West Midlands to host European Robotics Forum in 2027

The conference is the most influential meeting of the robotics community in Europe, with more than 1,500 international engineers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers expected to attend.

The ICC Birmingham, part of the NEC Group, will host the event from March 1 to 5 2027, with industry tours on the final day at some of the region’s most successful, internationally-recognised companies.

The forum is estimated to be worth £1.55m for the region’s visitor economy.

The Birmingham bid was won by leading ambassadors in the region from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, part of the West Midlands Growth Company, and the ICC Birmingham. 

The bid attracted more than 50 letters of support, including from the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Patrick Vallance, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority - with Birmingham beating European destinations including Belgrade, Brussels, Tallinn and Zurich for the right to host the event.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader at Birmingham City Council, said: “Welcoming over 1,500 global leaders in robotics is not only a huge boost for our visitor economy, but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands as a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology.”

Karol Janik, ERF2027 general chairperson and robotics and automation technology manager at MTC, added: “I’m honoured that we’ve been selected to host the European Robotics Forum 2027.

 “This is a testament to the strength of robotics innovation not just at the MTC and in the West Midlands, but across the UK. ERF 2027 will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the UK's thriving robotics community on a global stage.”