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.

Dr Gilbert Tang is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics and he is the Course Director of the Cranfield Robotics MSc course. He has been conducting robotics research at Cranfield University for over 13 years, particularly related to the development of intuitive human-robot interfaces using combinations of engineering and human-centred approaches. Gilbert is also experienced in delivering industrial research and automated production solutions at mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to leading aerospace manufacturers. He has led the development and launch of the Cranfield Robotics MSc Course and he is currently leading the development of a BSc course for a new university. He has taught and supervised at Masters and Doctoral level, and he is a reviewer of publications and research proposals related to robotics.

Oliver Selby, Head of Sales at FANUC UK, leads a team of professionals who are passionate about engineering and manufacturing, helping businesses across a wide range of industries adopt automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability. He has over 20 years of experience in the automation sector, including 18 years at FANUC, a global market leader in robotics, CNC, plastic injection moulding, wire EDM, and vertical machining technologies.

Dr Rebecca Raper is lecturer in robotics at MK:U and Cranfield University. She is the designer and lead for the first Robotics apprenticeship degree in the country, and conducts research at the intersection of robotics, psychology and philosophy – looking at how we might make ‘good robots’ and ensure that when Artificial Intelligence and Robotic systems are designed and developed, that they are done so ethically. She is author of the book ‘Raising Robots to be Good: a practical foray into the art and science of Machine Ethics’ and enjoys applying her knowledge of how humans behave to developing cognitive models for robots. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, art and computer games.

Henry Mannall is a Robotics Engineer Degree Apprentice at ABB Ltd, combining academic study with hands on experience in advanced automation and robotics. He is part of one of the UK’s pioneering degree apprenticeship programmes delivered with MK:U — a first-of-its-kind route that blends real workplace projects with technical education. Throughout his apprenticeship, Henry has worked in a team specialising in upgrades and replacements of robotic systems across the UK. He has shared his journey at careers fairs and on social platforms, highlighting the value of practical learning in shaping future engineers. Driven by a passion for applying technical skills in real-world settings, Henry is a strong advocate for apprenticeships as an alternative pathway into robotics and engineering.