CPD accreditation for workshops at MachineBuilding.Live

Visitors attending any of the workshops will be able to collect CPD points that will count towards their ongoing professional development, simply by scanning the QR code associated with each presentation.

The workshop programme at MachineBuilding.Live accompanies a packed exhibition floor, and features presentations from SICK, Pilz, Allentra, B&R, Beckhoff, igus, Lenze, Festo and OMRON, exploring today's most pressing automation and safety concerns.

Kicking off the morning sessions is Charlie Walker, digital solutions consultant at SICK UK, talking about how AI-enabled software in conjunction with IO-Link gateways are transforming sensor integration. Charlie's workshop will show how AI can interpret your written requirements and automatically build device user interfaces - with no prior experience needed. The result is faster commissioning, easier fault finding and smarter automation. The system also suggests improvements based on sensor capabilities, even across devices from different manufacturers. Whether you are new to IO-Link or looking to scale intelligent sensing, this session reveals how AI bridges the gap from sensor data to real-world solutions.

Next up is Jason Reed, sales manager at Pilz Automation Technology, looking at the importance of Industrial Security within the new Machinery Regulation. Industrial Security not only includes the protection of data, but at the same time also guarantees the integrity of safety functions and measures. With the new Machinery Regulation, Industrial Security measures will become obligatory from 2027. But already today, companies are facing the real threats from external attacks and potential manipulation that come with connected automation and control systems. Machine builders, integrators and users need to understand and implement Industrial Security starting now.

Jason's workshop will cover risks, legislation and real-world solutions and will tell you what you need to know to get started on the journey to safe and secure machinery.

The mid-morning slot is presented by Ian Collins, founder of Allentra, who will discuss how, for ambitious UK businesses, the US market presents immense opportunities, but also a complex set of challenges. This short session offers a glimpse into what a successful US market entry truly requires. Drawing on over a decade of hands-on experience supporting 3,500+ companies, the workshop will highlight the critical areas you must consider to de-risk your expansion, from navigating legal compliance and market localisation to building the right partnerships and accessing state aid.

The next workshop is presented by Jason Johnson, sales manager UK and IRE, at B&R Industrial Automation. He will explore how mechatronics solutions combine products to design and create flexible and intelligent machines and systems. Mechatronics focuses on integrating these areas to improve the functionality and efficiency of manufacturing processes that are essential in meeting rapidly changing demands on machine builders.

Rounding off the morning sessions, Bradley McEwan, business development manager at Beckhoff UK will look at how you can have improved control with less complexity by using Beckhoff's compact automation platform. This delivers integrated motion and real time data in one system - no extra PCs required. Designed for small OEMs, with reduced wiring and components, it simplifies control while boosting performance, reliability, and insight. Build smarter, connected machines that stand out from the competition - right from the start.

Kicking off the afternoon sessions, Rob Day, dryspin product manager at igus, will provide an insight into the company's dryspin lead screw technology, exploring how this technology can improve applications with increased reliability and efficiency while also eradicating the need for lubrication.

Next up is Connor Bing, internal sales engineer at Lenze, who will offer practical top tips to ensure successful energy reduction projects in industry. Reducing energy consumption in industrial environments is today a strategic imperative. Whether driven by cost, compliance, or climate goals, energy efficiency projects can deliver substantial returns. This workshop zooms in on 10 top tips to ensure your next energy reduction initiative is a success.

Connor is followed by Josh Roberts, field line manager at Festo who will look at how to implement predictive maintenance with AI. Josh's workshop will explore the various stages of maintenance and tools available to both end users and OEMs to leverage AI to increase their OEE.

Rounding off the day, Dave Breckell, market development manager at OMRON, will discuss how the company's SYSMAC platform empowers OEMs to build modular machines faster with its all-in-one IDE, extensive function block library, and high-speed EtherCAT control. This automation playback tool simplifies fault diagnostics, while built-in cybersecurity certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ensures secure-by-design operation. Whether you're integrating control, motion, safety, vision or robotics, SYSMAC delivers plug-and-play scalability, reduced downtime, and faster time to market.

Because each presenter is at the leading edge of developments in their sector, visitors attending these sessions have the opportunity to capture a useful edge on their competitors.

The free-to-attend workshop programme has proven extremely popular in recent years, and spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. You can register to attend MachineBuilding.Live and book your workshop sessions here.