK’s biggest annual engineering gathering with a dedicated new arena to exchange Industry 4.0 knowledge, ideas and technologies.

The fourth industrial revolution will see companies massively boost productivity, increase flexibility and product customisation, achieve localised manufacturing and shorten lead times. It has been identified as a critical driver of UK manufacturing growth and an area which companies must invest in if the UK is to develop its competitive edge.  

Designed to increase the understanding of and investment in Industry 4.0 by the UK’s manufacturing sector, Connected Manufacturing will be the UK’s only trade exhibition and conference in this sector to reach out to such a huge breadth of engineering professionals, from areas as diverse as: automotive; aerospace; rail; marine; civil; motorsport; healthcare; plus oil & gas and other process industries

In addition to over 35 leading suppliers showcasing the latest wave of developments and solutions, Connected Manufacturing’s free-to-attend conference will present the latest Industry 4.0 case studies, opportunities and technologies. These will be delivered by technology, IT, software and data experts, industry associations, consultancies, and companies already successfully gaining the competitive edge from connecting vital new technologies like: AR/VR; 3D printing; Big Data; Cloud Computing; Robotics and more.

Alison Willis, Advanced Engineering Event Director, comments on the importance of this new show zone: “We have experienced such an increasing number of visiting engineers and directors from process engineering, manufacturing, design and more, who are eager understand and connect the technologies and information so vital for their global competitiveness. So, we know there’s a huge appetite for us to take the lead with this issue and help the UK be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution. Having this new zone sitting right at the heart of the show – among some 700 exhibitors and thousands of visitors – will ensure we connect all those who need to be talking to, learning from and doing business with each other in the Industry 4.0 era.”

Enjoying so many relationships with leading industry bodies and players, Advanced Engineering, and organiser Easyfairs have developed an unrivalled network of knowledge leaders and partners concerned with the implications and opportunities associated with industrial automation technologies, including: Innovate UK/KTN; EEF; GAMBICA; ADS; The Department of International Trade; GTMA; Magna International, and many others.

David Beattie, General Manager of the GTMA, comments: “The GTMA is delighted to support Advanced Engineering’s new show zone, Connected Manufacturing. There is no doubt that the challenges surrounding Industry 4.0 will be significant but with this new Connected Manufacturing zone, companies will be able to learn and discuss ways around those challenges which can ultimately improve processes and productivity”

Introducing a whole new tranche of the manufacturing industry to the real issues in industry 4.0, Connected Manufacturing will be openly co-located with the other hugely successful Advanced Engineering show zones: Aero Engineering; Composites Engineering; Automotive Engineering; Performance Metals Engineering.

For further information about Advanced Engineering 2017, and Connected Manufacturing, please visitwww.advancedengineeringuk.com or call the show team on +44 (0)20 3196 4300