Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The European Robotics Forum (ERF) is the leading event for the European robotics and AI community, bringing together over 1,000 participants from industry, academia, and the public sector.
Held annually in a different European city, ERF is the go-to platform to explore cutting-edge technologies, foster collaboration, and address the latest challenges and trends shaping the future of robotics in Europe.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: European Robotics Forum 2027 runs from 2-4 March 2027 at ICC Birmingham, UK.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event expects over 1,500 participants, including industry leaders and researchers in robotics and AI.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by euRobotics aisbl, MTC, and the University of Birmingham.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, policymakers, and innovators from the robotics sector.
- 5Entry: Registration is now open with early bird pricing available until 1 December 2026.
Why visit
Attending ERF 2027 offers unique opportunities to engage with leading experts in robotics and AI, discover innovative solutions, and network with industry peers. Participants will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of robotics, making it a must-attend event for professionals in the field.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at ERF 2027 provides companies with high visibility among key stakeholders in robotics and AI. The event expects over 1,500 participants, including industry leaders and researchers in robotics and AI. Attendees include engineers, policymakers, and innovators from the robotics sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Robotics engineers and developers
AI researchers and practitioners
Industry leaders in automation
Policymakers and regulators
Investors in technology and innovation
Students and academics in robotics
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of robotic systems
AI software developers
Suppliers of automation components
Research institutions in robotics
Startups focused on robotics innovation
Consultants in robotics and AI
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Robotic systems and components
AI software and applications
Automation technologies
Research and development services
Educational resources in robotics
Robotics for healthcare and medical applications
Location & Facilities
Venue
ICC Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
ICC Birmingham in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: ICC Birmingham in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at ICC Birmingham for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Why it matters
On 2027-03-02 to 2027-03-04, European Robotics Forum - ERF in Birmingham covering Robotic systems and components, AI software and applications, Automation technologies, Research and development services gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Coventry Airport
Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
to venue
by car
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
to venue
by car
London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
to venue
by car
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG
midscale
Birmingham city centre4.3
USD 150–190 / night
Free cancellation and free Wi-Fi per Google Hotels listing; priced around INR 7,491 shown for the 2-4 March 2027 stay window.
Hotel ibis Styles Birmingham Centre
midscale
Birmingham city centre4.1
USD 150–190 / night
Free cancellation and pet-friendly per Google Hotels; around INR 7,491 for the 2-4 March 2027 dates.
Delta Hotels Birmingham
upscale
Birmingham city centre4.2
USD 150–202 / night
Four-star with hot tub and pool noted in the Google Hotels result; around INR 7,110 for the 2-4 March 2027 dates.
Staybridge Suites Birmingham by IHG
upscale
Birmingham city centre4.5
USD 150–202 / night
Extended-stay suite property, free cancellation and pet-friendly per Google Hotels; highest listed rate in the set at around INR 10,666 for the 2-4 March 2027 dates.
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Airport NEC by IHG
midscale
Birmingham Airport / NEC4.1
USD 150–190 / night
Airport and NEC-side option, free cancellation and pet-friendly per Google Hotels; around INR 7,491 for the 2-4 March 2027 dates.
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - Oldbury by IHG
midscale
Oldbury, west of Birmingham city centre4.1
USD 150–190 / night
Free cancellation and pet-friendly per Google Hotels; around INR 7,491 for the 2-4 March 2027 dates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham city centre
Road journey from BHX into central Birmingham is quoted at roughly 20 minutes by car.
train
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham city centre
Rail links from the airport to Birmingham stations are listed by the airport operator; check timetables before travel.
bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to ICC Birmingham
Airport bus services to the city centre are published with timetables and tickets.
metro/tram
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forWest Midlands Metro network in Birmingham
West Midlands Metro operates the tramway across the West Midlands conurbation; plan journeys on the operator site.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to ICC Birmingham
Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to ICC Birmingham
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to ICC Birmingham
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to ICC Birmingham
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.
Weather
Early March in Birmingham is late winter: expect cool, changeable days with a real chance of rain and wind. Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable waterproof shoes for walking between halls and transport stops.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BHX
Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.; Coventry Airport (CVT): Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.; East Midlands Airport (EMA): East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to ICC Birmingham.; London Luton Airpo
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ICC Birmingham: Birmingham city centre: Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre by IHG; Birmingham city centre: Hotel ibis Styles Birmingham Centre; Birmingham city centre: Delta Hotels Birmingham.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Birmingham; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is linked to Birmingham International rail station; onward trains serve Birmingham city centre. Local bus, coach and West Midlands Metro services are documented by Transport for West Midlands timetables, and the airport authority publishes train, bus and taxi transfer pages. Use the TFWM timetable portal to check live routes to the NEC and city centre before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at ICC Birmingham; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Typically cool early-March conditions in Birmingham; captures do not state specific temperatures - check a forecast close to travel.
Seasonality: March falls in a changeable, showery period in the UK Midlands; assume wet days and plan indoor transfers and covered parking at the venue.
Packing: Layers, a waterproof jacket and umbrella, plus comfortable shoes for the NEC halls and station walkways. Business dress for meetings with warm outerwear for the commute.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at European Robotics Forum - ERF usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at ICC Birmingham
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2European Robotics Forum - ERF registration concourse
ICC Birmingham
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
ICC Birmingham
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether European Robotics Forum - ERF fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For European Robotics Forum - ERF, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Robotic systems and components and AI software and applications solutions and benchmarking suppliers at European Robotics Forum - ERF in Birmingham.
Min. budget
$436.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Robotic systems and components and AI software and applications products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$1,962.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Birmingham show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- European Robotics Forum 2027
- Birmingham robotics conference
- AI conference UK
- robotics and AI event
- European Robotics Forum - ERF 2027
- European Robotics Forum - ERF Birmingham 2027
- European Robotics Forum Birmingham 2027
- Birmingham United Kingdom
- Robotics and AI Conference Birmingham 2027
- Artificial Intelligence
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.