Get ready for a festival of manufacturing: no wellies necessary!

Smart Manufacturing Week is the UK’s largest festival of advanced manufacturing and engineering. In 2025, it returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 June with more energy, innovation and entertainment than ever before.

Bringing together Smart Factory Expo, Drives and Controls, Maintec, Design and Engineering Expo, and specialist zones for Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech, Smart Manufacturing Week sets out to reshape expectations of what a manufacturing and engineering event can be. It combines rich technical content and future-focused insight with a dynamic, fun and engaging visitor experience.

Whether it is exploring next generation ideas in Innovation Alley, cheering on entrepreneurs in the Smart Tank pitch competition, or joining the crowd for a live performance by The Shadow Monkeys, Smart Manufacturing Week blends serious business with serious buzz. All under one roof.

Among the stand-outs this year is a special installation from the Washing Machine Project. On day two (5 June), visitors are invited to discover Divya, the world’s first flat packable manual washing machine. Designed to work entirely off the grid, the Divya reduces water usage by up to 50% and cuts the time spent handwashing clothes by 75%, offering a transformative solution for communities without reliable access to electricity. The team behind the project will deliver a short talk on the inspiration, impact and engineering behind this innovation, followed by a live demonstration. Visitors will also have the chance to get hands-on and try it out for themselves.

Another unmissable feature is T-1-FNY (Tiffany), an 8 ft tall, 300 kg robot built from reclaimed parts. Originally designed to wreak havoc on screen in The Terminator movie, it now takes on a very different role, performing household tasks to demonstrate object recognition and adaptive automation. Both precise and unexpectedly full of personality, T-1-FNY offers a playful yet powerful glimpse into the future of robotics in everyday life.

From the moment visitors arrive, the festival spirit of Smart Manufacturing Week is impossible to miss. Live music will set the tone at the entrance and throughout the venue, including a dedicated busking spot complete with a baby grand piano. The Shadow Monkeys will return with their high energy set to headline the first evening’s visitor party, bringing the day to a lively close. It may be indoors, but the atmosphere is pure festival – no wellies required!

Back by popular demand, the Guitar Legends competition invites visitors to unleash their inner rock star. Located at the heart of Smart Manufacturing Week, the ‘Legends’ booth will be open across both days for anyone ready to take on the challenge. Entrants will compete for the chance to win a 3D printed guitar, perform live alongside The Shadow Monkeys at the day one (4 June) drinks reception, and earn the title of the UK’s best engineer guitar player.

Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 will be an unmissable celebration of innovation, creativity and connection. It is the place where manufacturing meets its future and everyone is invited to join the fun.