Name: Robotics and Automation Exhibition
Start: 2027-03-17
End: 2027-03-18
Location: NEC

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Robotics and Automation Exhibition include 3DPRINTUK, Aadhiti industries, Access Mintsoft, Acrovision and Addverb Technologies Ltd.

3DPRINTUK
Aadhiti industries
Access Mintsoft
Acrovision
Addverb Technologies Ltd.

Event overview

Overview

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: The Robotics and Automation Exhibition takes place on 17th and 18th March 2027 at NEC Birmingham, UK.
2Scale and Focus: This premier event showcases the latest innovations in warehouse and manufacturing robotics and automation.
3Organiser: The event is organised by Akabo Media, a leader in logistics and supply chain events.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include logistics professionals, warehouse operators, and decision-makers in automation.
5Entry: Registration details and ticket information can be found on the official website.

Why visit

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore innovative solutions, engage with industry experts, and witness live demonstrations of the latest robotic technologies, making it a must-attend event for professionals in the sector. Dates and Venue: The Robotics and Automation Exhibition takes place on 17th and 18th March 2027 at NEC Birmingham, UK. Buyer Authority: Attendees include logistics professionals, warehouse operators, and decision-makers in automation.

Why exhibit

Exhibiting at the Robotics and Automation Exhibition provides companies with a platform to showcase their technologies, connect with potential buyers, and enhance their visibility in the logistics and automation market. Scale and Focus: This premier event showcases the latest innovations in warehouse and manufacturing robotics and automation. Organiser: The event is organised by Akabo Media, a leader in logistics and supply chain events.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Warehouse operators seeking automation solutions

Logistics professionals looking for innovative technologies

Manufacturers interested in robotics applications

Supply chain managers aiming to improve efficiency

Retailers exploring automation for distribution

Industry decision-makers focused on technology investments

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Robotics manufacturers showcasing new technologies

Automation solution providers demonstrating systems

Software developers offering warehouse management solutions

Consultants advising on automation strategies

Suppliers of robotic components and systems

Companies specializing in AI and machine learning applications

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Autonomous mobile robots for warehouse operations

Automated guided vehicles for material handling

Robotic picking and palletizing systems

Warehouse management software solutions

Automated storage and retrieval systems

AI-powered analytics for operational efficiency

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Hall 6Hall 7

NEC

Hall 6 & 7, NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK

Entrances & gates

Main Entrance

Hall 6Hall 7

Facilities

Food options

Food courts available

On-site dining

Parking: Parking is available at the venue; please confirm rates and access on the NEC website.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

17 March –9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

18 March –9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Visit the official website for registration details.

Who runs the show

Organisers

Akabo Media

Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Agnes Wamagui

Knowledge Transfer Manager - Robotics @ InnovateUK

Alastair Taylor

Vice President of Sales @ Netstock

Ali Esfahbodi

Associate Professor in Operations Management and Sustainability @ University of Birmingham

Andrew Southgate

VP, Business Development, EMEA @ Lucas Systems

Andy Gates

Sales Director @ Lauralu UK & Ireland

Anna Bright

Chief Executive @ Sustainability West Midlands

Ben Caroll

IT Business Development Manager @ KNAPP UK

Ben Glossop

Vice President, Sales UK & Ireland @ Aptean

Carl McInerney

Regional Commercial Director UK&I @ Connected Load Carrier

Caroline Peachey

Editor @ Logistics Manager

Chandru Palaniyandi

Senior Software Engineer @ Lucas Systems

Charlotte Lathbury

Accelerated Digitalization and Innovation Manager @ DHL Supply Chain

Chee Yew Wong

Professor of Supply Chain Management @ Leeds University

Chris Forbes

Co Founder @ Cheeky Panda

Darren West

Global Head of Circular Economy @ SAP

Denis Niezgoda

Chief Commercial Officer, International @ Locus Robotics

Diego Resende Faria

AI & Robotics Academic and Senior Researcher @ Loughborough University

Donato Masi

Professor of Supply Chain Management @ UK Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Centre, MIT Global Scale Network

