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Resource hub/Webinar: Ai in Manufacturing

Webinar: Ai in Manufacturing

This forum hosted by Automate UK has been organized to explore the transformative opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the manufacturing sector, focusing on enhancing operational efficiencies, improving quality control, and fostering sustainable practices.

The integration of AI technologies is crucial for the manufacturing industry to drive innovation, optimize processes, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Opportunity

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing presents a transformative opportunity for the sector, positioning it to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. As industries strive to adapt to rapidly changing market demands and technological advancements, AI offers innovative solutions that can streamline operations and improve decision-making processes. In addition to boosting operational efficiencies, AI can facilitate the development of new products and services, optimize supply chains, and create a more agile manufacturing environment. The ongoing evolution of AI technologies will not only enhance existing processes but also attract a new generation of skilled workers to the industry, eager to engage with cutting-edge technologies. Your company’s commitment to adopting AI will be crucial in shaping the future of manufacturing, enabling the sector to meet the challenges of modern production while driving economic growth. Organizations such as Automate UK are dedicated to supporting their members in navigating this transformative journey. In this forum, the opportunities that AI integration presents to the manufacturing industry will be explored by a panel of experts.

Discussion Topics

Enhancing Efficiency through AI: How AI can optimize production processes, reduce downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency.
AI and Predictive Maintenance: The role of AI in anticipating equipment failures and minimizing unplanned maintenance, leading to cost savings and increased productivity.
Quality Control Innovations: Utilizing AI for real-time quality inspection and defect detection to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The importance of data quality and structure in leveraging AI for actionable insights and informed decision-making.
Cultural Shifts in Adoption: Addressing the cultural resistance to AI and the importance of engaging frontline workers in the transition to AI-driven processes.

You can now watch the full video of the AI in Manufacturing forum below.

Webinar Chair

Laurie Barnes

Chief Technical Officer, Automate UK

With years of diverse experience in automation working across multiple sectors, it is my pleasure to support the industry’s advancement in processing, packaging, robotics and vision technologies. I am committed to the growth of our industry and I take pride in supporting and guiding the industry professionals through my role at Automate-UK, ensuring that automation remains at the heart of modern manufacturing.

Panellists

Dr Seemal Asif

Senior Lecturer, Cranfield University

Dr. Seemal Asif is a Chartered Engineer and Senior Lecturer in Robotics and AI at Cranfield University, where she leads the Intelligent Flexible Robotics Assembly (IFRA) group. With over 14 years of experience in academia and industry, her expertise spans robotics control, AI, software architecture, and human-robot collaboration. She is Investigator on multiple EPSRC and ATI-funded projects and is committed to advancing ethical, human-centred automation. A Fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the Women’s Engineering Society.

Yianni Alissandratos

Senior Proposition Lead, Carsberg Britvic

With a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering. His career began in core engineering disciplines before expanding into academia, research, and the development of healthcare technologies, including vaccines, where he specialized at the interface of digital and process systems in developing modern manufacturing modalities. Since joining Britvic in 2021, Yianni has led complex, cross-functional engineering initiatives focused on sustainability, circular economy strategies, and advanced manufacturing systems design. In his current role, he works on the digitisation of turnkey modular manufacturing techniques, bridging R&D with production while applying rigorous engineering thinking to drive automation-enabled innovation from concept through to execution. His expertise spans the integration of digital technologies with manufacturing processes, enabling the transition from traditional to modern automated production systems.

Paul Pierce

Solution Consultant, Rockwell Automation

I'm a Solution Consultant for Rockwell Automation, specialising in Edge to Cloud data integration. I work closely with OEMs across the UK and Ireland, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of automated manufacturing. My background blends 20+ years of hands-on automation engineer experience with strategic consulting, and I’m particularly passionate about how AI and digital tools can unlock real value on the production line.

Webinar Qs & As

The AI landscape is rapidly evolving. What resources should engineering/ manufacturing businesses be aware of to maintain visibility of emerging use cases/ opportunities presented by AI?

It’s about linking industry with cutting-edge research. Businesses should engage with networks like Made Smarter and Catapult Centres, follow publications (Springer, IEEE, CIRP, UKRI), and track government strategies such as the UK National AI Strategy. Attending events like Smart Factory Expo and collaborating with universities through KTPs supports early adoption. Finally, staying updated on AI standards and ethics ensures responsible, future-proof implementation.

Fascinating. So, how do we (as suppliers to the manufacturing sector) help to bridge the gaps in re-skilling and upskilling - given there's a lot to do in a relatively short time - if we're to help keep manufacturing thriving in the UK?

Great question. The key challenge is "lots to do in a short time," so I’d suggest tackling this on three fronts:

Translate tech into skills: Focus on building technical fluency rather than deep expertise. Manufacturing is in an identity crisis, and the next few years will define whether engineers become more data-driven or remain hands-on. Build resilience through fluency.

Create modular learning: Use CPD courses or short postgraduate programs. For SMEs, fluency is enough to stay adaptive and proactive while the impact of AI and digitalisation in automation settles.

Partner with academia: Industry has always benefited from academic expertise during step changes. Today, academia offers focused, cost-effective collaborations that can help businesses adapt quickly.

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