About Robotics and Automation Exhibition
Billing itself as the UK's largest dedicated robotics and automation exhibition, this two-day trade event at the NEC Birmingham focuses on practical technology for raising productivity. It is organised by Akabo Media, which also publishes Robotics & Automation magazine and Logistics Manager.
On the stands, visitors can expect industrial and collaborative robots, machine vision, motion control, sensors, autonomous mobile robots, software and integration services, with strong links into intralogistics, packaging and warehouse technology. The audience is made up of decision makers looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs, drawn from manufacturing, automotive, food and drink, retail and e-commerce, third-party logistics and the public sector.
Entry is free for visitors, and the exhibition runs alongside a conference programme that draws people who are at an early stage of exploring automation. Those visitors are often evaluating suppliers for the first time, which makes the show useful for integrators and smaller specialists as well as major robot makers.
The exhibition is co-located with IntraLogisteX, the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition and the Fulfilment & Last Mile Expo. That brings supply chain, warehousing and logistics professionals into the same halls, many of whom are also weighing automation projects. For exhibitors, working demonstrations are the strongest draw: a cobot completing a task or a vision system inspecting parts explains more than any graphic. Stand Between works with builders who are used to designing safe, open demonstration areas around live robotics.
Next edition
Robotics and Automation Exhibition 2027: what to expect
The 2027 exhibition takes place on 17 and 18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham, presented as one of three shows in one alongside IntraLogisteX and the Sustainable Supply Chain show. For the combined event the organiser cites more than 250 exhibitors, over 10,000 pre-qualified buyers and more than 60 conference sessions, including a dedicated Robotics & Automation Theatre. Entry is free for visitors.
With only two days, every hour on the stand counts, so exhibitors should invite key prospects in advance and keep demonstrations running throughout. Check power supply, compressed air and any operating restrictions for moving equipment with the organiser and the NEC early, as these determine how the stand is laid out around the demo cell. Guarding or clear zones around robots need to leave visitors a good view.