Dr. Iwona Gajda PhD, MSc, FHEA

Senior Lecturer: Environmental Engineering/Project Management @ UWE Bristol

Dr. Seemal Asif

Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics @ Cranfield University

Duncan Fleming

Strategic Account Manager EMEA @ Ocado Intelligent Automation

Ed Ayton

Sustainable Sourcing Advisor @ Abel & Cole

Fred Lill

Owner and Director @ Lil Packaging

George Wade

Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer @ Zevero

Gerry Seils

National Sales Manager @ Kardex

Gregg Collett

Head of Industrial UK and Ireland @ CHG-MERIDIAN UK

Heidi Barnard

Head of Sustainability @ NHS Supply Chain

John Thornton

Editor-In-Chief @ Akabo Media

Jon Roberts

Sales Director @ Inteq

Jonathan Chang

Executive Director of Marketing, Portfolio, & Sustainability, EMEA @ Sealed Air

Jonathan Sharland

Senior Customer Success Lead – Integration and Data @ Prolifics UK

Jotte Verrept

GTM Lead @ Optioryx

Kaustubh Raut

Process Engineer - Advanced Automation & Manufacturing Systems @ McCormick UK

Keenan Lynes

Managing Director @ Acopia Group

Lewe Goldmann

Supply Chain & Operations Director @ CLOUD NINE

Loek Titulaer

Global Sustainability Principal @ SAP

Marcus Uprichard

Senior Sales Director UK&I @ Swisslog

Matt Harling

Kardex AutoStore Sales Manager UK & Ireland @ Kardex

Matthew O'Brien

Lead Solution Architect @ ProGlove

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

New this edition

1
Co-located shows
Robotics & Automation Exhibition runs alongside IntraLogisteX, Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition and Fulfilment & Last Mile Expo, giving visitors access to intralogistics, supply chain and last-mile fulfilment content under one roof.
Source
2
Robotics & Automation Awards
The Robotics & Automation Awards run live on day one at the NEC; in a revamp of the format, eligibility is limited to companies exhibiting at any of the co-located shows.
Source

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Robotics and Automation Exhibition is the UK's leading event for warehouse and manufacturing robotics, automation, and intralogistics technology, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in the sector. The Robotics and Automation Exhibition is crucial for industry professionals seeking to enhance operational efficiency and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving logistics and supply chain landscape. Join us at the Robotics and Automation Exhibition on 17th and 18th March 2027 at NEC Birmingham,.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Warehouse operators seeking automation solutions, Logistics professionals looking for innovative technologies, Manufacturers interested in robotics applications, Supply chain managers aiming to improve efficiency. Dates and Venue: The Robotics and Automation Exhibition takes place on 17th and 18th March 2027 at NEC Birmingham, UK. Scale and Focus: This premier event showcases the latest innovations in warehouse and manufacturing robotics and automation. Organiser: The event is organised.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United Kingdom — West Midlands. The NEC Birmingham sits in the UK's largest manufacturing and distribution cluster outside London, with the Midlands automotive, aerospace, food and e-commerce fulfilment corridors within an hour's drive.

Why it matters

Attending Robotics and Automation Exhibition on 2027-03-17 to 2027-03-18 in Birmingham lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

How buyers research, shortlist and schedule suppliers online before and after a trade show.

Sustainability in procurement

The shift toward energy efficiency, recyclable materials and carbon reporting in industrial purchasing.

Automation and labour efficiency

Using robotics and software to cut downtime, staffing pressure and total cost of ownership.

Regional supply-chain resilience

The move to diversify suppliers and shorten supply chains across Europe and beyond.

Hybrid engagement models

Combining live demonstrations with digital follow-up to extend the commercial window after a show.

Global robotics and automation trade-fair circuit

Book NEC-area hotels and supplier meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; European peer shows such as automatica and SPS fall in adjacent months, so multi-show travel plans work best when mapped a quarter ahead.

Buyers covering robotics, automation and intralogistics commonly plan the NEC edition alongside European and international peer shows to compare product ranges, pricing and service coverage across markets.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings and live demo slots for the Robotics and Automation Exhibition, and review the co-located IntraLogisteX, Sustainable Supply Chain and Fulfilment & Last Mile halls.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live robot, cobot and AMR demonstrations, conference-theatre sessions and supplier negotiations at the NEC Birmingham.

Post-show

Follow up leads and benchmark alternatives at automatica in Munich, SPS in Nuremberg and Automate in Chicago.

Peer events are established sector fairs; confirm dates on each organiser website before booking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

BHX

Birmingham Airport

The closest gateway: the Air-Rail Link monorail reaches Birmingham International station in 90 seconds, then a covered walkway leads to the NEC halls in 5–10 minutes. Taxis take 5–10 minutes and cost GBP 9–16.

~3 km

to venue

5–10 min

by car

EMA

East Midlands Airport

A practical alternative for European short-haul carriers, reached via the A42 and M42; allow extra time on weekday mornings for the Birmingham approach.

~68 km

to venue

45–55 min

by car

LTN

London Luton Airport

Frequent low-cost European services; drive via the M1 and M6, or take a rail connection into Birmingham International with one change.

~140 km

to venue

1 h 40 min – 2 h 15 min

by car

LHR

London Heathrow Airport

Best long-haul choice when BHX connections do not fit; the fastest rail option is Heathrow Express or the Piccadilly line to Euston, then Avanti West Coast to Birmingham International in about 3 hours door to door.

~160 km

to venue

1 h 50 min – 2 h 30 min

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

tier

NEC campus, on-site

Not yet confirmed

The largest on-campus hotel, directly connected to the halls and the usual base for exhibitor hospitality suites.

tier

NEC campus, on-site

Not yet confirmed

Walking distance to the halls with meeting rooms and a business lounge; popular with exhibitors during show week.

tier

Birmingham Airport / NEC

Not yet confirmed

Connected to the airport terminal and one stop from Birmingham International station, making it a good early-flight option.

tier

Birmingham Airport / NEC

Not yet confirmed

Mid-range rooms minutes from the airport and NEC, with straightforward access to the Air-Rail Link.

tier

Resorts World, NEC

Not yet confirmed

Budget-friendly, walkable to the halls and next to Resorts World's restaurants and bars.

tier

Birmingham city centre

Not yet confirmed

City-centre option on Broad Street, about 15 minutes by train from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International plus a short walk.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

train

Estimated costGBP 5.20–7.50 single; off-peak day return around GBP 8–11

Best forBirmingham New Street → Birmingham International → NEC halls

Trains run every few minutes from New Street and take around 10–15 minutes; Avanti West Coast services from London Euston reach Birmingham International in about 1 h 20 min, and a covered walkway leads to the halls in 5–10 minutes.

bus

Estimated costGBP 2.90 flat contactless single; around GBP 6.90 for a day ticket

Best forNational Express West Midlands 97/97A and X1 (Birmingham city centre → NEC and Airport)

Services stop at Birmingham International station and the NEC entrance; journey time from the city centre is 40–55 minutes depending on traffic.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 9–16 metered or rideshare

Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to NEC

BHX is 2–4 km from the NEC; the Air-Rail Link monorail connects the terminal to Birmingham International in 90 seconds, while taxis take 5–10 minutes with ranks at the terminal.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 25–35

Best forBirmingham city centre (New Street) → NEC halls

25–35 minutes off-peak via the A45 and M42; allow longer on weekday mornings and during evening peak.

parking

Estimated costFrom about GBP 12 per day pre-booked online, higher on the gate; express bays around GBP 20 per day

Best forNEC on-site car parks (standard, express, motorcycle, Blue Badge)

Pre-book to secure a bay on show days; outer car parks can be a 10–15 minute walk from the halls, with a free shuttle bus circulating the site and Blue Badge bays beside each entrance.

coach

Estimated costGBP 2–20 depending on origin; onward train to Birmingham International GBP 5.20–7.50

Best forNational Express and megabus services to Birmingham Coach Station and Birmingham Airport

Long-distance coaches from London Victoria take around 2 h 45 min; some services stop directly at Birmingham Airport and the NEC, otherwise connect by rail from Birmingham New Street.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to NEC

45–55 min; A practical alternative for European short-haul carriers, reached via the A42 and M42; allow extra time on weekday mornings for the Birmingham approach.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to NEC

1 h 40 min – 2 h 15 min; Frequent low-cost European services; drive via the M1 and M6, or take a rail connection into Birmingham International with one change.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor visa (business)	Visa nationals attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or contract negotiations in the UK; permits business activities for up to 6 months	$170.00	Apply in advance; decisions typically take around 3 weeks and can take longer in peak periods
Permitted Paid Engagement visa	Experts invited by a UK organisation to examine or advise on robotics and automation projects, speak at a conference or take part in a selection panel, for up to 1 month	$170.00	Apply before travel; around 3 weeks in standard service
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	Visa-exempt nationals, including US citizens, travelling to the UK for business meetings or conferences of 6 months or less	$20.00	Usually decided within about 3 working days; apply before booking travel

Official visa page

Weather

Mid-March in Birmingham is cool, breezy and changeable: daytime highs sit around 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) with overnight lows of 2–4 °C (36–39 °F), and frost is possible on early-March mornings. Expect roughly 11 rain days and about 55 mm across the month, with showers arriving quickly and clearing just as fast. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable closed shoes for the long walks between NEC halls, and a compact umbrella for the campus walkways between the car parks, station and exhibition entrances.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

UK mobile coverage at the NEC is strong on all four national networks — EE, O2, Vodafone and Three — and 5G is available across most of the site and the airport. Business travellers arriving from overseas can buy a UK prepaid SIM at Birmingham Airport or use a travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and the major network eSIMs) with 10 GB plans typically costing around USD 11–19 for 30 days, or unlimited plans around USD 40–75 with fair-use caps. EU roaming is generous for some operators and chargeable for others, so check your home plan before relying on it. Free Wi-Fi covers the NEC concourses and conference theatres, but exhibitors demonstrating connected machinery should arrange a dedicated hard-wired connection through the venue's technical services.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business etiquette and tipping

British business meetings are friendly but efficient: a firm handshake and first names are normal, and small talk about travel or the show comes before agenda items. Restaurants often add a 10–12.5% service charge; otherwise tip around 10% and round up taxi fares.

Dress and punctuality

Smart casual — jacket or shirt with trousers, chinos or a smart dress — is standard on UK trade-show floors, with formal business dress reserved for evening dinners. Arrive on time for meetings and queue politely; punctuality is read as respect for the other party's diary.

Payments and practicalities

The currency is pound sterling (GBP) and contactless card and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, including NEC car parks, coffee kiosks and taxis. Cash is rarely needed, and taxis, pubs and cafés all take GBP; VAT at 20% is included in displayed prices for most venue services.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: BHX

Book into Birmingham Airport (BHX) whenever a direct or one-stop routing exists — it is 3 km from the NEC with a 90-second Air-Rail Link monorail to Birmingham International and a covered walkway into the halls. For long-haul itineraries without a BHX connection, London Heathrow offers the widest choice and connects by rail via Euston to Birmingham International in roughly 3 hours door to door. Manchester (MAN), East Midlands (EMA) and London Luton (LTN) are useful when fares or schedules are materially better, and all three link to Birmingham International by road or rail in 45 minutes to 2 hours. Book early for 17–18 March 2027: NEC-area hotels and the Tuesday-evening arrivals sell out first, and Tuesday or Wednesday-morning inbound flights give the best margin against March weather delays.

Visa

Most visitors attend on a UK Standard Visitor visa (business), which permits meetings, conferences and contract negotiations for up to 6 months. Many visa-exempt nationals, including US citizens from 25 February 2026, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Check gov.uk for your nationality.

Estimated cost: GBP 135 (about USD 170) for the Standard Visitor visa; a separate lower fee applies to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Processing: Standard Visitor visa decisions typically take around 3 weeks; ETAs are usually decided within about 3 working days. Apply well before March 2027 travel.

Bring an invitation letter or registration confirmation from the organiser and evidence of accommodation. Check gov.uk for the current fee and permitted business activities, as rules changed for visa-exempt travellers in February 2026.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Check-in (recommended)

2027-03-17

Check-out (recommended)

2027-03-19

Areas to stay

Birmingham Airport / NEC · Birmingham city centre · NEC campus, on-site · Resorts World, NEC

mid range

GBP 130-210/night

mid range

GBP 110-180/night

mid range

GBP 90-140/night

mid range

GBP 75-120/night

mid range

GBP 65-105/night

mid range

GBP 100-170/night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): 5–10 min; East Midlands Airport (EMA): 45–55 min; London Luton Airport (LTN): 1 h 40 min – 2 h 15 min; London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 1 h 50 min – 2 h 30 min. Allow road or rail time to NEC; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near NEC: NEC campus, on-site: Hilton Birmingham Metropole; NEC campus, on-site: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC; Birmingham Airport / NEC: Novotel Birmingham Airport.

Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and established local operators including TOA Taxis and Castle Cars cover Birmingham and the NEC. The venue has signed pick-up and drop-off points close to each hall entrance, and Birmingham Airport has a dedicated taxi rank at the terminal. Typical fares: Birmingham Airport to the NEC GBP 9–16 (5–10 minutes), Birmingham New Street to the NEC GBP 25–35 (25–35 minutes off-peak), and NEC campus hotels to the halls GBP 6–10. Surge pricing is common at hall close on show days, so book a return car before the final afternoon session.

Public transit: Birmingham International railway station is linked to the NEC halls by a covered walkway and a 5–10 minute walk, with trains from Birmingham New Street every few minutes and Avanti West Coast services from London Euston in roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. National Express West Midlands buses 97/97A and the X1 run from central Birmingham to Birmingham International and the NEC in 40–55 minutes at a GBP 2.90 flat contactless fare. The Air-Rail Link monorail connects Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International in 90 seconds, and a free shuttle bus circulates the NEC site between car parks and halls during show days.

Parking: The NEC operates standard, express, motorcycle and Blue Badge car parks on site, with pre-booked standard bays from around GBP 12 per day and on-the-gate rates higher; express parking sits closer to the halls at roughly GBP 20 per day. Pre-book online before show week, because March trade-show mornings fill the closest car parks early. Some outer car parks are a 10–15 minute walk from the halls, and a free shuttle bus runs continuously during opening hours; Blue Badge holders have dedicated bays beside each hall entrance.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: March 2027

Temperature: Daytime highs of 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) with overnight lows of 2–4 °C (36–39 °F); frost is possible on early-March mornings and the mercury can still touch 14–15 °C on a sunny afternoon.

Seasonality: March is one of the wetter and windier months in the Midlands, with around 11 rain days and roughly 55 mm spread across the month. Showers are short and frequent rather than prolonged, so a waterproof layer and an umbrella are more useful than heavy rain gear.

Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella, and comfortable closed shoes for walking large NEC halls. Light gloves or a scarf help on cool mornings; indoor halls are heated so removable layers work best.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 1 — Wednesday 17 March 2027

Day 1 carries the opening keynote and the fullest exhibitor staffing, with demonstration cells running and senior technical and commercial teams on the stands, making it the strongest day for scoping robotics, AMR and machine-vision options across the co-located halls. Day 2 suits pre-booked supplier meetings, deeper integration discussions and quieter demo slots once the opening rush has passed, and the two-day format means both are workable for a Birmingham overnight stay.

Check UK entry requirements — Confirm whether you need a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on gov.uk before booking travel.

Book flights to Birmingham (BHX) — Birmingham Airport is adjacent to the NEC; compare BHX with EMA and Heathrow or Luton if fares are lower.

Reserve a hotel near the NEC — Book airport-side or NEC campus hotels such as Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC early; prices rise on show mornings.

Register for free visitor entry — Register online via roboticsandautomation.co.uk to secure your badge and avoid on-site queues.

Plan travel from hotel to NEC — Birmingham International station is a short walk from the halls; confirm train times or NEC shuttle and parking options.

Download the show guide and hall plan — Review the exhibitor list and the co-located IntraLogisteX, Sustainable Supply Chain and Fulfilment & Last Mile halls.

Shortlist conference sessions — Check the Robotics & Automation Theatre and Sustainability Theatre agendas and note session times.

Request B2B meetings — Contact target exhibitors to pre-book stand meetings and product demos before the show.

Pack for Birmingham in March — Expect highs near 10 C and rain; bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for large halls.

Arrive and collect your badge — Day one opens 09:30; arrive early to collect your badge and orient yourself between the halls.

Side trips

Stratford-upon-Avon

Warwick Castle and Coventry

Networking spots

Co-located show floor, NEC exhibition halls

The Robotics and Automation Exhibition shares the NEC halls with IntraLogisteX, Sustainable Supply Chain and Fulfilment & Last Mile, so integrators, 3PLs, manufacturers and technology vendors meet between stands without leaving the venue.

Resorts World Birmingham

Adjacent to the NEC and a short walk from the halls, with restaurants, bars and a cinema — the standard venue for informal evening meetings and team dinners during show week.

Hilton Birmingham Metropole and Crowne Plaza NEC lounges

Both on-campus hotels host supplier hospitality suites, private meeting rooms and post-show drinks within walking distance of the halls.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2£150.00
Visa£170.00

Estimated total£320.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visa_fee

visitor · Standard Visitor visa (business)

USD 170 / per application

official

visa_fee

visitor · Permitted Paid Engagement visa

USD 170 / per application

official

visa_fee

visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

USD 20 / per application

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visa_fee	visitor	Standard Visitor visa (business)	USD 170 / per application	official
visa_fee	visitor	Permitted Paid Engagement visa	USD 170 / per application	official
visa_fee	visitor	Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	USD 20 / per application	official

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Buyers, plant and warehouse managers, systems integrators and engineers sourcing robots, automation and intralogistics technology; entry is free, so cost is mainly travel and hotel.

Min. budget

$350.00

Timeline

4 to 6 weeks to book flights and NEC-area hotels before March 2027

Risks

NEC-area hotel prices rise sharply on show mornings

UK visa or ETA turnaround should be started well in advance

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Robotics, automation, intralogistics and supply-chain technology suppliers targeting UK manufacturers, retailers and logistics operators.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

3 to 4 months to book space, brief a stand contractor and ship demo equipment

Risks

Prime hall positions book out early

Freight and customs lead times for demo machines are long

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Professionals outside robotics, automation, intralogistics and supply-chain roles, or those unable to travel to Birmingham in March 2027.

Min. budget

Not yet confirmed

Timeline

Not applicable

Risks

No major risks listed.

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

UK Visas and Immigration

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Glossary

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer - a company that builds machinery or robots sold under its own brand, often the exhibitors showcasing production and warehouse equipment at the show.
AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle - a robot that follows fixed floor markers or wires to move goods in a warehouse or factory.
AMR: Autonomous Mobile Robot - a robot that navigates freely using sensors and maps rather than fixed tracks; a common exhibit at logistics and automation shows.
Cobot: Collaborative robot - a robot designed to work safely alongside people on a production line without a safety cage.
Intralogistics: The movement, storage and control of materials inside a warehouse or plant; covered by the co-located IntraLogisteX show.
Industry 4.0: The fourth industrial revolution - connected factories using sensors, data and automation to run smarter production.
Digital twin: A virtual replica of a machine, line or warehouse used to simulate and optimise real-world performance before and during operation.
Shell scheme: A ready-built stand package of walls, fascia board, carpet and basic power that exhibitors can book instead of building a custom stand.
End-of-line automation: The machinery that handles packing, labelling, palletising and despatch at the end of a production line.
B2B matchmaking: Pre-scheduled meetings arranged between buyers and suppliers so visitors can target the right exhibitors before the show opens.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Akabo Media

Official Website
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website
Visitor Testimonials
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website
Speakers
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website
Partners
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website
Conference Agenda
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website

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